Since starting operating in Northwest Syria in 2012 and in Northeast Syria in 2018, Relief International has emerged as a leading healthcare provider in the country, delivering lifesaving health and nutrition services while bolstering the resilience of health systems in both regions. RI expanded its services to include prevention and response to gender-based violence and protection monitoring, becoming a recognized protection actor in NWS and NES. RI’s quality service provision and coverage of hard-to-reach areas have reached over 1.77 million individuals in Syria since 2020.

Amid the Syrian crisis, 15.3 million people need urgent humanitarian aid, including vulnerable groups like internally displaced populations and children. The health system faces challenges due to insecurity, limited facilities, and recurring outbreaks like COVID-19 and cholera. February 2023 earthquakes worsened healthcare access, damaging facilities and suspending services. Malnutrition rates are high, especially among children and women. Psychological support is crucial, with many experiencing anxiety and depression, worsened by the earthquakes. Access to specialized services remains limited in Northeast Syria, contributing to high levels of anxiety and depression among women and girls. Urgent and sustained intervention is needed to address these challenges.

RI directly supports 33 healthcare facilities, including hospitals, primary healthcare centers, and mobile medical units, across Idleb, Aleppo, DeZ, and Al-Hassakeh governorates, supporting around 405,000 individuals through comprehensive emergency obstetric and neonatal care, trauma care, and major surgical procedures, among others. RI integrates nutrition interventions focusing on acute malnutrition management and infant and young child feeding counseling into health services. RI also offers institutional water, sanitation, and hygiene services to ensure safe and clean facilities in the supported facilities.

Collaborating with the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) since 2014, RI looks to expand its Action to enhance the reach and impact of health and protection services in Syria. Through sustained efforts, RI remains committed to addressing critical needs and building resilient communities in conflict-affected regions.