Health Minister discusses enhancing cooperation with International Rescue Committee

Damascus, March 31 (SANA) Health Minister, Musab al-Ali, met on Tuesday with David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee, and his accompanying delegation to discuss ways to enhance joint health cooperation and explore partnerships supporting Syria’s health sector priorities.

During the meeting held at the ministry, al-Ali stressed that the ministry’s plan focuses on building a strong healthcare system and integrated services to help create conditions suitable for the return of refugees, rehabilitate damaged health facilities, and ensure the provision of medicines and medical equipment. He emphasized achieving health security through a clear vision in which international organizations play a key and active role.

The minister also highlighted the need to establish a Syrian drug authority, develop emergency response systems, and advance digital transformation, with a focus on relying on national human resources. He noted that many hospitals and health centers were directly targeted during the years of conflict.

For his part, Miliband affirmed that the International Rescue Committee has supported Syrians in northwest and northeast regions, focusing on primary healthcare services, mobile clinics for remote areas, and maternal and child health programs.

He underscored those strategic partnerships are essential to ensuring the sustainability of healthcare services, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to providing medical support and leveraging its expertise and resources to achieve shared goals.