Location: Syria - Alep governorate

Situation:

The Alep branch of the Syrian Red Crescent (SARC, MdM's partner) is developing a network of health centres in the towns of this governorate, the most densely populated in Syria. For a long time it has not been  possible to run programmes in the northern area, which borders Turkey - this has now been made possible by the thaw in relations between  Syria and Turkey. SARC has opened health centres in this place where there remains much work to be done.

Activities:

Doctors of the World (DOW), in partnership with SARC, is developing a programme to improve access to healthcare for the rural population by supporting clinics in Alep governorate. Equipment, medicines and  training for healthcare workers were provided. MdM is promoting the opening of cardiology and ear, nose and throat (ENT) consultations and dental clinics. In addition, women's groups are trained in sexual and reproductive health as well as in mother and child health. As a result of the project around 3,500 patients per month attend the health centres (a figure which is  increasing since the collaboration with SARC).

Situation:

In 2010, DOW would like to strengthen its work in health centres. Prevention and health education are essential, particularly among  people under 25 years old (more than half of the country's population). SARC, encouraged by the results of this partnership, wants to continue to open health centres in other parts of the governorate.