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WHO health supplies reach southern Syria as needs grow amid increased fighting
28 June 2018, Amman, Jordan -- Opposition-controlled areas in southern Syria are witnessing a dramatic increase in violence that has led to high levels of insecurity and the displacement of tens of thousands of people. Over 80% of the estimated 525 000 people living in these areas are expected to need humanitarian assistance as a result of the fighting. This includes up to 50 000 people who have displaced over the past two weeks.
On 27 June, WHO’s office in Damascus dispatched over 27 tons of medical supplies to respond to urgent humanitarian health needs in southern Syria. Items include operating tables, intravenous fluids, antibiotics and trauma supplies, burn medications and emergency health kits. The supplies are sufficient to provide 135 000 treatments. Further supplies have been prepositioned to respond to the rapidly evolving situation.
Health care facilities in southern Syria can also draw on regular cross-border stocks delivered by WHO and health partners in Amman. Current stocks are enough to treat up to 300 000 people for three months. WHO and its partners in Amman plan to pre-position another 51 tons of emergency supplies in warehouses throughout the area, ready for dispatch to health care facilities in southern Syria as and when needed.
Al Moadamya primary health care centre in rural Damascus, Syria, reopens with WHO support
14 June, 2018, Damascus, Syria – With support from the World Health Organization (WHO), Al Moadamya primary health care centre in rural Damascus, Syria, has reopened after extensive rehabilitation made possible by a generous donation from the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID).
The centre serves more than 3800 people in the area, including almost 1800 people displaced from other parts of Rural Damascus. Services provided by its 19-strong team of doctors, nurses and midwives include vaccinations, maternal, newborn and child health, mental health, trauma care, nutrition, and treatment for communicable and noncommunicable diseases.
“I am extremely grateful to WHO for supporting the rehabilitation of this centre,” said Umm Ahmad, a resident of Al Moadamya. “I suffer from severe asthma, and being able to obtain health care in my own community has made all the difference in helping me manage this life-threatening disease.”
“WHO recognizes the vital importance of ensuring that people throughout Syria, especially the most vulnerable, have ready access to live-saving health care,” said Elizabeth Hoff, WHO Representative in Syria. “WHO’s support of this centre is part of our ongoing work to help rehabilitate facilities that are damaged, and support health facilities across the country with medicines, equipment and supplies,” Hoff added.
WHO has also donated an ambulance to Al Moadamya, which was besieged for more than 3 years until October 2016. The only available ambulance in the town provides emergency services and transports patients to nearby hospitals.
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United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID)
WHO concerned about suspected chemical attacks in Syria
11 April 2018 – WHO is deeply alarmed by reports of the suspected use of toxic chemicals in Douma city, East Ghouta. According to reports from Health Cluster partners, during the shelling of Douma on Saturday, an estimated 500 patients presented to health facilities exhibiting signs and symptoms consistent with exposure to toxic chemicals. In particular, there were signs of severe irritation of mucous membranes, respiratory failure and disruption to central nervous systems of those exposed.
More than 70 people sheltering in basements have reportedly died, with 43 of those deaths related to symptoms consistent with exposure to highly toxic chemicals. Two health facilities were also reportedly affected by these attacks.
WHO reminds parties to the conflict of their obligation to refrain from attacking medical facilities and personnel as per Security Council Resolution 2286 (2016). Any use of chemical weapons to cause harm is illegal under international law. Global norms against chemical weapons reflect a particular abhorrence to their disproportionate harm to the eldest, the most infirm, and the youngest among us.
Japan boosts assistance for vital health care in Syria
Children from East Ghouta at Damascus Paediatric Hospital in March 2018. With support from Japan, the Emergency Department will soon be fully repaired and equipped. © WHO SyriaDamascus, 5 April 2018 – The Government of Japan has committed a total of US$ 5 million in new assistance to the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen primary health care for vulnerable populations in northern Syria, and to improve secondary and tertiary care for children from across the country, including those who come from East Ghouta.
US$ 3.5 million of this package will be used to equip and rehabilitate the Emergency Department of the Damascus Paediatric Hospital, a key health institution providing vital support to critically ill children. Essential medical equipment will also be provided to the Aleppo Paediatric Hospital and the Paediatric and Obstetrics Hospital in Latakia.
