Allies from Muslim-majority countries call for increased global pressure on Israel

The World Health Organization’s Eastern Mediterranean regional director, Hanan Balkhy, has sounded the alarm on the dire state of Syria’s healthcare system, which has been largely forgotten by the international community. Balkhy recently visited Syria and described the situation as “catastrophic,” with a staggering number of people in need and alarming rates of child malnutrition.

According to Balkhy, almost half of the health workforce in Syria has fled the country, leaving hospitals and primary health care centers severely understaffed and lacking essential medicines and equipment. She emphasized the urgent need for new and creative solutions to retain and attract young doctors to the country, as many are currently practicing outdated medicine in dire conditions.

Balkhy highlighted the multi-layered crises facing Syria, including 13 years of civil war, sanctions, last year’s major earthquake, and a complex geopolitical situation. She stressed the importance of providing better prospects and support for healthcare workers in Syria to prevent further exodus and ensure the delivery of essential medical services.

In her call to action, Balkhy proposed engaging young physicians in research projects with a pathway to publishing, supporting local manufacturing of basic medications, and providing access to virtual platforms for international collaboration. She also urged donor countries to prioritize humanitarian funding for Syria and dissociate politics from health.

As the region continues to grapple with ongoing challenges, Balkhy emphasized the importance of prevention and addressing the root causes of harm to improve the overall health and well-being of the Syrian population.