Syria’s displaced health workforce: Policy opportunities and challenges
Join us for a policy briefing and panel discussion organised by the Syria Public Health Network in collaboration with R4HC: Research for Health in Conflict project at King’s College London, American University of Beirut and the University of Cambridge
Date: Wednesday 27th January 2021
Time: 5pm (UK), 6pm (Geneva), 7pm (Syria)
Overview
The health of Syrians and the healthcare system in Syria have been overwhelmed after nearly ten years of conflict. Healthcare workers (HCWs) and healthcare facilities have been criminalized and systematically attacked, with approximately 1,000 HCWs killed. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Syrian Ministry of Health (MoH) indicate that only 52 percent of public hospitals within the country are still operational.
In this policy briefing, our speakers present the latest data and information on the situation of HCWs within Syria, neighbouring frontline countries as well as Europe. Case studies and policy options for host community governments are outlined. These demonstrate how displaced HCWs can be supported which not only helps displaced individuals and their families but can also benefit the health and social welfare systems of host countries.
Download programme and speaker bios >
Speakers
| Rita Dayoub, Chatham House | Opening statement and introductions |
| Ibadat Dhillon, World Health Organization, Department for Health Workforce | Health Worker Mobility and Migration |
| Diana Rayes, Syria Public Health Network and PhD candidate at Johns Hopkins University | Overview and context – key findings from research |
| Houssam Alnahhas, Syria Public Health Network, Physicians for Human Rights | Personal experiences and update on situation in Turkey |
| Fouad M. Fouad, Syria Public Health Network and American University of Beirut | Policy recommendations and future prospects |
The conference programme will also include a short documentary film (10 minutes): “Syria’s health workers can help Europe respond to COVID-19”, introduced by the Lincolnshire Refugee Doctor Project. This event will conclude with a panel discussion and Q&A.
Organiser Information
The Syria Public Health Network was established in 2015 to provide a space where academics, humanitarian and international organisations, policy makers and Syrian public health professionals can discuss, analyse and generate policy proposals for the types of health interventions and research that can support the current and future health needs in Syria and Syrian refugee hosting countries.