KSrelief Supervisor-General Dr Abdullah Al Rabeeah with WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during the signing of the agreement at UNGA this year.21 November 2024, Gaziantep, Türkiye – The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) has pledged US$ 4.75 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) to support lifesaving health services in northwest Syria. This funding comes at a time when nearly 80% of the region’s population—4 million of the 5.1 million people living in northwest Syria—require health assistance amidst the ongoing challenges of prolonged conflict, funding crisis, and risk of disease outbreaks.
This funding will directly support over 50 health facilities across northwest Syria, including primary health care centres, hospitals, and specialized facilities such as dialysis and tuberculosis centres. It will address critical operational gaps by covering salaries for medical and non-medical staff, procuring essential medical supplies, and enabling disease surveillance to effectively monitor and respond to outbreaks.
A long-standing partnership for health and hope
KSrelief and WHO have built a strong partnership over the years, bringing health services to the most vulnerable. “KSrelief has shown incredible commitment to supporting the people of northwest Syria through its partnership with WHO,” said Rosa Crestani, WHO Emergency Lead for the Gaziantep field office. “This collaboration is an important step toward addressing the pressing health challenges in the region. By combining our expertise and resources, we can make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of those in need.”
The funding will also ensure the continuity of critical services such as lifesaving dialysis sessions across 20 dialysis centres, which cater to over 1,200 patients each month. “WHO will further strengthen its efforts to sustain local health systems, focusing on integrating essential healthcare services for displaced populations and host communities in Aleppo’s Azaz, Al-Bab, and Jarabulus districts,” added Ms Crestani.
Meeting urgent health needs amid escalating challenges
Years of conflict have left northwest Syria’s health system severely fragmented and under resourced. Nearly 40% of northwest Syria’s primary and secondary healthcare facilities are either partially functional or entirely non-operational. The 2023 earthquake compounded this crisis, damaging infrastructure and critical medical equipment, and leaving the health sector in dire need of support.
“In addition to the direct impact of the conflict and natural disasters, the region faces emerging health threats such as cholera, measles, and waterborne diseases, as well as escalating challenges in providing maternal and child health care,” added Ms Crestani. Today, around 2.3 million women and over 700,000 elderly people across northwest Syria continue to face limited access to essential services.
Dr Abdullah Saleh AlMoallem, the Head of KSrelief's Health and Environmental Aid Department, stated, “In light of the escalating health challenges faced by the people of northwest Syria due to the earthquake that occurred in 2023, which demands health infrastructure and critical medical equipment, the healthcare sector is in a dire situation in northern Syria. KSrelief is committed to providing vital support through our partnership with the World Health Organization.”
“Our contribution of US$ 4.75 million is a testament to our dedication to ensuring that communities receive the essential healthcare services they need. This funding will not only sustain critical health facilities but will also empower local health teams to effectively address both current and emerging health threats. We believe we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have endured prolonged hardship,” Dr Saleh AlMoallem added.
The new funding from KSrelief will help WHO sustain healthcare services in northwest Syria, ensuring people can access the care they need, from basic to specialized treatments. It will also support local health teams to plan, deliver and improve services, strengthening the region’s ability to meet health needs now and in the future.
For media inquiries, please contact:
For WHO: Mrinalini Santhanam, Communications Officer,
For KSrelief: Fanar Alshehri, International Communication Specialist,
About KSrelief:
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) is Saudi Arabia's leading humanitarian organization, dedicated to providing aid and relief to communities affected by crises worldwide. Since its establishment in 2015, KSrelief has implemented numerous projects across various sectors, including health, education, and food security, in over 69 countries.
