Additionally, the situation since late November, which culminated in the overthrow of the Assad regime, has added new dimensions to the crisis, including population displacement and the return of Syrian refugees from neighboring countries.
More than 882,000 Syrians have been displaced since November 2024 amid a surge in violence, placing further strain on the country’s fragile health system. According to WHO, attacks on medical facilities have also expanded, with 37 incidents reported in the past month.
More than half of Syria’s hospitals are currently not functioning, and 141 medical facilities in northern Aleppo and Idlib are close to closure due to lack of funding.
Healthcare under unprecedented strain
“Syria’s healthcare infrastructure is more severely lacking than ever.WHO Acting Representative Christina Bethke said:
“Our teams are now delivering care through mobile clinics, restoring vaccination services and integrating mental health support into health facilities, particularly for those suffering from trauma. This appeal is about protecting health and dignity while providing Syrians with hope for a safer future..”
WHO’s fully funded six-month strategy aims to strengthen trauma care, deploy ambulances, restore maternal and child health services, strengthen disease surveillance and enable timely patient referrals.
The agency also aims to strengthen health system coordination through its hub in Gaziantep, Turkey, which coordinates support for approximately 5 million Syrians, including in hard-to-reach areas.
UNHCR emphasizes refugee issues.
Meanwhile, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported serious difficulties faced by displaced and returning refugees, especially vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities, women and children.
People returning from neighboring countries face serious hardships, including living in tents because their homes have been destroyed, living with extended family, or paying exorbitant rents.
Unexploded ordnance (UXO) can pose a serious risk, especially in homes near agricultural fields or former frontline areas. Returnees also cited the need for legal assistance, psychosocial support, and school rehabilitation.
In response, UNHCR partners in the rural areas of Aleppo, Hassakeh, Ar-Raqqa and Tartous are supporting programs to maintain child participation, livelihood grants, aid distribution, sexual violence prevention, Protection activities, including awareness sessions on UXO and other hazardous substances, have resumed.
