Monthly Digest of the UN in Syria - April 2024
UNDP SUPPORTS ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTH CARE IN HARASTA, RURAL DAMASCUS
The UNDP's rehabilitation of the Harasta National Hospital has helped improve healthcare access in rural Damascus. Once shuttered, the hospital now serves over 150,000 people in Harasta and its surrounding areas. This essential health facility offers a comprehensive range of free 24/7 medical services, treating an average of 500 patients daily. From emergency care and inpatient facilities to specialized clinics in neurology, orthopaedics and paediatrics, the hospital caters to a wide range of medical needs. Advanced radiology and echocardiography services ensure thorough diagnoses, while neonatal and intensive care units provide critical support to the most vulnerable patients.
UNFPA’S PILOT PROJECT ON CHANGING HARMFUL SOCIAL NORMS
UNFPA successfully completed the initial testing phase of its innovative curriculum designed for community leaders. The leaders, who play a critical role in shaping community attitudes, actively participated in the sessions, leading to a valuable exchange of ideas and experiences.
The constructive dialogue provided a rigorous test of the curriculum, paving the way for its wider rollout in strategic locations like Bostan Alzahra in Aleppo City and Deir Hafer in rural Aleppo. The curriculum aims to educate and engage these leaders to tackle issues of early marriage and domestic violence within their communities.
https://www.facebook.com/UNFPASyria/posts/pfbid02u2Gs4tjPbv8iXJ1F8JYGND…
UNHCR OFFEFRS SEEDS TO FARMERS IN DEIR-EZ-ZOR HELPING THEM GENERATE A SUSTAINABLE INCOME
Returning to his home in Al-Quriyah, Deir-ez-Zor after displacement, Ahmed - a father of five - found his once-productive land bone dry. But thanks to UNHCR's support, he received potato seeds and today his family's farm is thriving again. "With the money we earned, we could buy seeds for another season," Ahmed said.
https://twitter.com/UNHCRinSYRIA/status/1782140864610885988
BOLSTERING EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE RISK EDUCATION TO KEEP CHILDREN SAFE IN SYRIA
On 4 April 2024 UNICEF marked the International Mine Awareness Day and continued to call for collective support for efforts to clear landmines and unexploded ordnance, boost risk education and give more assistance to families affected.
Children are particularly vulnerable as they can be attracted to unexploded remnants for their appearance and be unaware of how dangerous they are. Between January 2023 and February 2024, UNICEF reached nearly 730,000 children and adult caregivers with explosive ordnance risk education in Syria.
UNMAS VISITS AL YARMOUK CAMP TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THE DANGERS OF MINES AND UNEXPLODED ORDNANCE (UXO) ON INTERNATIONAL MINE ACTION DAY
On the occasion of International Mine Action Day, the head of UNMAS organized a joint visit to Al Yarmouk Camp in Damascus with representatives from various UN agencies. During the visit, they received a firsthand demonstration of mine clearance activities and how this vital work paves the way for safe humanitarian aid delivery and early recovery efforts in Syria.
https://www.facebook.com/UnitedNationsMineActionService/posts/pfbid0ARi…
UNRWA CASH ASSISTANCE CRUCIAL TO MITIGATE PALESTINE REFUGEE HARDSHIP IN SYRIA
A father of six, Aref used to work as an assistant storekeeper before retiring in 2019. But for Palestine refugees like him, the future is shrouded in uncertainty and worry. Daily life has become a struggle as essential goods become increasingly expensive.
The ongoing conflict fuels suffering, and the needs of Palestinian refugee families keep growing. Worsening economic conditions make it nearly impossible for many to make ends meet. With a bittersweet smile, Aref expresses his gratitude: "UNRWA's aid arrived just in time. Life has become unbearable with these skyrocketing prices."
Supporting the most vulnerable Palestinian refugees wouldn't be possible without long-standing partners like the European Union (EU). Since 2023, the EU has generously donated €5.5 million (US$5.86 million) to support UNRWA's cash assistance program in Syria.
FAO RESTORES IRRIGATION WATER FOR 10,000 FARMING FAMILIES IN SOUTHERN HAMA
FAO's successful rehabilitation of irrigation and drainage networks has brought water back to 7,300 hectares of fertile land. This vital resource empowers over 10,000 farmers to consistently cultivate both summer and winter crops. Additionally, it provides a reliable source of drinking water for livestock boosting food security, livelihoods and resilience of farmers and their families for years to come.
https://twitter.com/FAOSyria/status/1784185628642492590
ILO’S WORK BASED LEARNING PROGRAMME EQUIPS PARTICIPANTS WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS
Ahed Najjar, a beneficiary of the ILO Work-Based Learning programme discovered the artistry of blending flavors and textures when she started her training at the chocolate factory. With the support of the project, she was able to balance two crafts, sewing and chocolate making, providing hope and strength for her family’s future.
WFP FIGHTS HUNGER AND MALNUTRITION FOR PREGNANT AND BREASTFEEDING WOMEN, PROVIDING VITAL SUPPORT FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
One-year-old Ahmad is among six children in his family, four of whom struggle with malnutrition. Determined to break the cycle, Ahmad's mother, Asmaa' enrolled him in WFP's CMAM nutrition programme. "During past displacements, I couldn't ensure proper nutrition for my other children," Asmaa' explains.
After two months in the programme, Ahmad's progress is remarkable. "This might even be his last month of treatment," Asmaa' smiles "Look how healthy and happy he is again."
The constant disruptions caused by the crisis impacted Asmaa's own health during pregnancy. "We moved so many times, I couldn't access proper food," she said.
"Feeding our children is a constant battle," Asmaa' concludes with a hopeful tone. "But thanks to WFP, Ahmad has a chance for a healthier future."
https://twitter.com/WFP_Syria/status/1777969777149104261
WHO MARKS THE 2024 WORLD HEALTH DAY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND LOCAL COMMUNITY
This year's, the theme of World Health Dayis "My Health, My Right." It underscores the critical need for accessible, quality healthcare for all, regardless of financial limitations.
WHO Syria, alongside the Ministry of Health (MoH) and health partners, is actively working towards achieving universal health coverage. Their efforts focus on strengthening Syria's healthcare system making it more resilient, accessible and capable of delivering higher quality care.
To mark this important day, Dr. Iman Shankiti, acting WHO Representative in Syria, visited the WHO-supported Al-Tamayyoz Health Centre in Damascus. Dr. Shankiti met with healthcare workers, community representatives, patients and children, emphasizing the significance of ensuring everyone's right to health.
WHO's continues to provide life-saving services for the most vulnerable populations while also supporting long-term rehabilitation and rebuilding of the country's healthcare system.
https://www.facebook.com/WHOSyria/posts/pfbid02hCDMgKeaYdxQL6HLTVXJ8e4f…
