EU provides €22 million to WHO for sustaining health services in Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The European Union (EU) allocated €22 million through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department to support the World Health Organization’s (WHO) efforts in sustaining essential health services across Syria, the WHO announced on Tuesday.
The funding aims to maintain life-saving and life-sustaining healthcare for more than 6.5 million people over the next year, covering all Syrian governorates.
It will enable WHO to strengthen disease surveillance, respond to outbreaks, and treat severe acute malnutrition among vulnerable groups.
“This funding arrives at a critical time when the health system remains severely strained after years of conflict,” said Christina Bethke, Acting WHO Representative in Syria. “Keeping humanitarian health services running is essential as Syria enters its recovery phase.”
The WHO said it will work with the Ministry of Health and humanitarian partners to provide medical supplies to over 600 health facilities, support 1.5 million primary healthcare consultations, expand trauma and emergency services, and strengthen mental health care.
The funding will also bolster rapid disease detection and response systems to contain outbreaks, including cholera and influenza.
Bethke warned that any break in humanitarian aid could leave millions without access to care. “This support will enable WHO to deliver essential medicines, trauma kits, and nutrition supplies, while training health workers to better manage injuries, malnutrition, and mental health needs,” she added.
In March, during the 9th Brussels Conference, titled “Standing with Syria: Meeting the Needs for a Successful Transition”, the EU pledged €5.8 billion ($6.3 billion) in aid to Syria to address urgent humanitarian needs and support the country’s transition.