Overview

The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges globally, with Syria being particularly vulnerable due to its fragile healthcare system, economic downturn, and displacement crisis. In response, Syria Relief & Development (SRD) activated a comprehensive COVID-19 emergency response. Partnering with organizations like WHO, SRD co-led the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Technical Working Group and implemented multi-faceted interventions to mitigate the virus’s spread in northwest Syria. These efforts were designed to address the unique needs of displaced populations living in overcrowded conditions and to strengthen the region’s health infrastructure.

Activities

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC):

• Trained 3,026 healthcare workers on COVID-19 IPC procedures and triage systems.
• Established triage stations and COVID-19 screening points across health facilities.
• Distributed IPC supplies and conducted bi-weekly supervision visits to monitor compliance with IPC protocols.

Healthcare Interventions:

• Operated a Community-Based Treatment Center (CBTC) with 50 inpatient beds for COVID-19 cases.
• Provided essential medications, sample collection services, and COVID-specific labor and pediatric care units.
• Ensured access to healthcare through 16 ambulances, 23 patient transportation vehicles, and a unified referral network covering 165 facilities.

Awareness and Education:

• Conducted awareness sessions for 23,321 community members, distributed educational materials, and displayed posters in medical centers.
• Engaged Community Health Workers (CHWs) for home visits, delivering key messages and identifying suspected cases.

Innovative Approaches:

• Introduced telemedicine and remote consultation services to reduce facility overcrowding and ensure continued care for patients in quarantine.
• Implemented virtual consultations for antenatal and postnatal care, integrating psychological assessments and tailored tools for service delivery.

Impact

SRD’s COVID-19 emergency response significantly mitigated the pandemic’s impact in northwest Syria:

• Over 21,622 individuals received COVID-19 care through SRD facilities.
•  More than 11,635 COVID-19 cases were referred to hospitals and treatment centers.
• IPC practices were strengthened in 50 health facilities, improving infection control and waste management systems.
• Community awareness efforts empowered displaced populations to adopt preventive measures, reducing transmission risks.
• By integrating telemedicine and enhancing referral systems, SRD ensured continuity of care and minimized exposure risks in overcrowded settings.

Through these efforts, SRD demonstrated resilience and adaptability, contributing to the overall health and safety of vulnerable populations during a global crisis.