Miracle Story: Miraculous Survival of 3-Year-Old Girl
3-year-old Safa almost died by drowning. She fell into a sewer but by the time her family reached her in the sewage, she was unconscious. Her parents thought they had lost their beautiful child but they did not give up hope.
Safa was rushed to the recently opened Al-Andalus Hospital (see “New Beginnings” story below) where doctors literally saved her life. After being in the ICU on a ventilator for three days, Safa miraculously regained consciousness and was able to breathe on her own. After a few more days, Safa was given a clean bill of health and went home to her family. What a miracle story!
We are so grateful that this story had a happy ending. Thanks to our supporters, children like Safa have access to vital, lifesaving, dignified, free, quality medical and mental health care. Through your kindness, YOU are helping ensure that these children and their families receive the healthcare they deserve. Because of your generous gift, children like Safa can become stronger both physically and emotionally, paving the way towards a healthier and more promising future.
Together, we continue to save lives and build hope!
Fourth Surgical Medical Mission in Ukraine
In early June, UOSSM completed its 4th medical mission in Ukraine, in partnership with the David Nott Foundation (DNF). The 2-week surgical trainings, Hostile Environment Surgical Trainings (HEST) were led by world-renowned trauma surgeon Dr. David Nott, and his team from the UK. Recognized as the “Indiana Jones of surgery”, Dr. Nott often volunteers to work in disaster and war zones. Dr. Nott partnered with UOSSM in the past to provide these vital trainings to Syrian doctors in Syria and Turkey, training them to save lives from war wounds and injuries.
The recent HEST trainings in Ukraine included one three-day training in Dnipro, with 38 surgeons, and another three-day training in Kharkiv, where 30 surgeons received the intensive training course. One complicated surgery was also performed on a patient with severe war wounds.
Dr. Khaula Sawah and Dr. Monzer Yazji, both co-founders of UOSSM USA, joined the surgical trainings. In addition, Dr. Sawah met with the director of the Ukrainian Ministry of Public Health Center of Emergency Medical Aid and Disaster Medicine, Dr. Vitaliy Kryliuk, who was very appreciative of the work UOSSM, along with DNF, is doing on the ground in Ukraine. Dr. Kruylik emphasized the importance to provide doctors and surgeons with more advanced, structured, vital trainings, and to provide Training of Trainers (ToTs) courses to advance the skills of Ukrainian surgeons to handle and treat war zone injuries in particular on the frontlines to train fellow Ukrainian surgeons.
To learn more about our medical work in Ukraine click here.
Click here to support upcoming medical missions in Ukraine.
New Beginnings: UOSSM Opens Al-Andalus Hospital in Idlib
On June 28th, UOSSM officially opened Al-Andalus Hospital (formerly Abeen Hospital) which includes specialty clinics, operating rooms, and rehabilitation centers. The hospital serves a catchment area of 185,000 people. It is located in the vicinity of 67 camps of displacement with over 96,000 internally displaced persons. As such, it is vital for providing critical medical services to those who need it most in these hard-to-reach areas.
The hospital specializes in general, laparoscopic, urinary, and gynecological surgeries, and has other specialty departments including reproductive health, mental health, lab, and radiology. In addition, surgical, pediatric, gynecological, urinary care, and general surgeries are provided. The lab, radiology, emergency, and labor and delivery departments operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Via the Health Integrated Resilience System (HIRS) Telemedicine Platform, online consultations are still ongoing between local service providers and medical experts at two major mental health hospitals (Sarmada in Idlib, and Al-Bab in Aleppo). In addition, online consultations are provided in both Al-Ekhaa Hospital (Pediatrics Department) and Atmeh Charity Hospital (Intensive Care Unit).
Telemedicine helps reduce the gap among qualified health professionals (ICU, MH, NICU, and PICU) as it provides opportunities for consultations, educational opportunities, and mentorship with other specialists (diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for complex cases).
The Electric Vehicle (EV) continues to transport vaccines from cold rooms to primary healthcare facilities, in cooperation with the Syria Immunization Group (SIG). Each month, the EV distributes 12,000 vaccine doses.
In addition, the EV is vital for transporting and transferring COVID-19 patients, pregnant women, and children under one year old. As part of the referral network, the EV will also begin to transport patients in the near future.
The EV uses a lithium battery charged at health facilities powered by solar energy, making it 100% electric. The use of the EV is expected to result in long-term significant savings by reducing dependence on fuel and strengthening the health system.
UOSSM led a medical mission in Ukraine, in partnership with the David Nott Foundation (DNF), for two weeks in early June. The surgical trainings, Hostile Environment Surgical Trainings (HEST) were led by world renowned war surgeon Dr. David Nott, and his team from the UK, Drs. Pete Mathew and Ammar Darwish. The surgical trainings were planned and facilitated by Dr. Ahmad Dbais and the UOSSM Ukraine team. Dr. Khaula Sawah and Dr. Monzer Yazji, both co-founders of UOSSM USA, joined the surgical trainings.
