HESNA MIHEMED

Shahba- In 2018, Shahba opened its doors to the displaced people of Afrin after Afrin was occupied by the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions. The displaced people of Afrin built a new life in the canton with the support of the people of Shahba. However, the Syrian government forces have imposed a siege on the canton, obstructing the access to fuel and other essential supplies to the canton. 80% of Avrîn Hospital in the canton is out of service due to the lack of fuel and medical supplies.

NuJINHA spoke to Eliya Mihemed, Co-chair of Afrin-Shahba Health Organization, about the siege imposed by the Syrian government forces on the region.

‘The aim is to depopulate the region’

“The Syrian government forces have imposed a siege on the region for a long time. The ongoing siege makes everything more difficult for everyone. The aim of the siege is to depopulate the region. This year, the Syrian government forces do not even allow vital supplies to enter the region. Avrîn Hospital in the region has stopped admitting new patients due to the shortages of medical supplies and fuel. It only admits emergency patients.”

‘We make great efforts to overcome the siege’

In the region, colds, flus and other respiratory illnesses are more common during the winter; however, sick people cannot receive treatment. “The number of the people suffering from colds, flus and other respiratory illnesses are increasing; however, our hospital cannot provide health service to them due to the siege. 80% of the hospital is now out of service due to the lack of fuel and medical supplies. We make great efforts to overcome the siege but our efforts are insufficient to lift the siege.”

‘Pressure must be put on the Syrian government’

Eliya Muhammad called on the international health organizations to “put pressure on the Syrian government to lift the siege. Health is a fundamental human right. The Syrian government violates this right in Shahba. If the siege is not lifted, it will impose serious threats to public health.”