HESNA MIHEMED

Shahba- Thousands of people were displaced from Afrin to Shahba when the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions occupied Afrin. However, the displaced people of Afrin have been facing the siege imposed by the Syrian government and the ongoing Turkish attacks on Shahba. The health sector is most affected by the siege because the Syrian government forces have blocked the entry of medical supplies and medications. The Health Committee in Shahba/Afrin Canton has provided free health services to people at hospitals and health centers in Shahba despite limited resources.

‘The Syrian government blocks the entry of essential supplies’

“The people of Afrin have faced various challenges after being displaced to Shahba,” said Eliya Mihemed, Co-chair of the committee. “The Syrian government has blocked the entry of essential supplies, including medical supplies, to break the resistance of the people in the region.”

It provides free health services

In Shahba, there are currently two hospitals and six health centers. “Despite all the challenges, the Avrîn Hospital has provided health services to people for six years. The health centers in districts provide first aid services to patients until they reach the hospital. The ongoing water outages cause the spread of diseases among people. The committee provides free health services to people at hospitals and health centers.”

Call to lift the siege

Eliya Mihemed indicated that they did not close the doors of Avrin Hospital to the people despite the siege and limited resources. “Despite the lack of medical supplies, the Avrin Hospital is still open to people, providing free health services. We do our best to keep the hospital open. We call on international organizations to take an urgent action and put pressure on the Syrian government to lift the siege.”