It also cited increasing cases of respiratory disease, composed of inadequate heating, crowded camps and damaged infrastructure.
“There is a continuous significant increase in influenza -like diseases (ILI) and serious acute respiratory infections (SARI), since the beginning of winter with subsequent rise in the hospital’s visit and increased public health concerns,” the health cluster said.
Led by WHO, the health cluster coordinates the efforts of over 900 partners globally to meet health needs in humanitarian emergencies, providing expertise, capacity building and technical guidance to ensure effective and life-saving reactions in crisis-affected regions.
Aggravated relationships
Heran winter conditions in northwestern Syria continue to aggravate the existing health vulnerability, especially among the internally displaced people, which often live in provisional shelters and overcrowded camps that lack sufficient insulation and heating, added it.
Public health officials also warned of increased risks, including hypothermia when temperatures fall.
To tackle these issues, health partners emphasized the need for targeted interventions, including better isolated shelters, heating and access to important medical supplies.
Humanitarian response
The UN and partners have also intensified the efforts to improve access to healthcare.
From Wednesday, 750 trucks that carry the help of seven UN agencies, including WHO AND UN CHILDREN’S FUND (UNICEF), crossed into northwestern Syria through Bab al-Hawa and Bab Al-Salam crossings, with 37 trucks arriving this one arriving this week.
These shipments include important medical supplies, food and other humanitarian help.
There have been 37 health facilities and 14 health clusters with 510 trauma supply kits, enabling the treatment of over 90,000 individuals.
The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has also provided health sets and material to strengthen sexual and reproductive healthcare. Mobile mental health units continue to provide psychological support for vulnerable populations, including children and IDPs, in isolated areas.
To tackle critical deficiency, health partners such as the Watan Foundation have implemented three mobile blood banks and collected 210 blood units through donation campaigns. Other partners are also expanding support for hospitals in Aleppo focusing on pediatric care and trauma services.
Ongoing challenges
Despite these efforts, the health crisis in northwestern Syria remains serious.
The latest land mining explosions in Idlib, Aleppo and Hama have caused deaths and injuries, which further exerents the health care system. On December 24, three explosions killed a man in Idlib and wounded others in Aleppo, including a child.
Financing deficiency is another critical concern.
The health cluster requires $ 22 million over the next three months to maintain important healthcare for 450,000 people. Serious underfunding has left 140 health facilities, including general and specialized hospitals, primary health centers and dialysis units.
