WHO in Syria
Holding on to hope: Syria’s health workers look to the future
15 March 2025, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic – During 14 years of conflict, Syria’s health workers served tirelessly on the frontlines, braving airstrikes to deliver babies, rescuing the wounded from rubble and keeping hospitals functioning. With Syria now at a hopeful crossroads, their voices tell a story of resilience, but also of a health...
Community-based surveillance improves cholera reporting in Al Hol Camp, Syria
Abdulsalam Al-Ali, a WHO- trained local community health volunteer communicates health messages to individuals and households.10 March 2025 – Overcrowding, unsafe sanitation, restricted movement and limited access to secondary health care all contribute to the significant public health challenges faced by more than 42 000 refugees and internally...
A lifeline in the heart of the camp: nurse Fawziya Ismail Al-Hasan
Nurse Fawziya carefully changes a child’s dressing, ensuring proper wound care and recovery. Photo: WHO27 February 2025, Aleppo Syrian Arab Republic – For Fawziya Ismail Al-Hasan, nursing is more than a profession; it is a commitment to serving those who need care the most. Displaced from rural Homs, she has lived with her husband and three...
Caring for mothers and newborns: Wafaa Al-Doush’s commitment to maternal health
Wafaa Al-Doush performs a routine ultrasound, checking on the health of an expecting mother and her baby. Photo: WHO26 February 2025, Aleppo, Syrian Arab Republic – Wafaa Al-oush has no doubts about what her role as a midwife entails – it is a mission to ensure every mother and baby receive the care they need. Living in Al-Bab, in northern...
Providing lifesaving care: Dr Aziza Al-Naasan’s dedication to her patients
Dr Aziza Al-Naasan attends to a patient. Photo: WHO25 February 2025, Aleppo, Syrian Arab Rebublic – As an internal medicine doctor at Al-Ameen Medical Centre in Al-Bab, northern Aleppo, Dr Aziza Al-Naasan knows that every day is a battle to heal. She treats a steady stream of patients, many suffering from chronic conditions such as asthma,...
Ready to save lives: paramedics upgrade their skills in Syria
Paramedic Borhan Jasem Kleeb, 33, participates in a practical session during training. Photo: WHO/Mrinalini Santhanam24 February 2025, Aleppo, Syrian Arab Republic – In a busy hospital in Azaz, northern Aleppo, Borhan Jasem Kleeb takes a short break between training sessions to share a story that shaped his life. In 2012, while rushing to the...
The lifesaving impact of Japan’s support for Al-Razi Hospital Burns Unit
Nermin receiving medical treatment at the Burn Unit in Al Razi Hospital20 February 2025, Syrian Arab Republic – Nermeen, a lively 9-year-old girl from Aleppo, was playing in her home one morning when she touched a faulty electrical socket and received a powerful shock that went through her right hand and out her left. The shock caused severe...
Strengthening community health in the Syrian Arab Republic
Maha Younes actively engages in raising awareness by distributing educational flyers on breast cancer16 February 2025 –Amid Syria’s enduring crisis, waterborne diseases have remained a major concern, especially for the most vulnerable communities. In response, WHO, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, conducted risk communication and...
Ebrahim’s journey back to joy: overcoming leishmaniasis in Aleppo
Ebrahim and his brother Yousef can play again, and no one makes fun of their face.2 February 2025 – Ebrahim, a lively 5-year-old boy from the Salah Aldeen neighbourhood in Aleppo governorate, Syria, had always been full of energy and smiles. But when a painful bump appeared on his nose due to a leishmaniasis infection, everything changed. His...
Health care workers in Aleppo and Idlib strengthen tuberculosis referrals and care
Dr Dato Chorgoliani, Tuberculosis Specialist, leads the training alongside Dr Mohammed Zeidan in Idlib. Photo: WHO/Mrinalini SanthanamSunday, 26 January 2025 – At Kafr Arouk Health Centre in northern Aleppo, a 6-year-old boy arrived severely malnourished and struggling to breathe – his condition worsened by months of delayed care. Paediatrician Dr Bayan...