The HEST training included one three-day course in Dnipro, where 38 surgeons received the training, and another three-day training in Kharkiv, where 30 surgeons received the intensive training course. These areas have both been under fire over the past few weeks. The trainee surgeons were very appreciative and engaged with the training courses.
One complicated surgery was also performed on a patient with war wounds.
Dr. Nott posted on the David Nott Foundation page, “We want doctors to feel empowered – sometimes all that’s needed is confidence. We want doctors to feel inspired to learn and try the techniques they’ve seen on our course.”
Dr. Nott partnered with UOSSM in the past to provide these vital trainings to Syrian doctors in Syria and Turkey, to train them to save lives from war wounds and injuries.
Dr. Sawah met with the director of the Ukrainian Ministry of Public Health Center of Emergency Medical Aid and Disaster Medicine, Dr. Vitaliy Kryliuk (Віталій Крилюк) after the Dnipro training. Dr. Kruylik was very appreciative of the work UOSSM along with DNF is doing on the ground in Ukraine. Dr. Kruylik emphasized on the importance to provide doctors and surgeons with more advanced, structured, vital trainings, and to provide Training of Trainers (ToTs) courses to advance the skills of Ukrainian surgeons to handle and treat war zone injuries in particular on the frontlines to train fellow Ukrainian surgeons.
UOSSM doctors felt the duty to provide Ukrainian doctors and patients with support and invaluable expertise gained from the 11-year Syrian crisis.
Dr. Sawah said, “We know exactly how the Ukrainian doctors and civilians are feeling, and what they are experiencing. The brutal effects of war…the fear…the helplessness…the uncertainty…that is why we chose to share our experiences and expertise gained over the past 11 years in Syria, with the Ukrainian people. We want to help save lives. It was heartwarming to see people just come up to us and thank us for our support especially after they knew where we came from and what we have been doing for over a decade in Syria. We hope to continue to have more impact in Ukraine, supporting civilians with medical and humanitarian relief, and doctors and healthcare professionals with vital training and support to help save lives.”
Dr. Sawah added, “The UOSSM Ukraine team is making a difference every day with these trainings, mental health workshops, and medical and humanitarian relief amid the massive displacement during the last three months. I would also like to personally thank Dr. Sasha, a young Ukrainian orthopedic surgeon, who played a vital role in the trainings by translating and explaining the complete course materials, and helping to create an engaging environment with the Ukrainian surgeons.”
You can support our work in Ukraine by clicking here.
You can learn about our work in Ukraine by clicking here.
Impact Story: Expression Through Art
Shaimaa was suffering both mentally and physically due to many issues including hearing and speech impairment, depression, and anxiety. She was sad and hopeless with extremely low self-esteem. Being displaced only made things worse in her young life.
Shaimaa visited UOSSM Turkey’s Special Needs Rehabilitation (SNR) center but could not receive any speech therapy until she first received a hearing aid. During her initial consultation, the psychologist observed that Shaimaa was dealing with many emotional issues and began art therapy sessions to help her overcome this.
A young, brilliant artist, Shaimaa expressed herself and her emotions through her artwork. Sad pictures reflected her melancholy feelings while bright and colorful art reflected her happier days. Through the art therapy sessions, Shaimaa’s self-esteem improved. After 7-8 sessions at our center, a significant improvement in her condition was noticed – she felt accomplished and stronger. You can watch a video about Shaimaa here!
Yet, there are countless other Syrian children like Shaimaa throughout Syria, Turkey and Jordan, who are also feeling hopeless and alone. They too are in need of medical and mental healthcare services. With YOUR generous gifts, YOU are helping ensure these children receive the healthcare they deserve. Thanks to your support, these children can become stronger both physically and emotionally, paving the way towards a healthier and more promising future.
Together, we are saving lives and building hope.
You can click here to continue to support children like Shaimaa!
Medical and Psychological Aspects of War Workshop
On May 26th, UOSSM Ukraine, in participation with the International Academy of Personal Management, organized and presented its, “Medical and Psychological Aspects of War” lecture and training workshop to over 25 doctors and volunteers.
The hybrid program sessions were offered both in-person and virtual formats focused on the following topics:
Upon completion of the training session, all participants were presented with certificates of completion.
To learn more about our medical work in Ukraine click here.
Click here to support our work in Ukraine.
Continuing Nutrition Services in Northwest Syria
Malnutrition continues to threaten the lives of children in displacement camps in northwest Syria where malnourishment touches 1 out of every 5 children in Idlib and 1 in 4 children in Aleppo.
UOSSM continues to respond as nutrition teams visit areas of displacement, screening children for malnutrition. Acute malnutrition cases are treated on the spot, while parents/guardians are provided with educational materials and advice on how to maintain their child at a healthy weight. Severe malnutrition cases are referred to area hospitals or clinics for more urgent care.The nutrition teams follow up on a regular basis with the child until he/she reaches a healthy weight.
