Dr. Rajab Bek underlined the urgent need for collective action to face the growing menace of AMR17 November 2024, –World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) is held annually between 18 to 24 November. As this year’s WAAW approaches, Syrian health professionals are highlighting the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Dr Mohammad Wahid Rajab Bek, Head of the Syrian Association of Infectious Diseases and of the Infectious Diseases Department at Al-Mouwasat University Hospital in Damascus, underlined the urgent need for collective action to face the growing menace of AMR.

"Antibiotics are lifesaving when used properly, but misuse has become widespread," he warned.

"People often turn to antibiotics for common colds and fevers without a prescription, obtaining them from pharmacies or using medications leftover at home. This misuse leads to antibiotic resistance, where bacteria evolve to withstand the effects of antibiotics, putting lives at risk and complicating treatments."

In his medical practice, Dr Bek has observed a troubling increase in antibiotic-resistant urinary tract infections: "Infections once easily treatable now require stronger, more expensive drugs. Costs can escalate from US$ 15–US$ 20 to US$ 500–US$ 1000, burdening health systems and patients. The majority of people can't afford such costs."

The consequences extend beyond financial strain. Antibiotic-resistant infections lead to prolonged illnesses and weaken immune systems. "Even minor infections can escalate into severe complications or death if unresponsive to antibiotics," warns Dr Bek.

To combat AMR at the national level, hospitals have implemented strict antibiotic controls. "Awareness is key," stresses Dr Bek. "Antibiotics are dispensed through a controlled system with specialist consultation. We also focus on preventive measures, like administering specific antibiotics before surgeries."

He underlined the importance of patient responsibility: "Stopping antibiotics early can contribute to resistance. Patients must complete their prescribed course, even if they feel better, and consult their doctor before making any changes."

"Every hour matters. An hour delay in providing the correct antibiotic increases the risk of death by 8%. Appropriate use of antibiotics saves lives. Misuse accelerates resistance."

WAAW is a global campaign to raise awareness about AMR and promote responsible antimicrobial use. This year’s theme, "Educate. Advocate. Act now", underscores the urgency of better antimicrobial stewardship.

This year, the World Health Organization (WHO), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), has developed a campaign guide to support WAAW activities. The collaboration highlights the importance of developing a united front against AMR and encouraging all sectors to participate.

Photo caption: WHO staff following up with beneficiaries at one of the WHO-supported health centers in rural Aleppo, Syria. Photo credit: @WHO Syria.

13 November 2024 – In collaboration with the Syrian Ministry of Health (MoH) and partners, WHO has mobilized healthcare services to address the urgent needs of over 510,000 displaced individuals who have crossed from Lebanon into Syria since September 24, 2024. With needs increasing daily and basic services under strain, WHO’s coordinated health interventions support both displaced individuals and host communities, at border crossings, community centers, and shelters, particularly in underserved rural areas.

WHO leads and coordinates the health response to ensure access to essential health services and to mitigate risk of disease outbreaks among new arrivals and host communities. Services include primary healthcare, disease surveillance, mental health and psychosocial support (MPHSS), and water quality monitoring. Mobile medical teams provide integrated clinical care, including nutrition, routine immunization and Psychological First Aid on-site. Additionally, 24/7 mental health hotlines in Aleppo and Damascus, coupled with WHO outreach teams, offer specialize support to the most vulnerable, including survivors of gender-based violence.

To strengthen disease surveillance, WHO supports the MoH’s Early Warning, Alert, and Response System (EWARS) with operational resources and rapid response teams. EWARS data collection and response activities are being bolstered through WHO-supported field assistants, particularly in high-risk areas like Aleppo, Lattakia, Tartous, Homs, and Rural Damascus.

Children under 5, including new arrivals, are benefiting from expanded immunization services – most recently during the third round of the Big Catch-Up activity from 13 to 17 October. More than 10,000 children displaced from Lebanon were screened. WHO also provided vitamin A supplements to over 750,000 children and extended vaccinations to hosting centers through community outreach.

“Syria is facing a crisis within a crisis. The number of people in need is growing daily while the country’s capacity to absorb additional pressures is increasingly strained at time when the humanitarian response is critically underfunded. Guided by our commitment to leaving no one behind, WHO is supporting health partners, including the Ministry of Health, to deliver lifesaving health services to those most vulnerable need,” said Christina Bethke, WHO Representative, a.i. to Syria.

In addition to clinical care, WHO is conducting nutrition screenings at hosting centers and host communities, monitoring water quality for safe drinking water, and disseminating health messages to prevent waterborne and respiratory diseases. In October, WHO dispatched over 118 tons of essential medical supplies to support displaced populations and local health facilities. Oxygen concentrators and assistive devices were distributed in Homs, along with 100 First Aid Kits to the MoH across various governorates.

