ReliefWeb

13 April, 2017, Damascus, Syria – In close coordination with WHO, the Government of Brazil has donated vaccines and lifesaving medicines to the Syrian health sector. Public hospitals and health centers across the country will benefit from the generous donation of rotavirus and valent pneumococcal vaccines, antibiotics, analgesics and other medical consumables.

Due to sanctions, Syria continues to face difficulties in importing a number of critical medicines that are not produced locally. The shipment, sufficient for more than 21 000 treatments, will fill critical shortages in a number of primary and secondary health care facilities.

“This donation is greatly appreciated as it meets the essential needs of many patients suffering from trauma injuries and chronic diseases,” said Elizabeth Hoff, WHO Representative in Syria. “This is the first shipment received from the Government of Brazil in support of the health sector in Syria, and we understand that additional in-kind support will be received over the next few months.”

Since the onset of crisis in Syria, WHO has coordinated efforts with international organizations and donor countries to sustain an effective health response for the Syrian population. It is estimated that approximately 13.5 million people inside the country are in urgent need of health assistance.