Syria's continuous war over the past 13 years has had an extensive impact on the population, with an estimated 7 million people internally displaced (IDPs). Whilst our attention on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria may have shifted towards more recent crises, including Ukraine and Gaza, we must not forget the devastating situation being experienced by the Syrian population.

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Northwest Syria, in particular, is home to 4.4 million people, of which just over half are internally displaced peoples (IDPs). An increase in the population means that services have become stretched. The healthcare system is reported to be in a critical state, according to our in-country partners the Independent Doctors Association, with 'just over 50% of health facilities partially functional or destroyed from the conflict.' Functional facilities, therefore, face difficulties in meeting the demand, both in terms of the lack of staff and medical supplies.

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Accessing healthcare in this region is a real struggle for many people like Sabeen, 30, from the southern countryside of Idlib, who now finds herself internally displaced in northwest. Sabeen experienced severe pain in her lower abdomen and, being pregnant, sought medical help to ensure both she and the baby were ok. he went to the maternity clinic at Qah Hospital to be examined but was concerned about the cost of her treatment. The doctor explained that she was suffering from inflammation of the cervix and a urinary tract infection.  

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Dr Nisiba, a gynaecologist at the hospital, stated, "After examining Sabeen, Azithromycin, an antibiotic that plays a crucial role in treating infections, was prescribed. It was provided free of charge to the patient from the hospital pharmacy for precise monitoring of her treatment. Neglecting infectious diseases is dangerous and can lead to infertility in women."

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Through our partnership with the Independent Doctors Association (IDA) and Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), we are working to meet the medical needs of patients like Sabeen across Syria and help strengthen the health systems in place. However, the ‘misleading perception of stabilisation’ of the crisis has caused a huge challenge in funding humanitarian work. ‘With reduced visibility of the crisis... The urgent needs of millions of displaced and vulnerable individuals remain unmet due to the lack of sufficient financial and material support' says our partner IDA.

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Please continue to support our work in Syria and the Middle East by donating to our Bridging the Gap Fund. This fund is specifically designed to be used in underfunded crises so that we can respond to medical needs long after the headlines have gone.

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