The World Health Organization (WHO) has received US$4 million from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to protect access to essential health services while strengthening the capacity of Syria’s health system to respond to emergencies and evolving health needs.

Across Syria, population movements, returns and the continued effects of years of disruption on health services are placing additional demands on the health system. The new funding will support more than 1.2 million people across Aleppo, Al-Hasakeh, Ar-Raqqa, Deir-ez-Zor, Homs, Damascus, Rural Damascus, As-Sweida, Dar’a and Quneitra, with a focus on areas where health facilities and services are under the greatest pressure.

WHO will implement the project in close coordination with the Ministry of Health, health directorates and health partners. It will support access to primary and urgent care, referrals, essential medicines, including for noncommunicable diseases, and mental health and psychosocial support, while strengthening health facilities, preparedness, disease surveillance, laboratory capacity and outbreak response. Together, these investments will help sustain essential services and strengthen the health system’s ability to respond as needs evolve.

“This funding comes at an important moment. As people move and return, health services need to remain available, reliable and safe,” said Dr Caroline Clarinval, WHO Representative in Syria. “CERF support will help us sustain essential care now, while strengthening the referral systems, supplies, surveillance and emergency response capacity that health services depend on. Working alongside national and local health authorities and partners, our focus is on meeting urgent needs while reinforcing the capacity needed for recovery.”