WHO says Syrian conflict left millions in need of aid, health assistance
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – World Health Organization’s Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO) said on Saturday that the Syrian conflict has left 16.7 million people in need of humanitarian aid and 15 million people in need of health assistance over the past 13 years.
Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, said, “There are currently more Syrians in need of aid than any other time since the war began.”
EMRO said in a statement that only 65 percent of hospitals and 62 percent of primary healthcare centers are fully operational across Syria, adding that levels of depression and stress-related disorders are increasing by an estimated 200 percent and 600 percent respectively.
About 90 percent of the population live in poverty with limited capacity to afford basic services including health care amid a deteriorating economic crisis, the statement read.
“While there are many other crises across the globe that require the generosity and solidarity of the international community, we cannot forget the people of Syria,” stressed Balkhy.
WHO needs nearly $80 million in funding for Syria to continue the provision and accessibility of health services and infrastructure in 2024, according to the statement.