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10 June 2022 —  The ̽����ѡ, in collaboration with local humanitarian partners, has implemented protection and health programming aimed at meeting basic needs of Syrians, as well as rebuilding the livelihoods of families adversely affected by the conflict. Through funding from the European Union (EU), ̽����ѡ has been able to provide healthcare services covering mental, trauma and reproductive health, safe healing and learning spaces, and cash assistance to support households that are struggling financially. The EU has supported the provision of these services with a total contribution of 5.6 million euros.

Syria is now in its twelfth year of conflict. Together with the spread of COVID-19 and a devastated economy, many Syrians are suffering from increasing psychological distress, while the country’s healthcare system remains overstretched. Those living in the northeast of the country are experiencing the worst economic crisis in recent history, with food prices at an all-time high — leaving many families struggling to afford staple items such as bread and oil. Overall, 14.6 million people — 70 % of the country’s population — now require humanitarian aid in order to meet their basic needs. 

The ̽����ѡ has been active in Syria since 2012, focusing its efforts on protection, critical healthcare, rebuilding livelihoods, psychosocial support, safe spaces and cash assistance. With no end to the conflict in sight, the ̽����ѡ calls for continuous cooperation and coordination between humanitarian actors to keep providing life-saving services, especially in the most hard-to-reach areas.

The EU-funded protection, health and livelihoods program reached more than 280,000 people, of which more than 106,000 are children and adolescents. An estimated 24,000  have received protection services, including dignity and psychological support kits. A further 239,000 have been provided services addressing various health needs, such as child and neonatal health, reproductive health, and mental health. Lastly, more than 19,000 have been able to meet their basic needs through cash assistance, allowing many displaced families to meet their basic needs according to their own preferences.

Tanya Evans, the Country Director of ̽����ѡ Syria, said: 

“Eleven years of war has devastated Syria’s resources, healthcare infrastructure and economy, leaving displaced families struggling to meet their most basic needs. The spillover effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing economic crisis has caused high inflation rates, spiking up prices of basic items found in every household. With unemployment remaining widespread due to war, this has plunged many Syrians into an even more desperate situation, with many resorting to extreme coping mechanisms. Funding from the European Union remains crucial to help the ̽����ѡ address a multitude of needs, ranging from healthcare and protection to livelihoods and cash support — therefore ensuring that we can meet the most basic needs, while also focusing on sustainable, long-term change in helping families build their livelihoods once again.”