UN: ‘Significant psychological distress’ cases reported among civilians in Syria
11 Dec 202421:27 PM
UN: ‘Significant psychological distress’ cases reported among civilians in Syria
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says hospitals across Syria are “overwhelmed by the high number of [psychological] trauma” cases.

“Health partners reported significant psychological distress among civilians, with signs of trauma particularly pronounced in children,” OCHA said. “Health needs in north-east Syria are particularly dire due to recent hostilities.”

In the eastern city of Deir Az Zor, seven out of eight primary healthcare facilities were “rendered non-functional” as hospitals face large shortages of staff, electricity and fuel, OCHA said.

“Nine health facilities, including seven primary health centers and one hospital, were vandalized and looted in Menbij,” it noted, adding that funding was urgently needed to sustain the healthcare system.

In the northwest of the country, a total of 140 health facilities were experiencing “severe” funding shortages including “hospitals, blood banks and dialysis centers”.