Project HOPE Delivers Medical Supplies to Southern Syria

Project HOPE, in partnership with the Jordan Health Aid Society-International (JHASi) and Al Yusr Charity Association, has successfully delivered the first nonprofit shipment of medical supplies to areas of southwestern Syria. Following the fall of the Assad regime, this part of the country had been previously inaccessible to aid organizations. The shipment included urgently needed medicine and medical supplies for over 5,000 people, which will be prioritized for Daraa National Hospital.  

Since mid-December, Project HOPE has been on the ground in southern Syria and has assessed 13 hospitals and medical centers in the Daraa and Suwayda Governorates to identify the greatest health needs. The findings show that the region is experiencing critical gaps in healthcare, nutrition, mental health support, and water, hygiene, and sanitation (WASH).  

Laith Salman, Project HOPE’s Team Lead in Syria, said:  

“Southern Syria desperately needs humanitarian attention, including food aid, health sector support, clean water, and mental health care services, particularly for vulnerable groups like women, children, older adults, and people with disabilities.  

“Health facilities across southern Syria not only lack adequate staffing, but they are operating with limited equipment, medicines, and electricity – and many have sustained infrastructure damage due to conflict. Generally, there is a significant shortage of specialized medical staff in the area, including doctors, nurses, and technicians, and most health facilities are reporting a need for nearly all pharmaceutical items. Critical medical devices like dialysis machines, incubators, and surgical equipment are either absent altogether or in poor working condition due to a lack of maintenance. Malnutrition and anemia are prevalent amongst children, pregnant women, and older adults; and people living with chronic diseases like kidney disease and diabetes are not getting the necessary ongoing medical care, due to a lack of supplies and specialists. 

“A large portion of the population is experiencing trauma, depression, and anxiety due to the effects of war. While there are efforts from NGOs to provide mental health and psychological (MHPSS) support, there is a significant lack of trained mental health professionals, specialized facilities, and MHPSS programs in the area to help those suffering from the psychological aftermath of decades of conflict.”   

Project HOPE team members are available for interviews. Reach out to media@projecthope.org to facilitate.