DAMS: Health problems in northwest Syria have intensified due to harsh winter conditions, exacerbating the vulnerability of displaced populations, the health group led by the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) reported .
It also cited an increase in cases of respiratory illnesses, made worse by inadequate heating, overcrowded camps and damaged infrastructure.
“There has been a significant and continuing increase in influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) since the start of winter, with a subsequent increase in hospital visits and increased health concerns public,” declared the Health Cluster.
Led by WHO, the Health Cluster coordinates the efforts of more than 900 partners around the world to meet health needs in humanitarian emergencies, providing expertise, capacity building and technical advice to ensure effective and life-saving responses in crisis-affected regions.
Severe winter conditions in northwest Syria continue to exacerbate existing health vulnerabilities, particularly among internally displaced people, who often reside in makeshift shelters and overcrowded camps lacking adequate insulation and heating, adds the report.
Public health officials have also warned of increased risks, including hypothermia, as temperatures drop.
To address these issues, health partners have highlighted the need for targeted interventions, including better insulated shelters, heating and access to essential medical supplies.
The UN and its partners have also stepped up efforts to improve access to health care.
On Wednesday, 750 trucks carrying aid from seven UN agencies, including WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), crossed into northwest Syria via the Bab crossings Al-Hawa and Bab Al-Salam, and 37 trucks arrived this week, according to the UN. .
These shipments include vital medical supplies, food and other humanitarian assistance.
WHO supported 37 health facilities and 14 health cluster partners with 510 trauma supply kits, helping to treat more than 90,000 people.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) also provided health kits and materials to strengthen sexual and reproductive health services. Mobile mental health units continue to provide psychological support to vulnerable populations, including children and displaced people, in isolated areas.
To address critical shortages, health partners such as the WATAN Foundation deployed three mobile blood banks, collecting 210 units of blood through donation drives. Other partners are also extending their support to hospitals in Aleppo, focusing on pediatric care and trauma services.
Despite these efforts, the health crisis in northwest Syria remains serious.
Recent landmine explosions in Idlib, Aleppo and Hama have caused deaths and injuries, further straining the health system. On December 24, three explosions killed a man in Idlib and injured others in Aleppo, including a child.
Lack of funding is another major concern, it was highlighted.
The Health Cluster requires $22 million over the next three months to maintain essential health services for 450,000 people. Severe underfunding puts 140 health facilities, including general and specialist hospitals, primary health centers and dialysis units, at risk.
