Doctors Without Borders boosts aid in Syria

GENEVA

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has ramped up its humanitarian efforts in Syria, extending its reach to areas that were previously off-limits under Bashar al-Assad’s rule.

With the collapse of the Assad regime last month, MSF began operating in regions that faced decades of restricted access, aiming to alleviate the severe humanitarian crisis caused by years of conflict.

Carlos Arias, MSF’s medical coordinator for Syria, said that over 70% of the population still needs humanitarian assistance, yet only a third of the required funding is available.

He highlighted that disease outbreaks remain rampant due to insufficient water and sanitation services, while the lack of heating materials during winter has worsened the plight of many Syrians.

People are being forced to sell essential belongings just to afford fuel or heating materials, emphasizing the urgent need for greater humanitarian support.

Struggling health infrastructure

Syria’s healthcare system remains in critical condition, with MSF providing aid to hospitals primarily in Aleppo and Damascus.

Arias explained that patients are dying from treatable illnesses due to the lack of medicines, while hospitals that are still operational struggle to provide adequate care amid severe shortages.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 20 hospitals in Syria remain completely non-operational, and 38 are functioning only partially.

The skyrocketing cost of fuel has also made it difficult for medical staff to reach hospitals, further impeding healthcare services.

Since the fall of Assad, MSF has coordinated with Syria’s new administration to expand its operations and assess healthcare needs across the country.

Efforts include increased donations of medical supplies to hospitals and the distribution of food aid to camps.

While MSF's primary focus remains on Aleppo and Damascus, the group is gradually expanding its activities to other regions.

Rebuilding requires global support

Arias stressed that rebuilding Syria’s shattered infrastructure will require significant financial aid from the international community.

He said that the current funding is far from sufficient to meet the growing needs, calling on international donors to bridge the funding gaps.

Despite the challenges, Arias expressed hope that Syria’s reliance on humanitarian aid will eventually decline.

Before the civil war, Syria required minimal external assistance, and there is optimism that the country can return to similar conditions with sustained support.

Bashar al-Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after anti-regime groups captured Damascus on Dec. 8 in a swift offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

The takeover marked the end of the Assad family's decades-long rule.

A new administration, headed by Ahmed al-Sharaa, has since taken charge, and rebuilding efforts have begun.

* Writing by Merve Berker