Emergency response and health
Needs are increasing and the conditions facing internally displaced people continue to worsen. As food insecurity rises, it is vital to expand livelihood and agricultural support and assist those for whom hunger has become a constant companion. Coordinated nutrition, food security, health and WASH interventions are urgently required to tackle chronic malnutrition among under-fives and nutritional deficiencies in pregnant and breastfeeding women.
As well as providing vital food aid, Islamic Relief is also delivering life-saving healthcare interventions.
We are running healthcare facilities such as mobile emergency units, health centres and specialist dialysis centres, and have also established and supported the only heart surgery centre. In addition, in 2020 we provided medical items that are vital in many healthcare settings, including:
- – Physiotherapy and recovery items such as splints, mobility assistance devices, crutches, and braces
- – Medical disposables and specialist instruments and equipment.
Islamic Relief is also at the forefront of the response to the Covid-19 outbreak. We have delivered awareness-raising activities in primary healthcare centres. As part of efforts to reduce the spread of coronavirus, we gave 84 health facilities personal protective equipment (PPE) including masks, gloves, and medical gowns, as well as no-contact thermometers, hand disinfectant gels, disinfectant sprays and other sterilisation solutions. As a result, thousands of people were able to access free healthcare services.
“This centre is a source of pride for us and the whole world”
“The post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), continued trauma and continuous displacement that I have faced are the reason my health has suffered so badly,” says Ahmed, from Kafr Nabl, who had a heart condition that was being worsened by stress.
Then the 75-year-old became the first patient to receive specialist surgery
at the only heart surgery centre in northern Syria, which was established and supported by Islamic Relief as part of efforts to support Syria’s collapsing healthcare sector. It has made a huge difference to his health.
“Thank God, I am in the best health now. The feeling is indescribable. I thank Islamic Relief.”
The rising cost of essential commodities, particularly fuel, is making it increasingly difficult for hospitals and healthcare facilities in north-west Syria to function. In addition, many face major security concerns and a severe lack of medical supplies, leaving people without the life-saving and life-changing healthcare they need.
Islamic Relief’s healthcare interventions include a project to provide healthcare to over 1.2 million people in the region. Alongside running healthcare facilities, we provide wages to healthcare staff, essential training and support with running costs. We also offer transport for those who would not otherwise be able to travel to healthcare facilities, and have set up referral systems between healthcare facilities.