Damascus, Jan. 18 (SANA) Syria’s Health Minister, Musab al-Ali, met Sunday with the World Health Organization’s Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Hanan Balkhy, to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation and expand support for the country’s health sector amid ongoing challenges.
Improving Service Delivery
The meeting, held in Damascus, focused on the pressures facing Syria’s healthcare system and explored practical measures to improve service delivery and enhance the performance of the national health system.
Minister al-Ali said that despite limited resources, the ministry continues efforts to maintain essential health services, praising the WHO’s role in supporting the sector at multiple levels. He described the organization’s assistance as a key factor in strengthening the resilience of Syria’s health system.
One Health Approach
Discussions, the minister said, also covered priority areas including the “One Health” approach linking human, animal, and environmental health, the integration of health considerations into public policy, the expansion of mental health services, and efforts to address drug addiction, which is an increasing health and social concern.
Balkhy said Syria is at a stage that requires swift and flexible responses to emerging health challenges, reaffirming the WHO’s readiness to support the continuity and quality of healthcare services.
WHO Support
She said her visit focuses on three regional initiatives: improving access to medicines by supporting local pharmaceutical production; providing technical assistance to the Syrian Drug Authority to help ensure the safety and effectiveness of medicines; and strengthening healthcare delivery through support for medical personnel. She also highlighted cooperation with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime on efforts to combat drug use and addiction.
Balkhy added that a specialized meeting would be held to further address addiction-related issues and noted discussions on investment opportunities and financial support for the health sector.
In December, the WHO said it would continue backing Syrian-led efforts to restore essential health services, strengthen primary healthcare, and rebuild the country’s health system.
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