October Newsletter |
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Visiting Regional Office in Jordan Dr. Khaula Sawah, President of UOSSM USA, visited our Jordan regional office in October. Dr. Sawah, along with the team on the ground, conducted field visits to plan and strategize for future initiatives that will serve Syrian refugees and underserved communities in Jordan. As part of the field visits, the team visited random displacement camps in Madaba Governorate to evaluate conditions and plan on different ways to provide support in future projects. There are over 100 families living in dire conditions in these camps. In addition, Dr. Sawah attended the first Al Takaful Medical Day on October 5, where families in need received consultations and medical services. Dr. Sawah concluded her visit in Jordan by visiting the Al Bareeq Educational Center to observe the services being provided there to children. She ensured Bareeq’s leadership of UOSSM USA’s commitment to continue supporting the children in the center with educational enrichment. Dr. Sawah began her regional field visits in Turkey and northwest Syria in September where she focused on UOSSM USA-supported programs including the Orphan Sponsorship Program, and the Special Needs Rehabilitation Center. The purpose of these visits was to strengthen the impact of services provided with UOSSM in Syria and Turkey. |
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Open Medical Day in Jordan On October 5th, UOSSM USA partnered with Al Takaful Health Center in Ramtha, Jordan to hold its first medical day which provided quality health care services to patients of different nationalities and age groups. The medical services provided include specialty medicine clinics, including endocrinology, diabetes, family medicine, kidney and urology surgery, orthopedic and joint surgery, community medicine, general medicine, and psychological support services. Nearly 250 patients of different nationalities and ages and from various governorates of Jordan benefited from the Medical Day’s activities and services. |
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Mobile Clinics in Response to Bombings in Idlib From October 5 – October 8, at least 42 civilians were killed in Idlib through indiscriminate bombings and shelling, including seven women and 12 children. At least 202 were injured, including 31 women and 49 children. The brutal attacks wreaked havoc throughout the region, resulting in death, injuries, destruction, and displacement. UOSSM responded immediately through our medical facilities, ambulance system, and mobile clinics, working tirelessly to save lives. UOSSM also launched two mobile clinics to areas of newly displaced people. The mobile clinics provided primary health care, and psychological support and care including care for chronic diseases, pediatric care, reproductive health, and primary psychological support. In addition, life-saving medications were provided. As a result of these attacks, thousands of families were displaced yet again. |
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WHO Field Visits at UOSSM Supported Facilities Within the framework of cooperation and promoting the best methods of humanitarian response among partners, a delegation from the World Health Organization (WHO) made field visits to Aqrabat Hospital and the psychiatric unit for acute cases in Sarmada in northwest Syria. The delegation was briefed by staff and team members on the tireless humanitarian efforts undertaken by medical and psychological personnel and the services they provide to host and displaced communities in northwestern Syria. |
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Enhancing Technicians of Neonatal Intensive Care Units On October 15, 2023, exams for the second semester of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Diploma (NICU) began with 50 students sitting for the test. This diploma program was designed to benefit healthcare professionals working in the intensive care units of children’s hospitals. The curriculum spanned eight months, encompassing both theoretical knowledge and practical training in neonatal intensive care techniques. The primary objective of this program is to enhance the skill set of technicians operating in neonatal intensive care units, ultimately improving the quality of medical services available to families in the region. This is the second diploma program to be implemented as part of the R4HSSS project which aims to strengthen the health system in northern Syria. |
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Pains of War Children continue to pay the highest price from war and crisis. Huda was severely injured in her face, hands, and feet, from bomb shrapnel that was targeting the city of Ariha. Two of her siblings were killed in the same attack. Huda was initially taken to a smaller hospital for emergency care, but her injuries were extensive. She was in critical condition and needed care from a more advanced hospital to save her life. The UOSSM supported emergency ambulance team rushed to transport Huda to the hospital as she was partially unconscious. While driving they hoped she wouldn’t ask about her siblings – they were not sure how to break that terrible news to her. They really wanted to focus on her recovery, and not make things worse. Once she arrived at the hospital, she received the care she needed including a scan of her brain, skull, and vital organs. After several hours, Yasser and Abdullah, from the ambulance team were so relieved to hear that Huda’s condition was stable, and she had improved. Her life was spared, yet her two innocent siblings tragically lost their lives due to indiscriminate shelling – victims of a ruthless war that has claimed the lives of so many children. The question that haunts Yasser, Abdullah, and all those who helped save Huda’s life remains: “How long will civilians continue to be the targets and pay the ultimate price with every military escalation?” You can watch Huda’s story here. The need continues to be so great. We are so grateful to our supporters who enable us to save precious lives every single day. Together, we continue to save lives and build hope. |
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