Health Minister, Hoff discuss joint cooperation

DAMASCUS, (ST) – Health Minister, Dr. Sa’ad Al-  Na’ef,  and Resident Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO),  Elizabeth Hoff, discussed here the joint cooperation program in the field of health and the contribution of the WHO in response to the health needs of citizens in light of the damage to a number of institutions of the health sector, either directly or indirectly as a result of economic sanctions imposed on Syria and terrorist acts carried out by armed groups against the service sector and its institutions.

Dr. Al-  Na’ef expressed hope “that the international organizations exert  more efforts to support the health sector”  and this will improve the reality of health services to citizens in light of the damage to this sector.

“The ministry depended on its technical frameworks to rehabilitate many of the affected health institutions so as to ensure the continuation of services to the citizens, pointing out that a number of medical departments and affected ambulance has recently been rehabilitated,” the minister said.

He stated that the ministry is working to provide more vaccines and nutritional supplements for children to ensure maintaining their health and protect them from dangerous childhood diseases, pointing out that children living in centers of temporary residence and affected areas are given special attention in cooperation with civil society organizations working in regard of health field. The number of civil associations reached to 110.

During the meeting, the minister demanded “to accelerate in supplying the ministry with some equipment and medical supplies and drugs that the organization is working to  ensure,” especially ambulances, children kegs , some medicines for chronic diseases, cancer and patients with renal insufficiency.

For his part,  Hoff confirmed the organization’s keenness to cooperate with the Ministry of Health and the health needs of citizens in health institutions, pointing out that the World Health Organization  contributed to a part of the plan to respond to the humanitarian needs in Syria.

She pointed out that “the organization will spare no effort in the continuation and strengthening  joint cooperation in the health field to provide health services to citizens” .

She also highlighted the invitation to visit the hospitals and health facilities to brief on the reality of services provided and their medical needs.

Sh. Kh.