On May 26th, UOSSM Ukraine, in participation with the International Academy of Personal Management, organized and presented the lecture and training workshop, “Medical and Psychological Aspects of War” to over 25 doctors and volunteers. There were both in person and online speakers and participants at the session.
The program offered:
Upon completion of the training session, all participants were presented with certificates of participation.
You can click here to support our work in Ukraine.
You can click here to learn more about our medical mission in Ukraine.
UOSSM USA is a medical humanitarian organization, that provides medical relief, emergency lifesaving aid, and quality healthcare to those affected by crisis. UOSSM USA is dedicated to its mission and increases its impact by partnering with local communities and organizations world-wide and is non-political and non-sectarian in its mission…
UOSSM has played an integral role in the mental health and healthcare in the Syrian crisis. UOSSM established strategic initiatives early on in the crisis, working closely with local communities, the most vulnerable, particularly women & children, national and international organizations; providing quality healthcare services to millions of people in need…
Today, there is an estimated 1.2 billion #youth in the world and the need to address their challenges is increasingly pressing. This year’s International Youth Day is raising awareness on the barriers to intergenerational solidarity, such as #ageism. Youth is the future. They are agents of change and peacemakers. It is important that they receive the same opportunities and resources as much as any other age group.
UOSSM actively seeks to provide opportunities for young people. In 2021, our Jordan office partnered with Bareeq Education Center to launch the academic enrichment program for refugee students and underserved Jordanian children (grades 1-12) in Amman, Jordan. The courses offered include Arabic, English, Math, Physics, Mental Math, and Chemistry, in addition to extracurricular activities such as soccer and chess.
Learn more about UOSSM’s mission to helping the youth and how you can help by visiting our website: www.uossm.us
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#InternationalYouthDay #youthdevelopment #UOSSM #youthempowerment #hope #Jordan #Syria #RefugeesToday, there is an estimated 1.2 billion #youth in the world and the need to address their challenges is increasingly pressing. This year’s International Youth Day is raising awareness on the barriers to intergenerational solidarity, such as #ageism. Youth is the future. They are agents of change and peacemakers. It is important that they receive the same opportunities and resources as much as any other age group.
UOSSM actively seeks to provide opportunities for young people. In 2021, #UOSSM USA’s Jordan office partnered with Bareeq Education Center to launch the academic enrichment program for refugee students and underserved Jordanian children (grades 1-12) in Amman, Jordan. The courses offered include Arabic, English, Math, Physics, Mental Math, and Chemistry, in addition to extracurricular activities such as soccer and chess.
Learn more about UOSSM’s mission to helping the youth and how you can help by signing up for our newsletter: www.uossm-canada.org/sign_up_for_our_newsletter
#InternationalYouthDay #youthdevelopment #youthempowerment #hope
His smile can light up even the darkest of rooms but baby Abd Al Karem was really sick and recently hospitalized due to severe acute malnutrition and other medical conditions. Our nutrition team is following up with him to make sure he is recovering and reaching a healthy weight. We hope he continues to brighten up rooms with his smiles ☺.
There are countless children like Abd Al Kareem in need of nutrition services and medical care. Our supporters ensure they have access to these services every day!
Together, we are saving lives and building hope.
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#UOSSM #malnutrition #medicalcare #humanitarian #displaced #refugees #hope
As the community health team was visiting displacement camps in Aqrabat, they found little Ameer.
The baby boy is only seven months old and is suffering from severe acute malnutrition. His mother said he constantly suffers from vomiting and diarrhea.
The child was referred to the nutrition center in the Aqrabat Primary Health Care Center where he will be examined and evaluated by a doctor and put on a treatment plan to help him recover and reach a healthy weight.
YOUR support helps children like Ameer receive the nutrition care they desperately need in their difficult situations.
Together, we are saving lives and building hope.
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#UOSSM #malnutrition #displaced #aqrabat #Idlib #Syria #humanitarian #medical #hope #nutrition
Physiotherapy is considered one of the most prominent services provided by Bab Al-Hawa Rehabilitation Center. The center has two wings - one for men and the other for women and children. Specialized staff provide the necessary care for patients based on their diagnosis and evaluation by the head of the department, Mohsen Khorshed.
Every day our supporters help patients receive the physiotherapy they need to improve their wellbeing.
Together, we are saving lives and building hope.
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#UOSSM #refugees #medicalaid #Syria #healthcare #healthsystems #medicalcare #hospital #conflictzone #primarycare #rehabcenter #humanitarian #displaced
Every day, our supporters help the Sarmada Mental Hospital outpatient clinic provide quality, free, clinical consultations, medication treatment, rehabilitation, and psychosocial support to patients suffering with mental illness.
Many people suffer from mental illness in Syria due to the lasting effects of war and violence. Together, we will continue to save lives and build hope.
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#UOSSM #mentalhealth #humanitarian #Syria #Idlib #hope
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