Syria has been experiencing a protracted crisis for over a decade that has resulted in a deterioration of livelihoods and severely impacted the health system. Conflict, displacement, and socio-economic conditions have exacerbated the health needs of the population, and especially the most vulnerable ones such as women, children and people with disabilities.
Syria is grappling with one of the largest displacement crises in the world, with 7.4 million people internally displaced before the recent escalation. The health infrastructure is severely strained and over half of the country’s hospitals are non-functional.
In these conditions, displaced populations, especially those living in camps or informal settlements, are extremely vulnerable. Overcrowded living conditions, food insecurity, and inadequate sanitation are perfect breeding grounds for nutritional deficiencies, respiratory infections and other communicable diseases such as diarrhoeal diseases, lice and scabies, which can lead to long-term health complications.
WHO remains steadfast – not just in delivering life-saving aid and ensuring health care reaches those who need it most, but also in helping Syrians rebuild their lives and recover from years of crisis. Almost 15 million people need urgent access to trauma and surgical care, but also chronic disease management, maternal and child health care and mental health support.
Our teams are on the ground to support the health facilities, deliver supplies wherever needed, and strengthen disease surveillance systems, as the risk of outbreaks, including of cholera, continues to grow.
WHO is committed to staying and delivering life-saving health services to those in need. Our focus remains on addressing urgent health needs, restoring essential health services, and working closely with partners to strengthen Syria’s health system.
