Following the fall of Bashar Al-Assad’s 24-year rule, MSF has gained access to Damascus for the first time in over a decade. After years of war, urgent healthcare needs are widespread across the country.

Dr Maan Al-Aissami

Head of the Burns Division at Mouwasat University Hospital

Burns patients could be hospitalized for a month to six weeks sometimes.

The issue we really struggle with is the lack of equipment. We had a shortage of electric dermatomes [medical devices for skin grafts]. We lost the only dermatome we had, and it was replaced by our MSF colleagues.

We lack certain medicines that are only available sometimes.

Mohammad Shameyah, burns patient

I was filling the petrol while I was smoking, then the cigarette fell out of my hand and the petrol caught on fire.

I had the first operation four days ago, then today they told me they're supposed to operate on me again tomorrow.

Hakim Khaldi

Emergency coordinator, MSF

We provided [the hospital] with emergency support.

We are also planning a long-term project, which will be mainly made up of three components. The first will be the rehabilitation of the burn unit. The second, to provide [the hospital] with consumables and drugs. And the third, to provide them with training.

MSF teams assessed three burn units in Aleppo and Damascus.

In the capital city, MSF teams will begin to rehabilitate Mowasat University hospital, while we continue supporting health facilities with donations across Syria.