In the northwest Syria, there are 14.9 million people in need of health care, with 3.97 million requiring health assistance as indicated by the HNO 2024 report. Additionally, 3.39 million people are also in need of health assistance in the same region. One attack on health care was reported in the area.
One significant event was the suspension of hospital operations in Darkosh due to a halt in support. The Director of Al Rahma Hospital in Darkosh, Idleb announced on 30 April that the hospital had ceased operations in all departments due to the lack of support. The hospital used to serve 700,000 people in the area, offering free medical services to an estimated 20,000 patients per month. Since the financial support was suspended, the staff are now operating on a voluntary basis, only attending to emergency cases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) conducted a Training of Trainers (ToT) on Mass Casualty Management/Planning in Gaziantep on 19 April. This training will be followed by decentralized MCM/MCP sessions directly within the Northwest Syria with the assistance of various health partners.
Furthermore, six WHO trucks carrying essential medicines, medical supplies, and health emergency kits for nearly 90,000 people crossed the border on 24 April. In addition to this effort by WHO, SAMS organized a medical mission involving multiple specialties in collaboration with organizations like Islamic Relief, SEMA and Alrazi Hospital.
Overall it is clear that despite recent challenges facing healthcare facilities and staff within Northwest Syria there are still organizations working tirelessly to provide much needed aid and support for those who require it most.
