Honoring Doctors and Healthcare Workers
The event provided an opportunity to honor the doctors and healthcare workers who have continued to provide medical care in the most challenging circumstances, facing daily risks.
In the presence of representatives from humanitarian organizations and both local and international health bodies, the achievements made by UOSSM over the 13 years of continuous work during the crisis were highlighted.
In a moving speech, Dr. Monzer Yazji, a member of UOSSM’s board of directors, expressed his appreciation for the doctors who continued their work despite the risks, stating, “We will spare no effort and leave no energy unused in serving humanity. Today, we stand on the threshold of a new phase that requires more effort and collaboration.” Similarly, Dr. Anas Al-Kassem, president of UOSSM International said, “Today we honor those who worked in the past, but we are certain that the work ahead will be greater in building a better health future for Syria, that requires more collaboration and coordination.”
Recognition of Efforts in the Health Sector
The conference included motivational speeches from some of the prominent figures present at the event. The new appointed Minister of Health, Dr. Maher Al-Shar, expressed his pride in the progress made in the health sector, stating, “In every dark tunnel, there is always a light at the end. Today, we see this light thanks to the sacrifices of doctors and healthcare workers.” He then added, “Our work is purely technical, it is not obeyed by any affiliation: Politics, religion and ethnicity free”.
Dr. Mazen Kewara, regional Director of SAMS, praised UOSSM’s role in providing healthcare for people during conflicts, emphasizing that the future holds more challenges and opportunities to develop the health sector stressing on the need of collaboration.
International Cooperation for a Better Health Sector
During the conference, the importance of cooperation between humanitarian organizations and the international community to strengthen the health system in Syria was emphasized. The need for effective coordination between local and international organizations was highlighted to ensure not only support for health facilities and to provide urgent and long-term medical care but also on the phase of recovery for the health system. There was also emphasis on the international community’s role in funding the health sector and sharing expertise to support the development of medical staff skills. Attendees expressed the importance of enhancing cooperation with international organizations and health bodies to exchange expertise and resources, thus contributing to improving the health system and expanding medical services to meet the needs of regions suffering from a severe lack of healthcare.
In a moving moment, everyone observed a minute of silence in honor of the humanitarian martyrs who lost their lives while performing their humanitarian duties, reflecting UOSSM’s commitment to continue its journey to improve the health situation in Syria and build a better future.
UOSSM’s Future Vision
UOSSM officials clarified that they are working to enhance the capabilities of medical teams and improve the infrastructure of health facilities, with a focus on building a network of cooperation among humanitarian organizations to expand the health response in Syria and contribute to the recovery of the health system. They also confirmed that the upcoming phase requires intensified efforts to meet the growing health needs, particularly in post-conflict-affected areas. Some priorities for upcoming plans were mentioned, to build a solid health system, improve governance, improve the quality of healthcare, develop the skills of medical staff, and expand health services to include everyone in need.
It was agreed that UOSSM will host soon conference specifically on that, where more time will be reserved to ensure ability of a more in-depth discussion and planning will be set to organize various workshop simultaneously to achieve a more concreate and specific outcome.
Confirmation of Ongoing Cooperation
At the end of the event, Dr. Anas Al-Kassam, UOSSM’s President, gave an emotional speech about the importance of unity in facing challenges: “Teamwork is the only way to achieve success. We must unite our efforts to sustained and improved healthcare in Syria, we believe that collaboration and coordination between medical and health actors: governmental, non-government, local and international, doctors and experts inside and outside Syria shall fundamentally work together to ensure building a sustainable health system”. He also pointed out the need to strengthen joint efforts between doctors and humanitarian organizations to move forward in providing better healthcare, emphasizing that the upcoming challenges will require more creativity and innovation.
Continuing the Journey
The event concluded with a commitment that UOSSM’s efforts will continue and evolve in the future. “Together, we believe in a better future. Together, we work to save lives and build hope.”
In this context, Dr. Badreldin Bahro, UOSSM’s Vice-President of UOSSM added, “At UOSSM, we do not see challenges as obstacles, but as opportunities to prove to the world that, no matter the circumstances, we are capable of providing the best healthcare when we collaborate and have faith in ourselves and capacities…”
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