“We can’t afford to stop. Every day, we see people who have gone for months, even years, without proper medical attention. By providing health services directly to them, we make a real difference in their lives."
After 13 years of conflict, the WHO estimates that 65% of Syria’s population currently needs health assistance. Additionally, over a third of the country’s primary healthcare centers are non-functional. The recent violence has further strained the already struggling healthcare system.
Relief International’s mobile health clinics, like the one Dr. Saleh leads, are a lifeline for these communities. Where infrastructure has crumbled and healthcare facilities are inaccessible, the health clinic brings critical medical services directly to those who need them most.
Staff at these clinics treat serious injuries, deliver essential medicines and care for sick children, particularly addressing widespread malnutrition.
One of the biggest challenges Dr Saleh faces is the shortage of medicine, which sometimes means he doesn’t have enough to meet the overwhelming needs of the patients who come to the mobile clinic.
“It’s heartbreaking when specific medications are unavailable, especially when people have come from far away, hoping for relief.”
“In those moments, we get creative. We offer alternative treatments when possible or write prescriptions so they can get the medication elsewhere. It’s not ideal, but we always find a way to provide care, even in the most challenging circumstances,” Dr Saleh explains.
Huda is one of Dr Saleh’s patients. She brought her child into the clinic with a febrile seizure. Living in a tent under harsh conditions had only worsened her daughter’s illness, and they couldn’t afford a hospital visit or the medications she needed.
“Having this clinic saved my daughter's life. I brought her to the mobile clinic in desperation, and Dr. Saleh saved her.”
Treating patients like Huda’s daughter makes all the hardship worthwhile for Dr. Saleh.
“It’s moments like these that remind me why we go the extra mile, even when resources are limited,” Dr. Saleh shares.
“This is more than just a job for me,” Dr. Saleh reflects. “In these moments, I realize that what we do goes beyond medical care. It’s about restoring hope and giving people a reason to keep going, no matter how tough it gets.”
Dr. Saleh’s story is just one example of the incredible work being done by the Relief International team, who are going the distance to make a difference.
He and other dedicated staff reached over 400,000 people across Syria last year.
With your support, we can go even further.
Stand with us in this vital mission—donate today and help us continue bringing life-saving healthcare to those who need it most.