EU provides WHO with €12 million to support Syria’s health services
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The European Union has provided €12 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) to sustain essential health services and support recovery of Syria’s health system, WHO said on Sunday.
The funding, equivalent to about $14 million, will support access to healthcare, referrals, rehabilitation, disease surveillance and outbreak preparedness across Syria, according to WHO.
The contribution will also help maintain essential medicines for people with noncommunicable diseases, strengthen emergency and mental health services, and provide equipment needed for dialysis services, WHO said.
WHO will implement the support in cooperation with Syria’s Ministry of Health, with a focus on maintaining critical services while strengthening national health systems as the country moves toward recovery.
The new funding comes amid continued pressure on Syria’s healthcare system. A 2026 humanitarian assessment cited by the UK government estimated that 12.8 million people in Syria need healthcare assistance, while shortages of medical staff, medicines, equipment and electricity continue to affect health facilities.
The EU has provided other health-sector support to Syria this year. In February, it announced €8 million to strengthen primary healthcare and support health-system recovery, including €1 million for WHO and €7 million for the Italian NGO Un Ponte Per.
By Saad al-Yaziji