When we talk about the relentless medical efforts in northwest Syria, one name stands out – WATAN, a key organisation providing critical support within this vital sector. Through its extensive network of blood banks, WATAN ensures the supply of essential blood products, helping to ease the immense challenges faced by healthcare facilities. But what are the real obstacles confronting this sector in such a volatile region?
In hospitals across northern Syria, especially in intensive care units, hundreds of patients grapple with severe difficulties in accessing life-saving medical care. While medical needs vary, one element remains non-negotiable – blood units, essential in both emergency interventions and routine treatments.
According to a report by Physicians for Human Rights, as of 18 October 2024, Syria’s Humanitarian Response Plan had received less than a quarter of its required funding. This alarming gap has forced the suspension of numerous humanitarian activities and health services in northwest Syria, further complicating an already fragile medical landscape.
Amid these harsh realities, the role of humanitarian organisations becomes indispensable. Their support for healthcare centres and blood banks is often the thin line between life and death. At the forefront of these efforts is WATAN, actively working to strengthen Syria’s healthcare infrastructure, particularly as areas regain stability and access improves across provinces.
In the city of Aleppo, WATAN has conducted multiple assessments to evaluate the urgent needs within healthcare, education and other essential services. By engaging with hospital administrators and local authorities, WATAN identified the most pressing priorities, laying the groundwork for impactful support.
As part of its ongoing commitment to improving medical conditions, WATAN has announced its support for the Aleppo Central Blood Bank—one of the city’s most critical healthcare projects. This intervention comes at a pivotal time, with dwindling funding, limited resources, and severe shortages threatening the bank’s operations.
The Aleppo Blood Bank is tasked with the collection, separation, storage, and distribution of blood units to hospitals and health centres across the city. As one of the largest facilities of its kind, it supplies around 10,000 blood units monthly, meeting both routine medical demands and emergency cases.
What sets the Aleppo Blood Bank apart is its comprehensive service network, covering more than 47 public and private hospitals. Every unit undergoes rigorous testing to ensure safe transfusions, safeguarding patients from potential health risks. This includes verifying blood type compatibility and the viability of stored blood—critical steps in medical treatment protocols.
Beyond supplying medical equipment and laboratory materials, WATAN is committed to training medical personnel on modern technologies used in blood separation and storage. Specialised training courses focus on blood safety protocols and the latest medical techniques, ensuring the highest standards of quality in healthcare delivery.
Despite these significant efforts, challenges persist. There is a growing need for increased financial support and additional resources to sustain the blood bank’s operations and other healthcare facilities in northwest Syria. Moreover, equipping medical staff with the latest skills and technologies remains fundamental to providing high-quality care.
But WATAN’s mission doesn’t end there. The organisation continues to expand its reach across Syria—from Damascus, Homs, and Hama to Latakia—conducting thorough assessments and launching targeted projects designed to improve health and living conditions. With a focus on sustainable solutions, WATAN aims to empower local communities through innovative approaches that address immediate needs while building long-term resilience.
In the face of adversity, one thing is clear: the flow of life-saving blood must never stop. Thanks to dedicated organisations like WATAN, the pulse of hope beats stronger every day in the hearts of those who need it most.