For decades, the citizens of Syria have endured the relentless toll of war—displacement, destroyed infrastructure, and shattered healthcare systems.
In the middle of this crisis, some hope is being restored through the steady, life-saving work of immunization—namely The Expanded Program on Immunization. A World Health Organization initiative, this work is being supported by Relief International and its partners in Syria.
Through this program, we are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that children and women of childbearing age are receiving life-saving vaccinations for illnesses like tetanus, tuberculosis, and Hepatitis B.
In places where conflict has made survival itself a struggle, protecting against preventable diseases is not just basic healthcare—it’s a lifeline.
Turning hesitation into trust
A healthcare worker holds up a vaccine
One of the biggest hurdles faced by Nurse Tarek*, a supervisor in the vaccination team, is not just logistics, but misinformation. “Some parents don’t recognise the importance of vaccines, while others are misled by rumors,” he explains. “It’s our responsibility to address their concerns, and clearly communicate the life-saving benefits of immunization for their children and community.”
Thanks to the tireless efforts of his team at the clinic, attitudes are beginning to shift. Vaccine hesitancy is steadily declining, and trust is slowly being rebuilt—one conversation at a time.
“We’ve had families who initially refused vaccines but, after our sessions, not only agreed but also completed their children’s full immunization schedules,” Tarek shares with quiet pride.
Mobile units: Reaching the unreachable
Solar-powered refrigerators that store vaccines between the crucial 2°C to 8°C range.
While the clinic itself is well-stocked with vaccines, the Expanded Program on Immunization has gone a step further by establishing mobile vaccination units. These roving clinics reach deep into remote villages.
“Our mobile teams make a significant difference,” Tarek explains. “By traveling to distant locations, we reduce the burden on families who might otherwise struggle to bring their children to the center. Our goal is to ensure no child is left unimmunized.”
To ensure every child is protected against critical illnesses, the team has developed a robust tracking system. They maintain close contact with caregivers through clinic follow-ups and home visits to make sure no child misses a dose.
When visiting refugee camps, mobile teams announce their visits well in advance and position themselves in areas that are accessible to all residents. They then conduct door-to-door outreach to ensure every child is accounted for and vaccinated.
Solar panels power reliable vaccine storage
Nurse Tarek inspects the clinic’s solar panels which powers cold storage for the vaccines.
Behind all of this is a carefully managed supply chain that ensures vaccines are effective and safe. The team oversees the cold chain—from temperature-controlled monthly deliveries to solar-powered refrigerators that store vaccines between the crucial 2°C to 8°C range.
Daily readings are logged using digital devices to maintain this delicate balance, while a 25 per cent reserve stock is maintained to meet any unexpected demand.
“We’re meticulous about maintaining the cold chain,” Tarek says. “This guarantees that every vaccine we administer is effective and safe.”
Empowering parents, strengthening care
Rami*, another nurse on the team, emphasizes the importance of engaging with parents during the vaccination process.
“When we immunize a child, we also provide the parents with information about potential reactions, like a mild fever or swelling, and how to manage them. We even share our contact numbers for emergencies to build trust and ensure follow-up care.”
In a country still struggling from the wounds of war, these efforts are more than just medical interventions—they are acts of compassion, persistence, and faith in a healthier future.
Thanks to the unwavering support of WHO and healthcare workers like Tarek and Rami, Syria’s children are being given a chance to thrive.