Collaboration for Medical Assistance in Syria after the Türkiye-Syria Earthquake, September 2023 Update

In response to the earthquakes that struck Syria and Türkiye earlier this year, Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation (BTCF) collaborated with Doctors of the World-Türkiye (DoTW-T) in aiding the IDPs in Idlib, Syria. DoTW-T has been working in Kelly for years but had been forced to suspend activities due to funding cuts in July 2022 leaving thousands with reduced health care. With the support of the BTCF, DoTW-T reopened Kelly clinic, a primary health-care facility, and responded to the increased demand from the earthquake-affected and displaced people.

The collaboration started on 1st April, and as of October, 16,098 services have been provided to the IDPs, 58% females. DoTW-T 's primary focus is on IDPs residing in camp areas which included people displaced in the February earthquakes. These are the most vulnerable individuals, as well as women and girls. With BTCF support DoTW-T provides Primary Health Care (PHC), Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) for the most vulnerable groups.

These are complemented by free medication as part of the health service. To further support the beneficiaries, four community health workers are actively engaged in conducting awareness, education, and promotion sessions. Their valuable contributions play a crucial role in promoting health and disseminating essential information among the community.

The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation is a global non-profit humanitarian organization founded in 1966 by Buddhist nun Dharma Master Cheng Yen. Its missions of medicine, charity, education, and humanistic culture have brought relief to 129 countries. The heart of Tzu Chi is embedded in its name: in Chinese, “Tzu” means compassion and “Chi” relief, to relieve the suffering of those in need while creating a better world for all through compassion, love and hope. For more information, visit tzuchi.us. For additional information and media inquiries, please write to Sandy Lu, Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, sandz0811@tzuchi.org.tw .

Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation website: https://global.tzuchi.org/
Doctors of the World-Turkiye: https://www.dunyadoktorlari.org.tr/en