During 14 years of conflict, Syria’s health workers served tirelessly on the frontlines, braving airstrikes to deliver babies, rescuing the wounded from rubble and keeping hospitals functioning.

With Syria now at a hopeful crossroads, their voices tell a story of resilience, but also of a health system under immense strain. As Syria moves forward, ensuring a functioning health system with trained, equipped and supported health workers will be critical for long-term recovery and stability.

“We must not wait for stability to return. We must shape it.” – Khawla Al-Najjar, midwife, Aleppo. 

“I used to walk more than four hours under fire, moving from one village to another, knowing I was the only health provider for safe deliveries. I never knew if I'd return to my family, but it never stopped me. Seeing a newborn healthy and safe motivated me to keep going," Khawla says. 

Like so many others, Khawla has endured profound hardships, yet she remains unwavering in her belief that Syria can heal. “Mothers trusted me with their lives – I couldn’t let fear stop me.”