Syria: Responding to the needs of newly displaced families

17 May 2019

Since the beginning of May 2019, bombing and shelling have intensified in northwest Syria. First figures indicate that more than 25 000 families were displaced by the bombings, between the 29th of April and the 5th of May 2019. Thousands of them arrived in the northwest of Idlib governorate, where we conduct some of our mobile clinic activities. As a result, we've adapted our activities, focusing primarily on assisting newly displaced families who found refuge in makeshift camps. We're also increasing our response, with more emergency distributions and water provision in various camps of Northwest Syria.

Transcript

Muhammad Qutib: This logo has become a reason to smile. It’s not only a red running man. It has become a reason to smile.

Super: In Idlib (Northern Syria), MSF deploys mobile clinics to reach people in need of healthcare. The organization’s trucks go to camps hosting thousands of displaced Syrians, to provide them with free medical consultations. The mobile clinics offer various services including primary health care and routine vaccinations. Sometimes, MSF teams also go to local schools, for punctual vaccination campaigns. MSF recently visited more than 50 schools, to vaccinate children against Tetanus and Diphteria. Over 6 200 children were vaccinated during the campaign, which lasted from January to March 2019.

Muhammad Qutib: Our work goes beyond just our vaccination activities though. The Mobile Clinic provides important and needed services, especially in the camps that are far from the city centres.

Super: But MSF’s work is not only medical. Its teams also distribute essential items to the displaced. And improves the sanitation system in various camps visited by the mobile clinics.

Muhammad Qutib: The Mobile Clinic is a sign of hope in these camps. You see the smile on the children’s faces, when they say: “The doctors have arrived!” Because we’re truly without borders.