Fifty tonnes of lifesaving medical supplies have reached Türkiye via the European Union (EU) Humanitarian Air Bridge, marking a significant step in delivering critical healthcare support to war-torn Syria. Coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO), the shipment aims to bolster overstretched primary health care centers and hospitals in regions with the most urgent needs.

Rosa Crestani, WHO Emergency Lead for the Gaziantep field office, underscored the gravity of the situation. “This delivery will provide millions of Syrians facing extraordinary hardship with much-needed life-saving medical supplies,” she said. “These supplies could not have come at a more critical time, as health workers struggle to provide care in overstretched facilities. We are deeply grateful to the EU for its unwavering support, which has made this consignment possible. WHO will continue to deliver vital support wherever it is needed most.”

The shipment, tailored to address Syria’s pressing healthcare challenges, includes trauma emergency surgery kits (TESKs) and essential medicines. TESKs are comprehensive packages designed for trauma care in emergencies, containing surgical tools, anaesthetic supplies, intravenous fluids, and sterilization materials. These resources will enable more than 8,000 emergency surgical procedures, supplemented by 30,000 pouches for infusions to support critical care. Essential medicines included in the shipment will address common health conditions and help prevent disease outbreaks, ensuring that hospitals and clinics can meet both urgent and routine demands.

The delivery is part of a broader commitment by the EU and WHO to support Syria’s struggling healthcare system. EU humanitarian aid funding made this shipment possible, reflecting a concerted effort to bridge critical gaps and prevent the closure of health facilities. Over 141 facilities in Idlib and northern Aleppo faced imminent risk of shutdown due to funding shortfalls, with potentially devastating consequences. This consignment will help ensure that medical supplies reach those in dire need and enable health workers to continue providing essential care.

Since November 27, WHO has significantly intensified its operations in Syria, delivering 510 trauma supply units to 37 health facilities. These efforts have enabled over 94,900 treatment courses, including more than 8,800 trauma procedures, around 80,100 courses of essential medicines, and over 5,900 mental health treatments, benefitting over 33,000 individuals.

WHO’s operational and logistic base in Gaziantep has played a pivotal role in these initiatives, ensuring timely delivery of supplies under challenging conditions. As Syria’s healthcare system continues to grapple with the aftermath of conflict, these collaborative efforts between the EU and WHO are a testament to the power of international solidarity in addressing humanitarian crises.