Syrian Arab Republic
Situation highlights
• After nearly 21 months, the conflict has spread to all 14 governorates.
• There are 1.2 million IDPs and more than 2.5 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.
• Due to insecurity, a lack of health personnel, and shortages in basic medical equipment and medicines, basic health services are struggling to function.
• 76% of hospitals and 15% of health centres have been damaged or destroyed.
• The functioning hospitals are often overwhelmed with patients.
• Hospitals and health facilities are reporting shortages of vaccines and life-saving medicines, especially antibiotics, anaesthesia, trauma medicines, intravenous fluid and medicines for diabetes and hypertension.
• Over half of the ambulances are damaged or out of service which negatively impacts the capacity to provide referral services.
• Reports indicate that a large number of health personnel have left the country.
• National vaccination coverage for the first quarter of 2012 dropped from 95% to 80%
• Access to safe water and appropriate sanitation in affected areas has been interrupted, leading to an increased risk of waterborne diseases.
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