MENTOR has resumed activities in Ar-Raqqa, working with health authorities to rehabilitate and support the main Leishmaniasis Centre and expand its capacity to provide more comprehensive services.
This programme aims to restore and stregthen leishmaniasis prevention and treatment services, supported by the Aid Fund for Syria (AFS).
Specialised leishmaniasis services in Ar-Raqqa have been limited over the past few years – treatment was mainly provided by one healthcare worker, and there weren’t dedicated outreach, community health or nutrition teams.
Leishmaniasis cases were reported but some patients relied on private providers and other available treatment options such as traditional medicine.
The new programme covers 22 communities with a population of over 612,600 people and includes:
- two centre-based nurses
- four mobile treatment nurses
- six community health workers
- three community nutrition workers.
Services have already begun alongside ongoing light rehabilitation works because of the urgency of the intervention. The centre’s official opening ceremony will take place once all rehabilitation works are finalised.
Since starting in August 2026, 165 unique leishmaniasis patients have received clinical care, accounting for 565 visits for case management and treatment follow-up.
Two outreach treatment teams are extending these services across Ar-Raqqa City and surrounding rural areas. Three community health teams reached 4,640 people during August and September with prevention and early detection messages, IEC materials, and referrals to appropriate care.
The project also integrates nutrition into its community response. During August and September, nutrition teams reached 3,380 people, screening 1,769 children under five and 949 pregnant and lactating women, with 203 nutrition referrals made for further assessment or support.
Malnutrition can weaken the immune response and increase vulnerability to infection, while illness can further worsen nutritional status. Integrating nutrition screening and referral helps identify people at high risk early and connect them with appropriate support alongside leishmaniasis services.
“By combining a strengthened treatment centre with outreach and community-based services, MENTOR is rebuilding a more accessible and integrated leishmaniasis response in Ar-Raqqa from prevention and early identification to treatment and follow-up.
“This intervention marks an important return for MENTOR to Ar-Raqqa and reflects our continued commitment to strengthening vector-borne disease services and bringing essential healthcare closer to communities that need it most.” – Mohamad Agha Alkalaa, Programme Director.