WHO States: Millions of Syrians Struggling to Access Treatment

SadaNews - A WHO official stated yesterday, Tuesday, that 7.4 million people in Syria have witnessed a reduction in their access to medications and treatment, highlighting that 417 health facilities have been affected by funding cuts since the middle of this year.

Christina Bethke, the acting representative of the World Health Organization in Syria, reported that 366 health facilities have either suspended or reduced their services.

The same official warned that as Syria transitions from an emergency situation to recovery, "a transitional gap has emerged, where humanitarian funding is declining before national systems can take over."

Bethke said at a press conference for United Nations agencies in Geneva, speaking from Damascus via video, that in just two months, "this has resulted in 210,000 referrals and 122,000 consultations for trauma cases that did not take place, and 13,700 births occurred without qualified medical assistance, while people were unable to access 89,000 mental health consultations."

Recovery in Syria

She added that only 58% of hospitals and 23% of primary healthcare centers are operating at full capacity, stressing that the chronic shortage of medicines, electricity, and equipment keeps services "fragile."

The WHO official also warned that despite high governmental responsibility and a two-year national priority health strategic plan, the needs are increasing.

She explained that drought, unsafe water, and poor sanitation are exacerbating the outbreaks of cholera, leishmaniasis, lice, and scabies, while electricity shortages threaten refrigeration chains, water pumping, and hospital operations.

Nearly 3 million people are heading to areas suffering from shortages of medicines, personnel, and infrastructure, increasing pressure on already weak services, according to the UN official.

Bethke stated that "the funding picture is grim," adding that the WHO's appeal for 2025 is for $141.5 million, with a gap of $77 million as of last October.

She emphasized that without expected and multi-year support, "the health system could collapse just when recovery is within reach," considering that maintaining the continuity of health services today represents "a bridge to Syria's recovery tomorrow."