The IRC boosts health programs amid rising cholera concerns in northeast Syria

Amman, Jordan, September 26, 2024 - Northeast Syria is witnessing an increase in acute watery diarrhea, with more than 170 suspected cases of cholera being seen in Al Hasakeh, Ar Raqqa, and Deir Ez Zor governorates. In a recent assessment, an estimated 70% of communities in the northeastern region were found to have inadequate access to water, including drinking water, due to security concerns, high costs, or lack of connection to the main water network. Additionally, 80% of communities were found to lack access to health services, either because of high costs, lack of transportation, or the prohibitive expense of reaching health facilities. The health system has been so severely weakened that even identifying whether cholera cases are increasing is a challenge, further complicating response efforts. As communities grapple with both poor water and sanitation conditions and an overstretched health system, the risk of cholera spreading further is growing. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is closely monitoring the situation and is deeply concerned about the potential impact on already vulnerable populations, including displaced families and those in underserved areas.

Tanya Evans, the IRC Country Director in Syria, said,

"We are observing a concerning rise in suspected cholera cases in northeast Syria. Families who have already suffered so much from conflict are now dealing with the added risk of cholera, which can be especially serious for children and the elderly. Limited access to clean water, inadequate sanitation, and overcrowded living conditions have increased the likelihood of the disease spreading.

"The first cholera outbreak in Syria in over a decade began in September 2022 in northern Syria, placing an added strain on an already overburdened and fragile healthcare system. The IRC has started responding to the growing number of suspected cholera cases, but the scale of the challenge is immense. We need more support to provide essential medical supplies, and increase our staff capacity to scale up widespread community awareness campaigns. The health system in these areas is fragile, and strengthening it is essential to mitigate the impact of this health concern.

"We call on the international community to prioritize support for robust health services, ensuring access to necessary medical care, while simultaneously stepping to efforts to provide safe water and sanitation facilities.

The IRC is responding to this ongoing health challenge by procuring essential medicines and supplies, hiring community health workers to launch cholera prevention campaigns, and training local healthcare staff on cholera management. These efforts aim to contain the spread of the disease and protect vulnerable communities from further harm.