June 2019

Violent Bombardment Continues in Idlib

The violent attacks on Idlib have continued since April 28, leaving at least 400 civilians dead and wounding at least 1000, many of the victims are children. In June, at least three paramedics and one doctor were killed in targeted attacks, and at least five medical staff were wounded. Since April 28, 32 medical facilities have been bombed leaving a large, vulnerable population with little or no access to medical care.

Many of the 400,000 displaced are living under olive trees in open fields with no protection from the elements. There are an estimated 3.5 million people living in Idlib whose lives are at risk if the attacks are not stopped.

Dr. Anas Al Kassem Testifies at Subcommittee on International Human Rights on the Humanitarian Situation in Idlib

On June 13, 2019, Dr. Anas Al Kassem, a board member of UOSSM, testified at the Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development. Dr. Al Kassem spoke of the dire humanitarian situation in Idlib.

UOSSM Participates in Meeting to Define Humanitarian Health Response Strategy in Areas of Conflict

On June 10-11, UOSSM, represented by Dr. Ahmad Dbais, participated in the conference: “Rethinking the Humanitarian Health Response to Violent Conflict”. UOSSM was invited by the Chairman of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The conference took place in the Chatham House in London. The meeting aimed at defining how to make important, pragmatic contributions to the development of more effective humanitarian health responses in areas of violent conflict.

Impact Story- Mustafa’s Story

Another child affected by the brutal war in #Syria😞… “I love to play in the neighborhood just like other kids but they get scared of me, so I don’t like going outside anymore.” Mustafa Alassaad is a displaced child from the #Idlib countryside, currently, he lives with his family in Afreen. “I was playing next to my home while my mom was cooking, I heard the airplane flying overhead, I ran inside the house because I was so scared that it would drop a bomb, and the whole pot of hot frying oil fell on me.”

Mustafa sustained third-degree burns and complains from itchy and sensitive skin throughout his body. He went to the #UOSSM Afreen Primary Health Care Center where Dr Khalil examined Mustafa and made sure the burns were healing correctly and prescribed medicines to help him with his symptoms. Another child affected by the brutal war. We pray for Mustafa’s full recovery.