According to the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) 2024–2025 presented by the Health Cluster in February 2024, there has been a 4% increase in the number of people in need in northwest Syria (NWS) compared to last year.

Out of 41 subdistricts:

• 15 are experiencing severity level 5 — indicating sectoral collapse
• 26 are at severity level 4 — indicating extreme deprivation

The 2024 priority is to maintain essential healthcare — including sexual and reproductive services — amid overwhelming demand. However, major challenges persist in maternal and pediatric care in Idlib and Jarablus.

During the Health Cluster Coordination Meeting (Gaziantep, April 25, 2024), it was reported that up to 112 health facilities may suspend operations due to limited funding, potentially leaving 1.5 million people without access to emergency care. Additionally, over 130,000 women and girls are expected to give birth in 2024 without adequate maternal support, putting both mothers and newborns at risk.

UOSSM Canada's Response in Syria

UOSSM Canada's work in Syria is focused on reducing mortality and morbidity rates among children, newborns, and women in communities affected by conflict and earthquakes. Our key project is the Maternal and Children’s Hospital in the Idlib governorate.

This hospital will offer:

• Maternal and child healthcare
• General and pediatric surgery
• Inpatient wards with ~80 beds for specialized care
• Integrated primary and secondary care for approx. 10,000 beneficiaries per month

Nutrition Response (Homs Governorate): In partnership with local actors, UOSSM is leading a 3-month nutrition project to screen and treat 300 children under five and 175 pregnant and lactating women. Families are trained in the Family MUAC method to detect malnutrition early, and mothers receive IYCF counseling to improve child feeding practices.

Medical Missions: In northern Syria, UOSSM’s surgical teams — including Canadian specialists — performed 534 consultations and 116 ophthalmic and ENT surgeries in just five days. At the same time, 40 local trainees received capacity-building workshops, ensuring sustainable skills transfer.

Medical Supplies Delivery: UOSSM Canada delivered 717 pieces of critical medical equipment to the new Maternal & Child Hospital in NW Syria. Once fully operational, this facility will provide maternal and pediatric care to thousands of vulnerable women and children monthly.

UOSSM-Canada is committed to transparent donation management. In rare cases where funds cannot be applied to the specified cause, donations will support the most urgent needs.