The World Health Organization (WHO) supported close to 180 health facilities in northwest Syrian Arab Republic in September 2018 with essential medical supplies, totaling over 104 tonnes worth US$ 1.3 million. This is one of the biggest monthly shipments to date this year from its operational hub in Turkey, delivered to prepare for any possible escalation of conflict.
With these supplies, health facilities will be able to provide approximately 677 000 medical treatments for surgery and trauma, communicable and non-communicable diseases, and more. Medical supplies allow health facilities to remain functional and continue providing medical services to both trauma patients and those in need of primary health care.
“Having regular access to medical supplies enables health facilities to provide live-saving health services and medical care. WHO is committed to working with partners and donors to ensure that available health resources reach the most vulnerable people in need,” said Dr Annette Heinzelmann, Emergency Coordinator for WHO in Gaziantep, Turkey.
Through a monthly distribution system from Turkey into northwest Syrian Arab Republic, WHO’s operational hub in Gaziantep regularly feeds the supply chain with life-saving medicines, medical kits and medical supplies, with amounts constantly adjusted according to needs reported by its partners and assessments.
Due to the nature of the conflict, it is essential to establish various access routes to the conflict-affected areas to serve almost three million people living in northwest Syrian Arab Republic, including Idleb, western Aleppo, northern Hama and eastern Latakia.
Original source: WHO
Published on 10 October 2018
