In the vast and unforgiving terrain of north-east Syria, Al-Hol camp shelters nearly 40 000 displaced people – most of them women and children. Life in the camp is marked by overcrowding, inadequate shelter and poor sanitation. Disease outbreaks are a persistent threat and in late 2024, cholera emerged as the latest crisis.
Over 200 suspected cases were reported by December. Contaminated water and insufficient sanitation infrastructure were fuelling the outbreak, placing an already vulnerable population at further risk.
In response, the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with UNICEF, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and local health authorities, launched a 10-day oral cholera vaccination campaign, to protect as many lives as possible and halt the spread of the disease.
However, misinformation spread as quickly as the disease.
Some residents questioned the vaccine’s safety, while others doubted its necessity. Walaa Mohammed, a resident of the camp, understood the fear in her community but wouldn’t let it stop her.
“People were afraid, but I wanted them to understand the vaccine was their best chance to stay healthy,” Walaa explained.
Determined to make a difference, Walaa joined the campaign’s outreach team. She visited tents, patiently answering questions and countering rumours. Her efforts resonated, particularly with women, who began stepping forward to protect their families.