One year after the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria, Mehad remains mobilised to rebuild and support the affected communities. In coordination with local and international players to provide an immediate response, five primary healthcare centres in north-west Syria have been opened, symbolising alasting commitment to reconstruction.
The damage caused by this natural disaster was on a devastating scale, affecting thousands of lives and displacing entire communities: at least 56,000 dead, 105,000 injured, 23 million people affected, and more than 173,000 buildings destroyed. This natural disaster is one of the worst of the 21st century. In Syria, 9 million people have been affected, including 7.2 million in the north-west zone.
Ongoing support for communities
Since the day of the disaster, Mehad has mobilised to provide vital aid to the survivors. In collaboration with organisations such as the CDCS, we are working together to rebuild and support the victims of the earthquake in Syria. We have been able to offer comprehensive help, from rebuilding infrastructure to providing long-term resources.
Mehad not only provides emergency aid, but is also involved in rebuilding the affected areas. Their commitment to Syrian communities remains strong, covering everything from emergency relief to psychosocial support.
As part of its commitment, Mehad has set up five primary healthcare centres in north-west Syria. It has also set up BEMOC (Basic Emergency Obstetric Care) services and 4 MBA (Mother and Baby Spaces), with the aim of improving the nutritional status of the population affected by the earthquake in the region. Our action is not limited to simple medical facilities: these are symbols of our long-term commitment to reconstruction. These centres provide vital access to healthcare in heavily affected areas, offering daily medical consultations to meet urgent needs. Each consultation is a step towards normality, demonstrating Mehad’s determination to provide quality care despite the continuing challenges.
Urgent appeal
Following the immediate international solidarity after the earthquake, the humanitarian situation in Syria has now taken a back seat, and the outlook for 2024 is alarming. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) ended its support plan for Syria on 1 January due to a lack of funding. Yet, according to the UN, more than 12 million Syrians – over half the population – are suffering from hunger, a figure that has doubled in 4 years.
Although Mehad has redoubled his efforts, several of our care centres are threatened with imminent closure due to lack of funding. These centres are often the only way for millions of patients to access even the most basic care. An urgent appeal is launched to ensure the survival of these vital centres and to meet the crucial humanitarian needs in Syria.
