Monthly Digest of the UN in Syria - July 2024
UNDP RESTORES IRRIGATION CANALS IN RAQQA
Thanks to funding from the Government of Japan, UNDP has restored vital irrigation infrastructure in Raqqa. Twenty-one thousand families benefitted from the repair of 2,320 metres of canals, which restored water access to 63,000 hectares of land. This project is a lifeline for the community and empowers people through improving food security and economic opportunities. Initiatives like these are crucial to enhancing resilience and fostering recovery efforts in crisis-affected areas, ensuring that the farmers of Raqqa can once again sustain their families and contribute to the local economy.
https://www.undp.org/syria/stories/revitalized-canals-bring-glimmer-hope-farmers-raqqa
UNFPA AND PARTNERS PROVIDE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES TO WOMEN IN AL HOL CAMP
The UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator, Adam Abdelmoula, visited Al Hol Camp in north-east Syria to assess partner-supported projects. One such project was a UNFPA-supported maternity clinic that provides crucial reproductive health care and services for gender-based violence survivors in the camp. Mr. Abdelmoula commended UNFPA and its partners for delivering high-quality care, noting the positive impact on mothers and newborns.
UNHCR SUPPORTS RETURNEE FARMERS TO PLANT THEIR LANDS AGAIN
Hamad, a 34-year-old farmer from Deir-ez-Zor, has rebuilt his life after years of displacement. He has recently returned to his village in Al-Asharah city with his family, including his two sisters, both living with a disability. Thanks to UNHCR's agricultural support, Hamad has successfully cultivated potatoes, okra and tomatoes enabling him and his family to become self-sufficient.
Farming is a lifeline for many in Deir-ez-Zor including most families in Al-Asharah city. UNHCR empowers these communities by providing grants that help restore livelihoods and promote self-reliance through agricultural activities.
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=884369573733905&set=pcb.884370203733842
UN-HABITAT RESTORES WATER SUPPLY TO VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES IN THE EAST OF ALEPPO
Alwaleed Philanthropies Global and UN-Habitat have joined forces to restore the water supply in eastern Aleppo. The project will benefit over 500,000 people by repairing damaged water infrastructure and reducing water loss in the neighborhoods of Tel Shegheb, Karm Al-Myassar and Al-Nayrab. By rehabilitating the main water pipeline and household connections, the project aims to provide sustainable access to clean water and improve overall living conditions. Additionally, The Project will also support the community-led effort to improve roads after the completion of excavation works.
The Big Catch-Up: Syria rolls out initiative to reach millions of children missed during COVID-19 pandemic
The Syrian Ministry of Health (MOH), supported by WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, launched the second round of Big Catch-Up vaccination activity in late July. The Big Catch-Up is an initiative launched by global health partners in April 2023 to address the decline in childhood vaccination rates observed during the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of overburdened health systems and disrupted access to medical care. This is the second phase in Syria, following an initial phase in April this year. During the second round, about 2 million children under the age of five were targeted to be screened, and more than 300,000 were expected to be vaccinated with different childhood vaccines.
FAO’S FARMER FIELD SCHOOLS ARE EMPOWERING WOMEN FARMERS IN DEIR-EZ-ZOR
Women farmers in Deir-ez-Zor are leading the way to a stronger community. With FAO’s support, they’ve mastered new farming techniques and boosted crop yields. By repairing irrigation canals, they’ve not only revitalized their fields but also strengthened their community.
https://www.fao.org/syria/news/detail-events/en/c/1707601/
ILO EVALUATES THE IMPACT OF OSH TRAINING PROGRAMME
The ILO evaluated the impact of its September 2023 occupational safety and health (OSH) training for trainers in Aleppo by assessing participants' changes in work practices to enhance safety and reduce hazards. In the aftermath of Syria's earthquake, the OSH training has significantly improved workplace safety practices. Civil engineer Mahmoud Sikt, who supervises rehabilitation efforts, highlighted the training's profound impact on his work: “The OSH training and workshop, with both its theoretical and practical sections, raised my awareness of the major risks and hazards we face, especially when working at heights,” he said. “We also learned the minimum requirements we should provide, such as risk insurance, first aid kits, PPE, safety stands and additional OSH instructions for workers, including safety ropes,” Mahmoud added.
THE UN RESIDENT COORDINATOR AND HUMANITARIAN COORDINATOR FOR SYRIA ADAM ABDELMOULA VISITS NORTH-EAST SYRIA
The UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator (RC/HC) for Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, visited Al-Hasakeh Governorate in July. Concluding his three-day trip, he warned of the growing gap between needs and available funding. “The needs are enormous. As needs increase and funding decreases, we need to do things differently and focus on early recovery to break the cycle of aid dependency,” said Mr Abdelmoula.
The RC/HC also met with humanitarian partners and affected communities during his visit, gaining insight into the challenges faced by those on the ground.
https://x.com/OCHA_Syria/status/1814967593930772822
WHO AND JAPAN TRANSFORM AL-QAMISHLI NATIONAL HOSPITAL IN NORTH-EAST SYRIA IN RESPONSE TO A GROWING HEALTH CRISIS
On 10 July, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially transferred key units of the Al-Qamishli National Hospital back to the Ministry of Health. This marks the completion of a rehabilitation project made possible through the generous support of the people of Japan. The initiative aimed to bolster Syria’s healthcare system by improving the hospital’s sustainability and enhance healthcare provision in the area. To enhance the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities, WHO also provided advanced medical equipment, including a CT scanner, MRI and ultrasound machines. The handover ceremony was attended by high-level officials from Syria and the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria.
