New Vector-Borne Disease Units open in Syria

MENTOR recently opened two Vector-Borne Disease Units in Azaz and Idleb City as part of ongoing efforts to address the high rates of leishmaniasis in northern Syria.

These unique units, funded by The Aid Fund for Syria, provide free diagnosis, treatment and essential medicines for patients, and coordinate wider prevention and care through 48 health facilities. They also deploy community health workers to raise awareness and act as a vital link between health facilities and communities.

Over 7,000 people will be reached directly by services provided by the units, and potentially more than 2.5 million people will be reached indirectly through the community-based approach.

“This not only strengthens access to quality healthcare but also builds a sustainable system to respond to the growing threat of leishmaniasis, a challenge further aggravated by climate change factors such as drought in the Orontes Basin and wildfires in coastal areas.” – Mohamad Agha Alkalaa, Programme Director.

The opening of these units was attended by representatives from the Idleb Health Directorate, Public Health Programs Division, AFS, MENTOR and the Idleb Surgical Hospital, reflecting the strong collaboration needed to address both cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis.

MENTOR remains committed to reducing the risk of vector-borne diseases and strengthening health systems in Syria through these innovative units and our ongoing Indoor Residual Spraying campaigns.