DAMASCUS,(ST)_Despite the current circumstances and unilateral sanctions imposed on Syria, the Syrian Ministry of Health continues to offer free medicine to people affected by chronic diseases.
The Director of Chronic Disease Department at the Health Ministry Dr. Jamal Khamis said that Health Ministry in cooperation with other ministries and the National Committee for controlling cancer offer free prevention services diagnosis and treatment and psychological support to sick people in 20 hospitals.
“The ministry ensures the provision of medicine in cooperation with friendly countries, international organizations and local medical companies,” Dr. Khamis added, pointing out that 17300 new cases have been recorded according to 2020 statistics.
He indicated that awareness messages are being promoted via social media due to the outbreak of Coronavirus.
Cancer is a leading cause of death for children, with 300,000 new cases diagnosed each year among children aged 0-19 years. Children with cancer in low- and middle-income countries are four times more likely to die of the disease than children in high-income countries. This is because their illnesses are not diagnosed, they are often forced to abandon treatment due to high costs, and the health professionals entrusted with their care lack specialized training.
15th of February is International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD).
Basma Qaddour