PRESS RELEASE: UOSSM Holds First Annual Primary Healthcare Conference in Damascus, Syria – A Historic Step Toward Value-Based Healthcare

Edinburg, TX- UOSSM hosted a landmark event at Damascus University, in Damascus, Syria, marking a pivotal moment in building a value-based healthcare system for the country. The first annual UOSSM Primary Healthcare Conference took place from April 4-6, 2025.

The event was attended by:

• Dr. Mousab Nazzal Ali, Minister of Health
• Dr. Abdulsalam Haikal, Minister of Communications and Information Technology
• Muhammad Osama Al-Jabban, President of Damascus University
• Prof. Soubhi Al Bahri, Dean of Damascus University School of Medicine
• Dr. Hussein Al-Khatib, Deputy Minister
• Dr. Zuheir Qarrat, Director of Planning and International Cooperation
• Dr. Khaula Sawah, Vice President of UOSSM USA

and the UOSSM team, health directors, administrative leaders, and Ministry of Health representatives — bringing together a strong network of health professionals from across Syria.

UOSSM presented its PIONEER Initiative (Primary Initial Observation & Needs Evaluation forEssential Response) – a strategic, multi-phase intervention, in partnership with the Syrian Ministry of Health, aligned with WHO standards. The initiative is aimed at rebuilding Syria’s collapsing primary healthcare system.

The initial assessment identifies critical service gaps and provides essential data to guide targeted, evidence-based interventions that improve healthcare accessibility and quality.

The project launched in December, 2024, coinciding with the liberation of Syria from the Assad regime. With access now open to all of Syria, UOSSM encountered a healthcare system in urgent need of rebuilding. UOSSM already conducted field assessments of current clinics in Damascus, Damascus Suburbs, Daraa, Hama, and Deir Ezzor. Based on these findings, each governorate will soon launch a pilot training clinic to serve as a model for delivering high-quality, people-centered care.

The PIONEER Initiative lays the foundation for value-based healthcare in Syria—an approach that leads to:

• Better health for individuals
• Better outcomes for communities
• Better support for providers
• Affordability and health equity for all

Ultimately, this model will help lower the overall cost of care while maximizing its impact.

Conference workshops focused on setting 2025 priorities through collaborative planning—uniting leadership in a shared vision for a healthier Syria.

For over 10 years, UOSSM has maintained a close partnership with Syria’s Health Directorate in Idlib, working to deliver critical healthcare services in northwest Syria. It is now partnering with the new Ministry of Health to support provision of quality healthcare in all of Syria. Since its founding in 2012, UOSSM has established and operated approximately 15 primary healthcare centers in northern and northwestern Syria, and has launched dozens of mobile clinics in internally displaced communities and hard-to-reach areas.

Dr. Monzer Yazji, President of UOSSM USA stated, “Syria is broken and bleeding. Together, we will rebuild and heal Syria.”