FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 2nd, 2024

CONTACT: Logan Bayroff, [email protected], 516-965-5159

MedGlobal Responds to Escalating Crisis in Syria, Condemns Attacks on Idlib and Aleppo Hospitals

MedGlobal, a leading humanitarian organization providing critical medical services in crisis zones around the world, is helping to lead the healthcare response to the escalating conflict in Syria. 

The organization operates a robust medical team based in Idlib in northwestern Syria, which handles emergency surgeries at the ICU of Idlib’s Darkush Hospital. During the recent intensification of hostilities between the Syrian regime and rebel forces, members of the MedGlobal team deployed to Aleppo University Hospital’s ICU to provide critical care there. Additionally, MedGlobal is providing dialysis sessions for referred cases from Aleppo after the closure of the main dialysis center in the city. The organization has been providing 24/7 emergency nursing services and operating mobile clinics delivering health and nutrition services, while also distributing essential medical supplies. 

MedGlobal strongly condemns the attacks by the Syrian government and its Russian allies on civilians and on healthcare facilities. On Sunday, Aleppo University Hospital was targeted by airstrikes. On Monday, shelling targeted the Idlib Health Directorate, Idlib University Hospital, the National Hospital, Ibn Sina Children’s Hospital, and the Maternity and Obstetrics Hospital. 

“We are appalled by the direct bombings of healthcare facilities and staff, who should never be targets in any conflict. These are egregious violations of International Humanitarian Law,” said Dr. Zaher Sahloul, founder and president of MedGlobal, himself a Syrian-American who has provided extensive humanitarian care in the country. “We are proud of our colleagues on the ground who are heroically mobilizing to save lives and provide care amidst the violence. We call on the international community to do everything in its power to protect civilians, and to make clear that attacks on hospitals and humanitarian workers are totally unacceptable.” 

MedGlobal’s healthcare teams on the ground are warning that healthcare facilities, already under severe strain prior to the new escalation, are overwhelmed and in dire need of greater international aid and support, including emergency medical supplies, nutritional support and access to clean water. 

MedGlobal care providers working on the ground in Idlib and Aleppo, and MedGlobal’s president Dr. Sahloul, are available for interviews to discuss the crisis. Please contact [email protected] to arrange an interview. 

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MedGlobal is a humanitarian nonprofit organization that provides emergency response and health programs to build resilience among vulnerable communities around the world. The organization’s health programs support victims of crisis and conflict, refugees, internally displaced persons, and marginalized communities in disaster-affected and low-resource settings.