According to a recent survey conducted by Save the Children, 65% of Syrian children “have not had an apple, an orange, or a banana for at least three months.” According to ReliefWeb International in the “Hidden Hunger in Syria” report, at least 1 in 8 children, or 500,000, currently suffer from chronic malnutrition or stunting. Source: Save the Children. Sep 2020.
Many malnutrition cases that required intervention were diagnosed with the help of UOSSM mobile community health teams and nutrition technicians in primary health care centers and mobile clinics. Rapid response is crucial in preventing the transition from moderate to severe malnutrition, which can lead to additional complications and premature death. UOSSM has high recovery rates in patients that receive treatment, both for moderate and severe malnutrition.
Community Health Program
Humanitarian Lifesaving Nutrition Aid Proactive Measures to Improve Health And Prevent Malnutrition
The situation continues to be dire in areas of displacement and other areas of need in northwest Syria. Many of the families have been displaced several times and suffer from emotional stress. Malnutrition cases are on the rise and inflation in the cost of food is further complicating the situation and making it even more difficult for people to find their next meal. Many struggles financially to even buy a loaf of bread. Women and children are the most vulnerable as they are 75% of the displaced population.
In 2020, the threat of COVID-19 arose. The Syrian displaced communities are among the most vulnerable from the coronavirus. With no option to social distance, a shortage of medical supplies, equipment and PPE, and no access to clean water and soap, UOSSM became extremely concerned with the well-being of the people. The UOSSM office in Turkey wanted to take proactive measures by strengthening the immunity of Syrian families and thus began distributing nutritious food to displaced families. Through October 2020, UOSSM has distributed over 5000 nutritious food baskets to over 5000 families. Each nutritious food basket contains nutritious food essentials for a family of five for a full month. The goal of the distribution of the nutritious food is to improve their health, prevent malnutrition, and boost their immunity during COVID-19 in hopes of warding off the spread of the coronavirus.