December 2024- As Syria stands at a crossroads following the recent transfer of authority, the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a US$ 56.4 million flash appeal to address the urgent health needs of Syrians affected by years of conflict.

The WHO appeal seeks to address the humanitarian crisis while laying the groundwork for recovery. Over the next six months, WHO and its partners will continue to focus on trauma care, continuity of essential services, disease outbreak prevention, patient referrals and strengthening health system coordination.

Since November 2024, intensified hostilities have displaced over 882,000 people, further disrupting access to healthcare and placing immense pressure on Syria’s already fragile health system. Attacks on health facilities have surged, with 37 WHO-confirmed incidents reported in the last month alone. These attacks have severely damaged infrastructure, rendered ambulances non-operational and hindered access to life-saving care.

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“The health infrastructure in Syria is severely strained, more than ever, with over half the country’s hospitals non-functional. Even before the recent events, 141 health facilities in northern Aleppo and Idlib were at risk of closure due to funding shortages. Without urgent support, these facilities could shut down in the coming weeks, with devastating consequences,” said Christina Bethke, WHO Representative a.i. for Syria.

“WHO will continue to leverage its presence in Gaziantep, Türkiye, to deliver life-saving medical supplies and services,” Rosa Crestani, WHO Emergency Lead for the WHO Gaziantep field office. “This hub coordinates assistance delivered from Türkiye to an estimated 5 million Syrian people, ensuring that essential trauma care, immunization, and maternal health services reach even the hardest-to-reach areas.”