WHO Issues $56.4M Appeal as Syrian Health Crisis Deepens
Mental health support has been integrated into existing facilities, targeting communities affected by ongoing trauma.
DAMASCUS, Syria— The World Health Organization launched a $56.4 million emergency appeal Wednesday to address Syria's deteriorating health system, where recent hostilities have shuttered hospitals and displaced nearly 900,000 people, writes Winston Mwale.
The six-month initiative aims to restore essential health services and strengthen trauma care in a country where more than half of all hospitals are non-functional. WHO has confirmed 37 attacks on health facilities in the past month alone.
"The health infrastructure in Syria is severely strained, more than ever," said Christina Bethke, WHO's acting representative for Syria.
She warned that 141 health facilities in northern Aleppo and Idlib risk closure without immediate funding.
The crisis has intensified since November, with displaced populations facing limited access to medical care. WHO reports that damaged ambulances and infrastructure have severely restricted emergency response capabilities.
The organization is currently operating mobile clinics and working to restore immunization services.
Mental health support has been integrated into existing facilities, targeting communities affected by ongoing trauma.
This latest appeal follows WHO's ongoing efforts to expand trauma response in functional hospitals and restore operations in priority facilities amid Syria's complex humanitarian emergency.