Health Sector Syria - Health Sector Bulletin - April 2025

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Of concern, the evolving worsening security situation in central and south Syria. Clashes result in casualties among civilian population and law enforcement forces. The exact numbers are being verified.

IDP and Returnee Movements as of 19 April 2025.

 The total number of IDPs remains the same at 674,000 since March 25, 2025. Of this total, 462,000 are newly displaced, and 212,000 represent secondary displacement. Approximately five per cent of the total displaced population are people with disabilities.

 The majority of IDPs remain in the following governorates: Idleb governorate: 271,600 IDPs. Aleppo governorate: 104,300 IDPs.

 As for the IDP returnee movements, the total number of returnees is 1,100,000 individuals, with a slight increase. The figure includes 462,000 who were displaced before the 27th of November 2024, and 333,000 from IDP sites. The return movements are predominantly concentrated in: Aleppo governorate: 435,600 returnees. Hama governorate: 176,900 returnees.

Public Health Situation – the Ministry of Health:

 Infrastructure Damage: Over half of the country's hospitals are non-functional due to conflict.

 Displacement: millions are still internally displaced living in camps or informal settlements facing overcrowding and leading to increased risk of communicable diseases.

 Resource Shortages: There are severe shortages of medical supplies, equipment, and healthcare personnel.

 Nutritional Deficiencies: Food insecurity and inadequate sanitation contribute to nutritional deficiencies and related health issues.

 Mental Health: The prolonged conflict has resulted in widespread mental health issues, with limited access to mental health services.

 Disease Outbreaks: The risk of outbreaks, including cholera, remains high due to poor sanitation and overcrowded living conditions.

Immediate Public Health Concerns

 Limited access to essential health services in return areas

 Damaged or non-functional health infrastructure: only 57% of hospitals and 37% of primary healthcare centers are fully functional.

 Poor water and sanitation

 Increasing risk of waterborne diseases

 Disrupted access to routine immunization

 Rising MHPSS needs, especially among women and children

 Disrupted access to reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health services

 Uncertainty about livelihood and food security, adding stress and malnutrition risks

 Traumatic injuries – high: Insecurity, UXO contamination, population return movement

 Functional referral networks - currently active across the country but at minimum levels, of basic care

 Access to specialized services (e.g., hospitalization, dialysis, advanced surgical care) is centralized in urban areas

Legacy of 50 years of underinvestment in public health sector and protracted conflict leading to a highly politicised and fragmented health system with significant decline of trust in [public] health services. Areas formerly under control of previous government face major challenges with dilapidated infrastructure, outdated or non-functioning equipment, a decimated, underpaid and demoralised workforce. High out-of-pocket amounts for suboptimal services, high costs medicines.

Miscellaneous