Additionally, developments in late November added new dimensions to the crisis, including population displacement and the return of Syrian refugees from neighboring countries. These developments include the fall of former ruler Bashar al-Assad.
Since November 2024, more than 882,000 Syrians have been displaced amid the escalating violence, further straining the country’s fragile healthcare system.
Attacks on health centers have also increased, with 37 such incidents recorded in November, according to the UN health agency WHO.
More than half of Syria’s hospitals are no longer functioning, and 141 health facilities in northern Aleppo and Idlib are on the verge of closing due to lack of funding.
Additional pressure on health care
“Syria’s health infrastructure is under more pressure than ever,” said Christina Bethke, the WHO’s acting representative in the country.
“Our teams are currently providing health care through mobile clinics, resuming immunization services and integrating mental health support with health facilities, especially for people affected by trauma,” he said.
“This appeal is about protecting health and dignity as well as providing hope for a secure future for the Syrian people.”
The UN health agency aims to strengthen health system coordination through its center in Gaziantep, Turkey, which is providing aid to nearly five million Syrians. This includes people living in remote areas.
Attention to the challenges of refugees
Meanwhile, the United Nations Refugee Agency – UNHCR reported significant challenges for displaced populations and returning refugees, particularly vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, women and children.
Many refugees returning from neighboring countries are facing severe hardship, having to live in tents, stay with relatives or pay extra rent due to destroyed homes.
Unexploded ordnance (UXO) poses a significant risk to homes near agricultural land or former border areas.
Returnees also mentioned the need for legal assistance, emotional support and school rehabilitation.
UNHCR partners, as part of their relief efforts, have launched programs to engage children in rural Aleppo, Hasakeh, Ar-Raqqa and Tartus.
These include livelihood grants, relief distribution, sexual violence prevention and safety activities, including awareness sessions about unexploded ordnance (UXO) and other dangerous items.