Foreign Aid Policy
Why can't people in northern Syria access necessary medications?
Most people in northern Syria cannot access essential medications due to extreme poverty. As stated by a Syrian camp resident, the population is 'extremely poor' and unable to afford medications from private pharmacies. This situation has been exacerbated by war and recent funding cuts. With over 7 million displaced people and USAID suspending operations, more than a dozen medical facilities face closure. These clinics, which previously provided affordable or free healthcare to vulnerable populations, are now receiving diminished aid, leaving millions without access to basic healthcare services.
Watch clip answer (00:05m)
Al Jazeera English
00:51 - 00:56
What is the imminent crisis facing healthcare in northern Syria?
Aid workers report that more than 150 health centers and hospitals in northern Syria could shut down by the end of March due to funding cuts. These closures are primarily linked to the discontinuation of USAID support from the Trump administration, creating an urgent humanitarian crisis. These medical facilities provide essential healthcare services to millions of vulnerable people, including displaced families who rely entirely on charity and non-governmental organizations for medical care. The region, already struggling to recover from years of conflict, now faces the collapse of its fragile healthcare infrastructure.
Watch clip answer (00:06m)Al Jazeera English
02:10 - 02:16
What is the current humanitarian concern in northern Syria?
Abdul Karim, a Camp Manager in northern Syria, is expressing deep concern about a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis following the Trump administration's suspension of foreign aid. With over 7 million displaced Syrians, the situation has become critical as essential medical facilities are shutting down due to funding cuts. The crisis is particularly impacting healthcare services, with severe shortages of medications and the potential closure of vital facilities including Babel Hawa Hospital. Families living in tents are especially vulnerable as humanitarian support diminishes, highlighting the urgent need for renewed international assistance.
Watch clip answer (00:02m)Al Jazeera English
00:59 - 01:02
What impact did Donald Trump's decision to halt USAID have on communities in northern Syria?
Donald Trump's decision to halt USAID had far-reaching consequences for communities in northern Syria that were dependent on humanitarian assistance. The funding cuts severely affected medical services, leading to the shutdown of critical healthcare facilities including the Babel Hawa Hospital, which served vulnerable populations in the region. With over 7 million Syrians already displaced, these aid reductions exacerbated an existing humanitarian crisis, leaving families struggling to access essential services and survive. Medical aid workers and local populations faced immense challenges as the infrastructure supporting displaced and vulnerable Syrians began to collapse due to the sudden withdrawal of American support.
Watch clip answer (00:06m)Al Jazeera English
02:28 - 02:34
What is the impact of Donald Trump's decision to halt USAID on Syrian communities?
Donald Trump's decision to halt USAID has had far-reaching consequences for Syrian communities that depend on humanitarian assistance. Thousands of Syrians who are attempting to survive and rebuild their lives after years of devastating war now face increased hardship as aid diminishes. These vulnerable populations, which include millions of displaced people, will continue to require humanitarian assistance for years to come. The cessation of aid threatens not only their immediate health needs but also jeopardizes the livelihoods of aid workers and could force critical healthcare facilities to close, further worsening the humanitarian crisis in northern Syria.
Watch clip answer (00:15m)
Al Jazeera English
02:28 - 02:43
What is the impact of USAID funding cuts in northern Syria?
As of January 26, 2021, USAID funding cuts have resulted in the suspension of operations in 12 health facilities and centers in northern Syria, causing severe impacts on multiple levels. The cuts primarily affect the most vulnerable local populations who depend on these medical services for healthcare. Additionally, humanitarian workers are significantly impacted, with approximately 175 staff members affected by these suspensions. These workers have been serving in clinics throughout the Syrian revolution, providing essential medical services to communities in need. Without continued funding, healthcare access for vulnerable Syrians faces a critical crisis.
Watch clip answer (00:25m)Al Jazeera English
01:37 - 02:03