Honoring Nurses in Syria: Building Capacity, Supporting Recovery

As we mark the International Day of Nurses on 12th of May, UNFPA – Syria applauds the critical role that nurses play in healthcare delivery. Nurses are on the frontline, bringing life-saving services, often in underserved and hard to reach areas in Syria. Thirteen years of the crisis in Syria, compounded by the impact of Covid 19, devastating earthquakes and floods have severely weakened the health sector. Despite these challenges, nurses have remained the bedrock of the health sector providing essential healthcare to those in need.

I had the privilege to meet Fatema, a displaced nurse in Rural Damascus who benefitted from training supported by UNFPA. Despite being uprooted from her home, Fatema’s dedication to her profession and her community remains unwavering. Her story exemplifies the transformative impact of empowering nurses. Today, Fatema inspires hope in the hearts of those around her.

In Syria, where the health system has been deeply affected by years of crisis, the need to support nurses and strengthen the healthcare infrastructure is now urgent more than ever. UNFPA Syria, working with partners, is prioritizing early recovery ensuring that nurses have access to quality training, essential medical equipment and support to deliver quality care in their communities.

Nurses have been and will remain the backbone of the health sector, and their contributions should be valued and celebrated.

As we celebrate the International Day of Nurses, let us honor the nurses in Syria and around the world who are working tirelessly to improve the health and well-being of their communities. Let us commit to supporting them, empowering them, and ensuring that they have the resources they need to continue their life-saving work.

Together, we can build a healthier, more resilient future for all.

Muriel Mafico

UNFPA – Syria Representative