UOSSM International
February 6, 2025
I am writing to honor the memory of the victims of the earthquake that hit Syria-Turkey two years ago,
On February 6, 2023, as a result to few devastating minutes of quakes, over 62,000 lives were claimed and hundreds of thousands were left thousands struggling.
Homes, schools, and essential hospitals were reduced to rubble or rendered inoperable due to severe damages. The destruction went beyond buildings—it shattered lives. To this day, families remain without shelter, children without schools, and entire communities without proper access to healthcare due to restrictions that hinder reconstruction efforts. Many survivors, having lost loved ones and livelihoods, continue to face daily struggles in the aftermath of one of the worst natural disasters in the region’s history.
UOSSM has been on the ground, providing urgent trauma care and psychological support to the victims since the early moments of the earthquakes. Our teams have treated thousands of trauma cases and continue to support survivors suffering from PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The need for mental health services remains critical, as survivors navigate the emotional scars left by the disaster.
“We cannot forget the psychological toll this disaster has taken on survivors,” said Dr. Daher Zidan, Country Director of UOSSM. “It’s not just the physical wounds that need healing; the emotional scars are just as deep. Our mission is to continue supporting these communities, offering the necessary care for both their physical and mental health.” He continued.
Today, on the second anniversary of the earthquake, UOSSM joined the commemoration in Gaziantep’s Nurdağı district, one of the hardest-hit areas. The District Governor Mr. Nurullah Cemil Erciyas presented certificates of appreciation to UOSSM team members in recognition of the efforts and commitment – the psychosocial support we have provided over the past two years to both Turkish citizens and Syrian refugees in Nurdağı – UOSSM affirms its continuous support to all victims anywhere it can reach.
Looking ahead, UOSSM is expanding its humanitarian efforts across Syria to ensure no one is left behind. We remain dedicated to rebuilding and strengthening the healthcare system through collaboration with local and international partners, ensuring essential health services reach those in need and fostering a healthier future.
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قم بالتسجيل لتلقي تحديثات متكررة عبر البريد الإلكتروني حول مشاريعنا ومبادراتنا. ابق على اطلاع وتواصل مع عملنا، وإحداث فرق مع كل تحديث. انضم إلينا الآن!
