WHO in Syria
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...
Cholera vaccination drive completes in Al-Hol camp, tackling outbreak in record time
Walaa Mohammed, a resident of Al-Hol camp and outreach volunteer, speaks with her neighbours to address concerns and build trust in the cholera vaccination campaign. Photo: WHO. 19 January 2025 – In the vast and unforgiving terrain of north-east Syria, Al-Hol camp shelters nearly 40 000 displaced people – most of them women and children. Life in...
Fifty tonnes of EU-funded medical supplies destined for Syria’s overstretched health facilities reach Türkiye
27 December 2024, Istanbul, Türkiye – Fifty tonnes of lifesaving medical supplies have arrived in Türkiye via the European Union (EU) Humanitarian Air Bridge, ready for delivery to health facilities in Syria. The shipment, coordinated by WHO, will provide much-needed support to Primary health care centers and hospitals in areas where the...
WHO urgent flash appeal for the health emergency response in Syria: US$ 56.4 million for critical needs on multiple fronts
24 December 2024, Damascus, Syria/Gaziantep, Türkiye – As Syria stands at a crossroads following the recent transfer of authority, the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a US$ 56.4 million flash appeal to address the urgent health needs of Syrians affected by years of conflict. A nurse cares for a 5-day-old baby at Shams Children's...
Remarks by Cristina Bethke, WHO Acting Representative to Syria at the UN Press Briefing in Geneva
Good morning, 20 December 2024 - I’m speaking to you from Damascus at a moment of profound significance in Syria’s history. The resilience of the Syrian people is on full display, as is their hope for the future. Over the past 12 days or so, I’ve witnessed both the joy of reunions and returns, as well as the concerns about the uncertainty of what lies...
How surgeons in northwest Syria are ready to save lives under pressure
Dr Mahmoud Hariri, one of the lead trainers, guides participants through a practical session during the Hostile Environment Surgical Training. Photo: WHO28 November 2024 – For surgeons in the operating rooms of northwest Syria, where the hum of generators replaces the sterile quiet of modern hospitals, every decision is a race against time,...
Fleeing conflict twice, a family returns to northwest Syria in search of safety
25 November 2024 – When Abbas* arrived in Lebanon in 2014 he was in his mid-20s, seeking safety and work away from the conflict in Syria. At the Aoun al-Dadat crossing, health partners provide psychosocial support to help families – especially women and children – feel safe. Photo credit: Shafak Organization“I went alone, hoping to find a better...