The earthquake that heavily impacted north-west Syria has left women and children’s needs at stake 

North-west Syria, a region where 4.1 million people depended on humanitarian assistance before the earthquake.

Getinet Babu 

The current situation in North-West Syria is dire. The combination of an ongoing cholera outbreak, harsh winter and the 06 Feb 2023, earthquake that hit south Turkey -North-west Syria, has had a devastating impact on the women and children of Northwest Syria, which is home to over 4.1 million people, and was already grappling with the numerous challenges of poverty, displacement, and conflict. The earthquake has only added to the woes of the local population, and especially women and children, making it harder for them to survive and recover.


The earthquake hit the Turkey and north-west Syria, causing widespread damage to homes, schools, and other public buildings. Many homes have been destroyed, leaving many families without adequate shelter and vulnerable to freezing temperatures. The earthquake also damaged hospitals and health facilities, and disrupted essential health services, exacerbating the cholera outbreak.

 

Photo credit -Story hub


Women and children are particularly vulnerable in times of crisis, and the current situation in north-west Syria shows that they are now struggling to access basic necessities such as food, water, and healthcare. Women are often the primary caregivers for their families, and the burden of providing for their families falls on them during times of crisis. Children are vulnerable to a range of health and safety risks, including malnutrition, disease and exploitation. 

The earthquake has occurred at a time when the northwest region of Syria is also facing an outbreak of cholera. The lack of access to clean water and sanitation facilities will increase the spread of this disease, putting even more pressure on the already overstretched healthcare system.

Photo credit story hub 

It is heart-wrenching to see the suffering of the people of North-west Syria, and especially women and children. This earthquake is a devastating event compounding the misery of those already facing so much hardship. To address the current situation, a comprehensive and coordinated response is needed. The international community must come together to provide the resources and support necessary to help those affected by the earthquake, cholera outbreak and harsh winter. This includes providing access to clean water, food, shelter, medical care, psychosocial support, winterization, and maternal, child, and newborn health services. In addition, it is important to support the local authorities and local aid organizations in their efforts to provide assistance to the affected communities.

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