On the 14th anniversary of the start of the Syrian conflict, WHO is calling for predictable, multi-year funding to sustain critical humanitarian health services and enable a stable transition towards recovery and national unity. 

Continued instability threatens essential health care delivery at a time when nearly 15.8 million people require urgent health assistance. Only 57% of Syria’s hospitals, and just 37% of primary health care centres, are fully operational. Shortages of medical supplies, outdated equipment and damaged infrastructure continue to strain services. Many hospitals operate at minimal capacity or close due to funding shortfalls.. Across northwest and northeast Syria, 246 health facilities are at risk of imminent closure due to lack of funds. 

Three out of four  people in Syria rely on humanitarian aid and require urgent development assistance. Malnutrition rates have tripled in the past 4 years, placing Syria among the world’s top 10 hunger-affected countries. 

“Keeping humanitarian health services running is essential as Syria moves towards recovery. Any break in humanitarian aid could deepen vulnerabilities and leave more people without care,” says Acting WHO Representative in Syria Christina Bethke.