Access to healthcare in northwest Syria at risk over potential border crossing closure


Access to healthcare in northwest Syria at risk over potential border crossing closure


Out of 4.4 million people living in northwest Syria, 4.1 million need humanitarian aid. More than 60 per cent are internally displaced people (IDPs). They will soon lose access to desperately needed humanitarian and medical aid, unless the UN cross-border resolution (UNSCR 2585) is renewed by the UN Security Council by 10 July 2022.

Cross-border points remain the only viable humanitarian channels to cover growing needs in northwest Syria. Since 2014, 47.7 million people have received healthcare assistance because of the cross-border channel (OCHA).

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) calls on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to renew the cross-border resolution, which expires on 10 July 2022, for the provision of humanitarian aid through the Bab Al-Hawa crossing point into northwest Syria.

Growing humanitarian needs

In northwest Syria, the economic crisis and COVID-19 have compounded the dire humanitarian situation caused by 11 years of war, with greater numbers of people than ever in desperate need of assistance.

  • 4.1 million people in need in northwest Syria  
  • 3.1 million people need healthcare assistance 
  • 3.1 million people are food insecure 
  • 2.8 million internally displaced people (80 per cent women and children)