Nearly 14 years of devastating conflict and crises have decimated the lives and livelihoods of millions of people in the Syrian Arab Republic. Some 16.7 million people – two thirds of all Syrians –  are currently in need of humanitarian assistance.

The protracted crisis has severely damaged critical infrastructure, including health facilities, and caused chronic shortages of medicines, medical equipment and health workers. Nearly half of health facilities in Syria are partially or completely damaged, and the recent upheaval has further weakened the country’s infrastructure, leaving many women and girls cut off from critical care.

Syria remains one of the world’s largest displacement crises, with more than 13 million people forced from their homes, both within and outside the country. As the conflict escalated in November 2024 and opposition forces took control in December, an additional 1.1 million people were displaced, with over 620,000 of them still displaced in early January. Those seeking refuge in temporary shelters are dealing with overcrowded conditions and insecure facilities, increasing risks of gender-based violence for women and girls.

The country faces a challenging and complex road ahead, as it navigates the recent political transition and rebuilding of the country amid continued factionalized fighting in some areas and ongoing Israeli strikes in the southwest.

Throughout the crisis, UNFPA has been supporting women and girls in health facilities and safe spaces, as well as deploying mobile teams to provide medical care for the displaced. UNFPA is also distributing critical reproductive health and sanitation supplies and supporting youth empowerment initiatives. In 2024, UNFPA provided close to 1 million women and girls with sexual and reproductive health services, reached over 430,000 people with family planning support, and more than 420,000 people with gender-based violence prevention and response services. 

Updated 10 January 2025