Removing health’s price tag

"The financial situation was so bad that if my child's condition was not on the verge of death, we couldn't afford to take him to the doctor," says the once devastated father Haytham*.

Although this might sound shocking to many who are able to access healthcare, this is fact not fiction for Syrians. Almost 15 million souls in Syria seek healthcare services. But with poverty rates going up with each passing day and with the current inadequate healthcare infrastructure, their ability to seek medical support keeps getting more difficult. 

We present to you stories from two men, who became too familiar with the struggle of healthcare. We will also see how mobile clinic relieved their lives.

"Despite not having to pay rent for our shelter, we still lack money. I work as a street cleaner. We often struggle with food, electricity, and even water scarcity before your intervention," he shares.

As if all the responsibilities on the devoted father were not enough burden, and now the lack of access to healthcare was like another punch to an already open wound.

One of the greatest reason anxiety for the family is their health and the high cost for healthcare services. No doubt the mobile clinics would play a major role in alleviating their struggle.

Haitham’s community got introduced to World Vision Syria Response’s project, implemented by Action for Humanity, which offered healthcare services for all through mobile clinics, serving over 30 health centres in vulnerable and isolated communities.

A sigh of relief

As the word spread about this new intervention, Haitham has decided to prioritize his health and that of his family. “We were overjoyed when we learned about the mobile clinic from a nearby centre. They explained how the clinic meets different needs, from gynecological and pediatric care to providing a pharmacy for needed medications and even treating malnutrition, finally we can receive medical support,” explains Haitham.

Finally, after a long struggle, they were relieved, "before the introduction of this clinic, we could not visit a doctor and pay the heavy expenses and we needed medicine, it was a struggle.. But now, our life and our community members’ lives transformed drastically, everyone can get the health services they need and deserve,” continues Haitham.

A friendly reassurance

During our visit, another person from the community, Ahmad*, shared his experience, “I suffer from heart disease. Before this project I used to pay for doctor visits and medication out of my pocket, putting a huge financial strain on me. With dwindling aid and astronomical price increase, life was so bleak for me before, now everything changed.”

The father of five can now provide for his family as his financial burden has eased. He can be actively involved in the lives of his children with his renewed health.

"The cheapest treatment I used to pay would have kept my family going for a whole month. Now I don't have to pay anything and my condition has improved amazingly,” Ahmad shares with relief.

This multisectoral project extends beyond providing Syrians with mobile clinic services, it also provides water services. Haitham and many others gained from water services as well. Through our committed partner, Action For Humanity, we extended support to over 78 thousand people in Northwest Syria, offering vital protection, WASH, and healthcare services.

Contributing every day to the wellbeing and resilience of Syrians.

*Names are changed to protect identity.