WHO chief underscores need for ‘peace for health’ in landmark visit to northwest Syria

 

The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, made a landmark visit to northwest Syria on March 17, 2023. During his visit, Dr. Tedros underscored the urgent need for "peace for health" in the war-torn region.

The ongoing conflict in Syria has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people displaced and in need of urgent medical care. The health infrastructure in the region has been severely impacted, and healthcare workers have been targeted, detained, and even killed.

Dr. Tedros visited a hospital in Idlib, one of the most heavily affected areas in northwest Syria, and met with healthcare workers and patients. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that healthcare workers can provide medical care without fear of violence, and called for an end to attacks on medical facilities and personnel.

In addition to meeting with healthcare workers, Dr. Tedros also met with representatives from various humanitarian organizations working in the region, including the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and Médecins Sans Frontières. He discussed the challenges they face in providing medical care and underscored the need for increased support for their efforts.

During his visit, Dr. Tedros also highlighted the critical role of vaccines in protecting against diseases and preventing outbreaks, particularly in situations where healthcare systems have been disrupted by conflict. He emphasized the need for continued efforts to ensure that vaccines are available and accessible to all, regardless of their location or circumstances.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Tedros reiterated the importance of peace for health, stating that "without peace, there can be no health." He urged all parties to the conflict to prioritize the health and well-being of the Syrian people and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The WHO chief's visit to northwest Syria underscores the urgent need for increased support and attention to the humanitarian crisis in the region. It is hoped that his visit will bring renewed attention to the plight of the Syrian people and lead to increased efforts towards peace and stability in the region.

Dr. Tedros' visit also highlighted the significant impact of the conflict on mental health in the region. He emphasized the need for increased support for mental health services and psychological support for individuals affected by the conflict, particularly children.

The WHO chief called for increased access to essential medicines, medical equipment, and supplies to ensure that healthcare workers have the resources they need to provide medical care to those in need. He also emphasized the need for continued efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in areas where healthcare systems have been disrupted by conflict.

Dr. Tedros' visit to northwest Syria came at a critical time, with humanitarian organizations warning of an impending humanitarian catastrophe in the region. The conflict in Syria has been ongoing for over a decade, and the need for increased support and attention to the humanitarian crisis is more urgent than ever.

In his remarks, Dr. Tedros urged the international community to prioritize the needs of the Syrian people and increase support for humanitarian efforts in the region. He emphasized that the WHO will continue to work closely with its partners to ensure that medical care and essential health services are available to all those in need in Syria and other conflict-affected areas around the world.

The WHO chief's visit to northwest Syria highlights the importance of addressing the link between peace and health. It is essential to recognize that peace is not only necessary for the well-being of individuals but also for the overall health of communities and societies. By prioritizing peace, we can create an environment in which individuals can access essential health services, and communities can thrive.