A forklift loads life-saving medical supplies donated by the Italian Cooperation at a WHO-supported warehouse in Idlib. Photo: WHO31 July 2025, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic – The Italian Cooperation has partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) to enhance Syria’s capacity to detect, respond to, and prevent disease outbreaks through a new contribution of EUR 3 million. 

The funding will enable WHO to strengthen disease surveillance systems, rehabilitate public health laboratories in Damascus and Dara’a, and support the digital transformation of health information systems. These efforts will help improve early detection of infectious diseases, enhance laboratory testing capacity, and accelerate emergency response to protect communities across the country. 

“We are deeply grateful to Italy for this timely support,” said Acting WHO Representative in Syria, Christina Bethke. “As Syria moves towards recovery, strengthening disease surveillance and laboratory capacities is critical for early detection of health threats, rapid response, and preventing future outbreaks. This investment will not only save lives today but also build a stronger, more resilient health system for tomorrow.” 

“Italy is pleased to announce this contribution as a reaffirmation of our unwavering support to the Syrian people,” said Andrea De Felip. “Investing in the health sector is vital to the recovery of the Country, and digitalization in particular is key to building a more sustainable and effective health system that will benefit the entire population. Health has long been a priority for our cooperation in Syria, and we hope these joint efforts will lead to tangible improvements, especially for the most vulnerable.” 

“The Italian Cooperation has been supporting WHO’s efforts to increase access to basic health services in Syria for years,” added Alessandra Piermattei. “From COVID-19 to the cholera outbreak, we have helped rehabilitate essential laboratory infrastructure, train health personnel, and provided medical equipment. We are glad to keep contributing to strengthen prevention and surveillance capacities that are essential to Syria’s public health future.” 

Over the next two years, WHO will work closely with the Ministry of Health to implement the project, which will also support the development of a digital health strategy and roll-out of electronic surveillance and laboratory data systems in Damascus and rural Damascus. The funding will help maintain rapid response teams, provide essential supplies for testing diseases such as cholera, hepatitis, and meningitis, and train health workers in surveillance and laboratory procedures. 

With over 16.7 million people in need of humanitarian health support in Syria, this partnership underscores the importance of investing in health emergency preparedness to protect vulnerable populations and strengthen resilience against future health crises. 

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1 December 2024, For a mother in Aleppo seeking safe childbirth, or a child in Damascus coping with chronic illness, access to basic health services is far from guaranteed. After more than a decade of war, there are no easy fixes for the Syrian Arab Republic’s struggling health system.

Around 15 million people, or 65% of the population, require urgent health assistance. Over half of all hospitals and primary care centres remain non-functional. The risk of disease spread is exacerbated by overcrowding, food insecurity and poor sanitation, especially among displaced families.

In response to persistent challenges, the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Syria, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, convened 2 national consultations in Damascus on 26–27 November 2024. The sessions aimed to empower local actors with the tools, data and partnerships they need to drive Syria’s recovery, and the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), forward.

“These consultations were more than just meetings. They were a space to connect, learn and share our hopes for a stronger, healthier Syria,” said Public Health Officer in WHO Syria Country Office Ms Hyam Bashour, one of the lead facilitators of the sessions. “By working together across ministries and regions we are building the foundation for long-term, sustainable change.”

The consultations brought together 56 participants from the ministries of health, education, water resources, higher education and local administration, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, academia and the Planning and International Cooperation Commission. To ensure the voices of frontline communities were heard, representatives from Latakia, Aleppo and Damascus shared their insights on local realities.

A key focus was on the interconnections between SDG3 (Good Health and Well-being) and other goals, particularly SDG5 (Gender Equality), with open discussions on maternal health, reproductive rights and gender-based violence. Participants also explored how to monitor over 50 health-related indicators at the local level using data-informed approaches.

The consultations underscored the urgent need for cross-sectoral collaboration and the critical role civil society and local actors play in health planning and delivery.

Syria is now exploring a digital platform that will allow health officials, in partnership with civil society and local communities, to track progress in real time, enhancing transparency and accountability and helping ensure that no one is left behind.

Jamal, a vaccination supervisor in Khan Shaykhun, prepares a vaccine dose during an outreach campaign. Photo: WHO21 July 2025, Syrian Arab Republic – When Hassan and his family returned to Khan Shaykhun after years of displacement, one of his first concerns was his children’s health. 

“All my children have been vaccinated on time,” says the father of seven. “It wasn’t always like this. During our displacement, we had to walk for hours to find a health centre. But now, services are closer. They even announce vaccination campaigns in community centres and schools.” 

Jamal checks a vaccine dose before administering it to children during outreach in Khan Shaykhun. Photo: WHOIn this quiet but determined recovery, access to immunization has become a symbol of stability and protection. As families like Hassan’s resettle in Khan Shaykhun, the need to catch up on missed childhood vaccines is urgent. For children under five, especially those who missed early doses or were born during displacement, vaccines offer life-saving protection against preventable diseases.

Leading these efforts is Jamal, a vaccination team supervisor. “We provide vaccines to children from the first day of life up to five years old,” he explains. “We also vaccinate pregnant women against tetanus. During recent outreach, we even set up temporary vaccination points in remote areas.” 

Areas in southern Idlib Governorate near northern Hama, including Al-Tamanah, Al-Habit, Kafr Sajnah, Abdin, Al-Muqayir, and Sheikh Mustafa, have long been hard to reach, especially as many of them were located along former front lines. But with strong community commitment and dedicated field teams, no child is left behind.

“The electronic tracking system helped us identify children who had missed vaccines. It allowed us to plan follow-up visits and make sure every child was protected,” Jamal adds. “And the community’s support made everything smoother.” 

Jamal monitors the temperature of a vaccine to ensure it is safe for use during a vaccination session. Photo: WHOThat support didn’t come overnight. Outreach teams held awareness sessions, handed out printed materials, and partnered with community centres and schools to address misinformation. Religious leaders and teachers helped build trust – one conversation at a time.

“People used to hesitate,” says Jamal. “But now they understand. They know how important vaccines are, especially in an environment where health risks are still high.” 

These services are part of a joint effort involving the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, WHO and health partners, with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. In Idlib and Aleppo, more than 80 immunization centres and outreach teams are operating with collective support. As Syria enters a new phase of recovery, these locally led efforts mark an important step towards a more integrated and nationally supported health system.

The teams also monitor child growth during visits by measuring height, weight, and signs of malnutrition to ensure children not only receive vaccines but are also supported with broader primary health services. “There are fewer obstacles now,” says Hassan. “The care we receive is respectful and timely. And thanks to this effort, our children are safer, and our future feels a little more secure.”

Hasan, a father of seven, speaks with Jamal before his children receive routine vaccines. Photo: WHO

A mother holds her youngest child while waiting for routine vaccination in Khan Shaykhun. Photo: WHO