UOSSM Leads Medical Mission from US to Ukraine
Paris, France - Dr. Monzer Yazji, co-founder of UOSSM and UOSSM USA, is leading a medical mission in Ukraine to provide medical relief to those affected by the war. UOSSM has gained invaluable expertise due to its role in the Syrian crisis since 2012 and will leverage this to provide the people of Ukraine with medical relief, support, and training in
response methods.
The medical mission team visited with officials, leaders, and agencies on the ground to assess the situation for gaps/shortages in medicines, medical supplies, training needs (such as treating war wounds) and other humanitarian shortages. According to the Ukraine Ministry of Health, there is a major need for medications and medical supplies.
Dr. Anas Al Kassem, vice-chair of UOSSM Canada, a sister organization - working with staff at a local hospital, already gathered a whole shipment of medications, medical supplies, and equipment to be sent directly to Ukraine.
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UOSSM Launches First Electric Vehicle Powered by Solar Energy Systems in Northern Syria
UOSSM launched the first electric vehicle in northern Syria. The vehicle will be used primarily for health services including vaccine transport between cold rooms and primary healthcare facilities, and to transport patients as part of the referral system.
Over a decade of ongoing conflict has left over 4 million people in northern Syria without access to critical health services. Aerial bombardment has destroyed healthcare and energy infrastructure, leaving civilians and healthcare workers to rely on diesel fuel, creating a cycle of dependency, fragility, and further contributes to conflict.
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BREAKING: Humanitarian Crisis Unfolding in Daraa, Syria
Paris, France- A humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Daraa, Syria as around 55,000 civilians – 10,000 families are under siege with little to no access to food, medical care, medicine, or basic human needs. The city of Daraa has been under siege since June 24, 2021. The humanitarian situation is deteriorating rapidly. Many families are risking their lives fleeing to nearby areas in search of a safe haven for their families, while thousands of families remain in a dangerous situation besieged and under attacks.
UOSSM is responding to the catastrophic situation in Daraa by providing immediate medical relief and food essentials to besieged and displaced families in need.
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BREAKING: First Case of COVID-19 Reported in North Western Syria, Imminent Threat To Refugees
Toronto, Canada- On July 7, a 39 year old doctor working in north western Syria was tested for COVID-19 and was confirmed positive today. This is the first reported case of COVID-19 in north western Syria. The doctor entered Syria 2 weeks ago and visited his wife in Al Bab city (Aleppo Governate) between June 30 and July 1. The doctor immediately isolated himself upon symptoms, and contract-tracing procedures have been put in place for his interactions. The hospital in which he worked has prohibited entry and exit, and has performed a complete quarantine of all doctor's housing units. All medical staff are taking preventative measures and wearing PPE. Screening and monitoring mechanisms have been activated in the surrounding medical facilities.
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PRESS RELEASE: Failure to Renew UN Cross-border Resolution Tomorrow Will be Catastrophic for Syria
Toronto, Canada- Months of intense bombing and displacement in North West Syria in early 2020, compounded by hyperinflation has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. The price of a typical food basket has increased 200% in the past 6 months according to the World Food Program. Millions of Syrians depend on the aid that comes through the Turkish-Syrian border. By Friday July 10th, the international community will have to decide on the fate of Syrians as they vote on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC 2504) resolution to extend cross border aid deliveries into Syria.
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PRESS RELEASE: Hyperinflation Creates Mass Starvation in Syria
The price of a typical food basket has increased 200% in the past 6 months according to the World Food Program. Many grocers, shops and pharmacies have shut down as business owners cannot keep up with the changing prices. The UN estimates 11 million people were already in need of humanitarian assistance in Syria. According to a WFP survey in April, 9.3 million people had food insecurity, and 87 percent had no savings. Since the beginning of May the value of the Syrian Pound has more than halved. The official rate has gone from 704 to 1,256 Syrian Pounds to one USD. The unofficial rate is currently 2,500 Syrian Pounds to one USD.
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PRESS RELEASE: Syria Reports First Case of COVID-19, UOSSM Expects Parabolic Jump In Cases
Toronto, Canada- This weekend the Syrian Government reported their first case of COVID-19 in Damascus (not including Northern Syria). UOSSM projects a significantly higher number of cases that have gone unreported. Over 80% of the medical infrastructure in Syria is operating at a limited capacity and COVID-19 testing kits are extremely inaccessible.
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PRESS RELEASE: Cox's Bazar Refugee Camps at High Risk from COVID-19
Toronto, Canada- UOSSM calls on the international community to increase support for the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh. On May 14, the first COVID-19 positive case within the Rohingya refugee community was confirmed. 132 cases have been reported at the wider district level in Cox’s Bazar.
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PRESS RELEASE: COVID-19 Imminent Threat In Syria
Toronto, Canada- The global spread of COVID-19 has created an imminent epidemiological threat to Syria and refugees in surrounding countries. Cases have been reported in Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Israel and Turkey. North Western Syria is particularly vulnerable given a population of close to 4 million people, including 1 million IDPs, packed into densely populated areas.
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BREAKING: 10 Schools and Hospital Bombed in Idlib Today, Killing Children & Teachers
Toronto, Canada- On February 25, 10 schools (including two preschools) and the Idlib Central Hospital were hit by airstrikes and ground attacks. Seven schools were in Idlib city, two in Maaret Tamsrin and one in Darat Izza. At least 21 civilians were killed including nine children and three teachers.
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