UN Warns Nearly 16 Million Syrians Need Urgent Health Aid Amid Explosive Remnants of War Crisis
The United Nations has issued a stark warning about Syria’s deteriorating health system, with nearly 16 million people urgently requiring humanitarian health assistance, Jurist News reported. UN Secretary-General spokesman Stéphane Dujarric highlighted ongoing threats from explosive remnants of war (ERWs), which have caused over 1,000 casualties since November 2024, including 414 deaths and 592 injuries.
ERWs remain a severe danger, especially to civilians engaged in agricultural work, which accounted for more than half of April’s incidents. Children represent nearly a third of all ERW casualties. The Syrian health infrastructure continues to suffer, with only 59% of hospitals and 46% of primary healthcare centers fully operational. Medicine shortages and rising treatment costs have placed critical care out of reach for many Syrians.
Despite limited funding and damaged infrastructure, cross-border aid from Türkiye has increased sixfold compared to last year, with 1,185 aid trucks delivering assistance monthly to 2.5 million people. However, the humanitarian response plan requires $2 billion to support 8 million people through June 2025 but has received less than $236 million to date.
Dujarric called for expanded risk education, explosive clearance, and survivor support to address the crisis and prevent further casualties and disease outbreaks amid overcrowded shelters.
