Five ambulances funded by KSrelief and delivered through WHO to the Ministry of Health in Damascus. Photo credit: WHO 20 January 2026, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic – The World Health Organization (WHO), with funding from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), today handed over a fleet of five fully equipped ambulances to the Ministry of Health, strengthening Syria’s emergency referral system and improving access to lifesaving care for people across the country.
The handover ceremony, held at the Ministry of Health in Damascus, took place in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Health, the Saudi delegation and WHO, and forms part of the WHO Regional Director Dr Hanan Balkhy’s ongoing visit to Syria, underscoring WHO’s continued engagement with national authorities to support health system recovery and resilience.
The ambulances will be deployed under the leadership of the Ministry of Health to reinforce emergency response and referral pathways, enabling patients in critical condition to be transported safely and rapidly from primary health facilities to hospitals providing advanced and specialized care. Fully equipped to respond to trauma, medical emergencies and urgent referrals, the vehicles are expected to play a vital role in reducing delays in care and preventable deaths.
Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Supervisor General of KSrelief, stated, “We are pleased to partner with WHO in providing these ambulances to the Syrian Ministry of Health to support the country’s emergency referral system. All patients should have access to the advanced and specialized medical care they need, and KSrelief is committed to working with valued partners like WHO to improve health outcomes in Syria and around the world.”
Dr. Musaab Alali, the Minister of Health said, “Today marks an important step in strengthening the emergency response system through a close partnership with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center and the World Health Organization, with the provision of five fully equipped ambulances. This support will reinforce the emergency referral system and enable the safe and rapid transport of critically ill and injured patients, improving preparedness and helping save lives. We highly appreciate this essential support and extend our sincere thanks to the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center and our international partners for their continued humanitarian commitment to protecting human life.”
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Asmus Hammerich, Acting WHO Representative in Syria, highlighted the importance of the partnership and the timing of the handover during the Regional Director’s visit. “Strengthening emergency referral systems is essential to saving lives and restoring trust in health services,” said Dr Hammerich. “This handover reflects the strong partnership between the Ministry of Health, KSrelief and WHO, and comes at a critical moment as we work together to support Syria’s health system recovery, improve emergency response, and ensure that people can access timely, quality care when they need it most.”
The collaboration between KSrelief, WHO and the Ministry of Health contributes to broader national efforts to strengthen health service delivery, enhance preparedness for emergencies, and reinforce Syrian institutions at a time of sustained humanitarian and health needs.
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