Damascus, June 8 (SANA) Syrian Health Minister Musab al-Ali met on Monday with delegations from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to discuss enhancing cooperation and addressing health challenges and disease outbreaks.
Al-Ali stressed the need for increased international support to strengthen epidemiological surveillance systems and rehabilitate public health laboratories, warning of the risks posed by diseases including leishmaniasis and polio.
He said health security is a top priority, particularly with the start of summer and the return of large numbers of Syrian expatriates. He also emphasized the need for transparent data on vaccination coverage in the eastern Euphrates region, adding that the ministry has a clear vision to achieve integration in the health sector and transition to self-reliance rather than aid as quickly as possible.
Syria a priority for UN agencies
Members of the international delegation affirmed that Syria is among the top priorities for their support and vaccination programs, noting an increased vaccine budget and continued aid, along with support for health staff in developing data systems and building a sustainable national immunization strategy.
The delegation also commended the health ministry for launching a unified epidemiological report for the first time and for its plans to achieve efficiency and integration in the health sector.
Syria’s vaccination coverage rates showed notable improvement during 2025, exceeding 81%, the health ministry previously reported. Intensive national campaigns reached more than 750,000 children under five, with coverage exceeding 87% of the target number in eastern provinces, as part of a program aimed at enhancing prevention and reducing communicable diseases.
KhA
