Rebuilding Hope in Syria: Giro555’s Impact on Healthcare, Infrastructure, and Communities

Cordaid
Jan 27, 2025

Rebuilding Hope in Syria: Giro555’s Impact on Healthcare, Infrastructure, and Communities


In the aftermath of the devastating February 2023 earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria, the northwest region of Syria faced massive destruction after having already suffered from the impacts of years of conflict. Amidst this devastation, the Dutch relief initiative Giro555 provided crucial funding that empowered Cordaid’s partner organisations, the White Helmets and Pro Terra Sancta, to restore hope and dignity to affected communities through healthcare, infrastructure, and humanitarian support.

Revitalising Healthcare in Northwest Syria

The earthquake left medical facilities across northwest Syria severely damaged, crippling the region’s capacity to deliver essential health care. The White Helmets, supported by Giro555 and Cordaid, mobilised engineers and construction workers to restore 21 critical medical facilities, including hospitals, health centres, and blood banks.

Among these facilities was the Al Amal Hospital in Salqin, a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of displaced persons and residents. Dr Ibrahim Al-Khatib, a physician at the hospital, recounts the transformative impact of the renovations: ‘Two years ago, the hospital’s extensive damage hindered our ability to provide care. Today, we can serve more patients and offer new services with the infrastructure restored. This isn’t just about rebuilding walls—it’s about restoring hope to the region.’