WHO / SYRIA SUPPLIES

On 26 December 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) received 50 tons of medical supplies at Istanbul International Airport, Türkiye, which are expected to support thousands of people with health needs across Syria. The cargo flight that arrived via the European Union Humanitarian Air Bridge contains emergency supplies, surgical tools, anaesthetic supplies, IV fluids, sterilization materials. WHO

• Video Length: 00:02:25
• Production Date: 27 December 2024
• Asset Language: English
• Corporate Name: WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION - WHO
• Subject Topical: EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
• Geographic Subject: SYRIA; TURKEY
• MAMS Id: 3326894
• Parent Id: 3326894
• Alternate Title: unifeed241227d

Description

STORY: WHO / SYRIA SUPPLIES
TRT: 02:25
SOURCE: WHO
RESTRICTIONS: PLEASE CREDIT WHO ON SCREEN
LANGUAGES: ENGLISH / NATS

DATELINE: 26 DECEMBER 2024, ISTANBUL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, ISTANBUL, TÜRKIYE

Shotlist

1. Various shots, the airport apron, cargo pallets full of medical supplies being unloaded from the plane
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Lorenzo Dal Monte, Planning analyst, WHO Gaziantep office:
“WHO is at Istanbul International Airport to receive 50 tonnes of medical supplies to treat thousands of patients in Syria, thousands of injured patients, with surgical operations. Thanks to the European Union for their support.”
3. Various shots, inside the plane cargo pallets full of medical supplies being unloaded
4. Various shots, the airport apron, cargo pallets being unloaded from the plane
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Lorenzo Dal Monte, Planning analyst, WHO Gaziantep office:
“14 years of conflict in Syria have devastated the health care system. Half of the hospitals in Syria are not functional and 15 million people are in need of urgent medical support.”
6. Various shots, the airport apron, cargo pallets full of medical supplies being unloaded from the plane, and being driven away to airport warehouse

Storyline

On 26 December 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) received 50 tons of medical supplies at Istanbul International Airport, Türkiye, which are expected to support thousands of people with health needs across Syria. The cargo flight that arrived via the European Union Humanitarian Air Bridge contains emergency supplies, surgical tools, anaesthetic supplies, IV fluids, sterilization materials.

These will meet the needs for 8,000 emergency surgical procedures and includes 30,000 pouches for infusions, ensuring hospitals are equipped to handle critical cases. The shipment will address the health needs of thousands of people in Idlib and northern Aleppo, and are expected to reach Syria in the coming days where they will be distributed further where needed.

Over 15 million people are in need of health care in a country ravaged by over a decade of conflict, especially the most vulnerable, such as women, children, and displaced populations. Even before recent escalations, 141 health facilities in Idlib and northern Aleppo faced closure due to funding shortages. This shipment will help ensure medical supplies reach those in urgent need.

Since 27 November, WHO has delivered trauma supplies to 37 health facilities, supporting over 94,900 treatment courses. These include around 8,800 trauma procedures, 80,000 courses of essential medicines, and 5,900 mental health treatments.

This was made possible in part by six ECHO-funded trucks that entered Syria through Türkiye on 27 November at the onset of escalations.

WHO thanks the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) for its support and urges other nations and organizations to contribute. Initiatives like the EU’s Humanitarian Air Bridge are critical for delivering medical supplies swiftly to those in need.