PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2020
Hyperinflation Creates Mass Starvation in Syria
Dallas, Texas- The price of a typical food basket in Syria has increased by 200% in the past six months, according to the World Food Program (WFP). Many grocers, shops and pharmacies have shut down as business owners cannot keep up with the changing prices. The UN estimates 11 million people were already in need of humanitarian assistance in Syria. According to a WFP survey in April, 9.3 million people had food insecurity, and 87 percent had no savings. Since the beginning of May, the value of the Syrian Pound has more than halved. The official rate has gone from 704 to 1,256 Syrian Pounds to one USD. The unofficial rate is currently 2,500 Syrian Pounds to one USD.
The WFP estimates that 4.6 million children and breastfeeding mothers are in need of nutrition assistance with 3.7 million acute cases. It is feared that half a million children under five will suffer from stunting both physically and cognitively.
UOSSM requests the international community immediately increase deliveries of food, fuel and essentials to Syria, and further assist vulnerable populations.
Dr. Khaula Sawah, Vice President of UOSSM USA said, “We are deeply concerned for the health of millions throughout Syria. Years of unrest has decimated the health system and now millions are at risk for starvation. The massive rise in prices of food essentials is alarming. Many people cannot afford to feed their families based on salaries that remain the same despite inflation costs. This will lead to a rise in malnutrition and starvation and possibly even death. We call on the international community to take action to prevent the spread of starvation and save lives.”
For Media Inquiries Please Contact:
Najah Allouch:
UOSSM USA Communications and Media Director
Email: press@uossm.us
Since 2012, UOSSM has been providing emergency medical relief and healthcare services to the Syrian people affected by the crisis, working primarily inside Syria and with Syrian refugees in Turkey.
In 2018:
UOSSM provided almost 2.5 million medical services
UOSSM supported 14 primary health care centers and 13 mobile clinics
UOSSM provided over 162,000 beneficiaries with nutrition services focused on
women and children
UOSSM provided nutrition services to over 162,000 people
UOSSM Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services provided care to 110,096 beneficiaries
UOSSM Bab Al Hawa Hospital provided health care services to over 1 million patients since establishment through the end of 2019
