Since the start of the war in the Middle East, more than 200,000 people have fled from Lebanon to Syria. The vast majority are returning Syrians, but an increasing number of Lebanese are also seeking refuge in the neighboring country. At two border crossings, Malteser International supports a medical facility at each location where refugees can receive initial treatment. Each facility is staffed by two doctors and a nurse who provide basic medical care. Every day, the teams treat an average of 200 patients at each facility, ensuring timely care for those in need.
“We are seeing more and more people fleeing across the border into Syria. At first, there was hope that this war would end soon, but that hope is fading day by day. The people crossing the border are frightened and desperate. Many had previously fled to Lebanon to seek refuge, but now they are no longer safe there either,” says Ali Aburras, Head of the Malteser International office in Syria.
“People arrive with urgent medical needs, most commonly acute illnesses, complications from untreated chronic conditions, and severe cases requiring immediate referral to a hospital. To respond effectively, it is vital that our teams are stationed directly at the border crossings so they can provide care without delay,” Aburras adds.
Since 2012, Malteser International has been supporting people in Syria in collaboration with local partners, primarily in the medical sector. Even after the end of the war, more than 16 million people in the country still depend on humanitarian aid.
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Ali Aburras, Head of Office in Syria for Malteser International, is available for interviews and soundbites (in English).
Contact: +49 (0)221 9822-7181, katharina.Kiecol@malteser-international.org
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