The generosity and flexibility of WHO’s existing humanitarian donors has enabled the response to date. Over the next six months, WHO will need an additional US$17.2 million to sustain these efforts and calls upon international donors to support the response, ensuring that lifesaving care reaches vulnerable populations and strengthens Syria’s long-term healthcare resilience.

ToT programme to enhance hospital management and care across Syria. Photo credit: @WHO Syria-Bashar Sattari31 October 2024, – On 23 October 2024 the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with Syria’s Ministry of Health, announced a comprehensive training of trainers (ToT) programme to enhance hospital management and care across Syria. The programme, which runs until mid-November at the Centre for Strategic Studies and Health Training in Damascus, will train 70 health professionals as national trainers.

Supported by Austria, the training will equip participants with leadership and management skills tailored to Syria’s healthcare needs. The initiative includes 7 modules covering: governance, leadership, and strategic thinking; human resource management; hospital financial management; quality improvement and patient safety; hospital supplies and supportive services; hospital emergency and disaster management and hospital information management.

The modules, incorporating global best practices, will be delivered by expert facilitators from WHO’s Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO) and commissioned international consultants from the Arab world. This initiative has already been implemented in 6 countries in the Region.

Acting WHO Representative to Syria Ms Christina Bethke underlined the importance of the initiative: “This programme marks a significant step in empowering Syria’s health care leadership. By building the capacity of national trainers, we aim to ensure that hospital teams across the country are equipped with the needed tools and leadership skills to play a critical role in responding to and minimizing the impact of public health emergencies and humanitarian crises. By investing in the health workforce, we can support the early recovery of Syria’s health system.”

Dr Hamid Ravaghi, regional advisor at the Universal Health Services department in EMRO, stated: "The ToT program will play a pivotal role in creating a sustainable model for continuous training and professional development, empowering hospital managers to lead with strategic vision, ultimately improving healthcare services and enhancing responsiveness to the sector's evolving needs."

In addition to international experts, national facilitators will also participate, helping to ensure that local expertise is developed. The program will establish a network of trainers to roll out a capacity-building program in hospital management to benefit all public hospitals in Syria by the end of 2025.

EMRO team visiting the newly established leishmaniasis treatment centre in Salah Al-Din, Aleppo, as part of WHO's efforts to expand healthcare access in Syria. Photo credit: @WHO Syria.24 October 2024 – On 3 October 2024, experts from the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean and the WHO Country Office concluded a mission in Syria to review, in collaboration with the Syrian Ministry of Health (MoH), the performance of the HIV, tuberculosis (TB), leishmaniasis and vector-borne disease control programs. The mission involved field visits to health facilities and directorates of health in Aleppo, Hama, Rural Damascus, and Damascus governorates to assess and evaluate the implementation and identify opportunities to expand access to quality health services and improve outcomes.

"Our goal is to ensure that communities in crisis have access to essential health services, especially for diseases worsened by conflict," said Dr Iman Shankiti, Acting WHO Representative to Syria. "Working with the Ministry of Health and partners, we are enhancing prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of TB, HIV, and leishmaniasis to better serve the most vulnerable."

Aleppo, home to nearly half of Syria’s leishmaniasis cases, is a key focus area. In collaboration with the MoH, WHO has opened a new treatment centre in Salah Al-Din and is upgrading the existing facility in Jab Al-Quba. Early detection and prompt treatment are central to WHO’s strategy, supported by vector control programs to reduce transmission.

With support from the Global Fund, WHO is working closely with the MoH to ensure that TB services are accessible, especially in remote and underserved areas. In Aleppo, WHO has helped rehabilitate the main TB centre, which supports 12 primary healthcare facilities and three laboratories across Aleppo and Rural Aleppo. A mobile TB clinic, one of five operating in Syria, serves displaced and vulnerable populations, reaching nearly 60,000 people each year.

WHO-supported voluntary counselling and testing centres provide free HIV services throughout Syria. In 2023, these centres conducted over 4,300 tests, identifying 45 positive cases. By early 2024, more than 440 people were receiving comprehensive care, including antiretroviral treatment (ARVs) and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). All services are provided free of charge in all governorates through the MoH, also with Global Fund support.

With Syria’s healthcare system strained by the ongoing crises and displacement, WHO remains focused on delivering life-saving services for communicable diseases. This mission reflects WHO’s commitment to working closely with the Syrian Ministry of Health to expand access to care and improve health outcomes for those most in need.