Multiple crises, growing healthcare needs in Syria

ByOffice for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Multiple crises, growing healthcare needs in Syria

In 2023, more than 15 million people will need humanitarian aid.
The humanitarian crisis triggered by the Syrian civil war is far from over and was further exacerbated by the February 6th earthquake.

The addition of crises impacts the physical and mental health of Syrians, with a disproportionate effect on women and children. The lack of medical staff and health-oriented programs will have long-term effects on the physical and psychosocial well-being of populations.

After 12 years of conflict, people in Syria continue to face:

  • Limited or no access to basic health services, with 385 health facilities damaged and 366 health workers killed since the beginning of the conflict, and a dire lack of medical personnel and material
  • Limited capacities of local authorities to manage the public health system
  • Global and local epidemics such as cholera, fostered by fragile living conditions and lack of access to safe drinking water
  • The consequences of the February 6th earthquake, which left more than 6,000 people dead, 12,000 injured and 55 healthcare centers damaged.