Since late November, there have been significant developments in Syria, culminating in the overthrow of the Assad regime. This has added new dimensions to the crisis, including population displacements and the return of Syrian refugees from neighbouring countries.
As of November 2024, over 882,000 Syrians have been displaced due to increased violence, putting additional strain on the country’s already fragile healthcare system. Attacks on healthcare facilities have also intensified, with 37 incidents reported in the past month, according to WHO.
More than half of Syria’s hospitals are now non-functional, and 141 health facilities in northern Aleppo and Idlib are facing imminent closure due to lack of funding.
Healthcare facing unprecedented challenges
Christina Bethke, the acting WHO Representative for Syria, stated, “The health infrastructure in Syria is under severe strain, more than ever before.”
WHO’s six-month strategy aims to strengthen trauma care, deploy ambulances, restore maternal and child health services, enhance disease surveillance, and enable timely patient referrals.
UNHCR has reported significant challenges for displaced populations and returning refugees, especially for vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, women, and children.
Returnees from neighbouring countries face difficulties, including destroyed homes, living in tents, high rental fees, and risks from unexploded ordnance. UNHCR partners have resumed protection activities to address these issues.
