Our Story
Healthcare in Areas of Conflict at The Heart of Our Commitment
Mehad is a French NGO dedicated to healthcare and international solidarity, operating in Syria since 2011, expanding to Ukraine in 2022, and extending its efforts to Palestine and Yemen in 2024.
MEHAD: THE URGENCY TO ACT TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Founded in 2011 by a group of doctors, Mehad was established to address the urgent healthcare needs of populations affected by the war in Syria. Our NGO is dedicated to collaborating with local partners to build sustainable healthcare systems that ensure long-term development and well-being for the communities we serve.
Since its founding, Mehad has leveraged its experience in crisis zones to expand its activities to countries bordering Syria and other conflict-affected areas, including Ukraine, Palestine, Yemen, and more recently, Lebanon.
- Syria: 41 healthcare structures [read more]
- Iraq: Operations have been relocated to Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, to manage our efforts in northeastern Syria
- Türkiye: Operations have been relocated to Gaziantep to oversee our actions in northwestern Syria
- Ukraine: A training program for caregivers and two rehabilitation centers for the war-wounded [read more]
- West Bank: A training program for local caregivers [read more]
- Yemen: A hospital addressing urgent health needs [read more]
- Lebanon: An emergency support program for displaced populations and refugees.
Our NGO has a total of 880 healthcare professionals actively working in the field.
Mehad: The Cornerstone of Our Commitment
Since its inception, Mehad’s actions have been grounded in a collaborative approach, emphasizing collaborative development and co-creation with local partners. We actively involve these stakeholders in a horizontal framework to develop the healthcare solutions we implement.
In 2022, our NGO changed its name to Mehad. Previously, we operated under the AAVS (French “Association d’Aide aux Victimes en Syrie”, Association for Victim Support in Syria) and later under UOSSM France (French “Union des Organisations de Secours et Soins Médicaux”, Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations).
The name “Mehad” means “cradles” in Arabic, symbolizing our original commitment to Syria 11 years ago and reflecting our Middle Eastern roots.
It also carries another significant meaning: “thalamus.” Just as the thalamus in the brain relays and integrates sensory information to the cerebral cortex, Mehad champions a collaborative developmental approach with local partners. By engaging in a horizontal strategy, we can create more effective and targeted solutions to regional crises.
Additionally, Mehad stands for Medical Healthcare Action for Development, reinforcing our mission to enhance healthcare access and outcomes in conflict-affected areas.
