By: Peter Emmanuel |
The World Health Organization (WHO) has received US$4 million from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to sustain essential health services and strengthen Syria’s capacity to respond to emergencies and changing health needs.
The funding will support more than 1.2 million people across 10 governorates, including Aleppo, Al-Hasakeh, Ar-Raqqa, Deir-ez-Zor, Homs, Damascus, Rural Damascus, As-Sweida, Dar’a and Quneitra, where health facilities and services are facing increased pressure.
The WHO said the support comes as population movements, returns and the prolonged disruption of health services continue to place additional demands on Syria’s health system.
$4m Funding to Support 1.2m People Across Syria
The project will focus on maintaining access to primary and urgent healthcare, referrals, essential medicines, including medicines for noncommunicable diseases, as well as mental health and psychosocial support.
WHO will implement the project in coordination with Syria’s Ministry of Health, health directorates and other health partners.
The organisation said the funding would help replenish critical medicines and supplies used during recent health responses, restoring essential stocks and helping health facilities remain prepared as health needs change.
Through the project, WHO expects to support about 145,000 primary healthcare consultations and facilitate more than 1,000 referrals for specialised or higher-level care.
Medicines and treatments are also expected to reach more than 830,000 people across the country.
WHO to Strengthen Emergency Response, Health Facilities
Beyond maintaining immediate healthcare services, the CERF funding will support efforts to strengthen health facilities, emergency preparedness, disease surveillance, laboratory capacity and outbreak response.
The project will also equip six health facilities and strengthen the skills of about 600 health workers, with the aim of improving the continuity and quality of care.
WHO Representative in Syria, Dr Caroline Clarinval, said the funding came at an important time as people move and return across the country.
“As people move and return, health services need to remain available, reliable and safe,” Clarinval said.
She said the CERF support would help sustain essential care while strengthening referral systems, supplies, surveillance and emergency response capacity.
“Working alongside national and local health authorities and partners, our focus is on meeting urgent needs while reinforcing the capacity needed for recovery,” she added.
WHO said the investments are expected to help sustain essential health services while improving the health system’s ability to respond to emergencies and evolving needs across Syria.
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