A Grim History of Conflict
Since 2011, deadly conflict in Syria has created a humanitarian crisis affecting more than 12 million people. The United Nations Refugee Agency estimates that up to 5.6 million Syrians have fled the country and another 6.6 million have been internally displaced by the fighting. Fewer than half of Syria’s doctors remain in the country; health facilities have been targets of bombing and violence. A total of 923 health workers have died in attacks. According to the World Health Organization, most public hospitals and health clinics in Syria are closed or only partially functioning, and there is virtually no access to health care across many parts of the country. Updated September 2020.