As an internal medicine doctor at Al-Ameen Medical Centre in Al-Bab, northern Aleppo, Dr Aziza Al-Naasan knows that every day is a battle to heal. She treats a steady stream of patients, many suffering from chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
Originally from Idlib, Dr Aziza now lives in Aleppo with her husband and 2 daughters. Like millions across Syria, she witnessed firsthand the devastating toll of conflict on families, communities and the health care system.
“We help patients by providing the right treatment and guiding them on how to take their medication properly,” she says. “We also offer lab tests and diagnose conditions, which greatly improves their health.”
Many of her patients are displaced people who fled their homes due to violence. Syria is home to an estimated 7.4 million internally displaced people, nearly a third of whom live in Idlib and over a fifth in Aleppo. For them, accessible health care is not just about survival today, it is a vital step towards rebuilding their lives.
“We make sure they get the care they need without having to travel far,” says Dr Aziza. “It brings me joy to know that my work helps ease their suffering.”
Nearly 14 years of conflict severely weakened Syria’s health system. Only 57% of hospitals and 37% of primary health care centres are fully functional and there are widespread shortages of medicines, equipment and trained personnel.
Despite the challenges, hope is emerging. Dr Aziza speaks of a newfound sense of optimism across Syria – a possibility, however fragile, that years of conflict may be nearing an end.
