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Coronavirus and the Conflict in Syria

Battling COVID-19 in Syria and Among Syrian Displaced Populations

Date: Tuesday, August 4, 2020 / Time: 9:00am - 10:15am 

Center: Middle East North Africa Center

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Countries in conflict were especially hard hit by COVID-19, with the pandemic compounding numerous pre-existing challenges. In Syria, limited humanitarian access, a devastated health care system, and unreliable data hampered the response—particularly in areas outside of regime control, where autonomous authorities struggled with minimal testing capabilities and access to aid. As the virus began to make significant inroads into the conflict-affected country, there were also worries about how the virus would impact the millions of Syrians currently displaced.

On August 4, USIP held an expert panel discussion on the impacts of COVID-19 in Syria. The panel featured field-based medical practitioners who provided on-the-ground insight on the pandemic’s effects in northern Syria, specifically among displaced populations within Syria.

Continue the conversation on Twitter with #COVIDSyria.

Speakers

The Honorable Nancy Lindborg, introductory remarks 
President and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace

Dr. Mohammad Al-Haj Hamdo 
Health Coordinator in Northeast Syria, Syria Relief

Dr. Hamza Alsaied Hasan
Quality and Development Manager for Northwest Syria, Syrian American Medical Society

Dr. Amjad Rass
Chairman of the Northern Syria Medical Relief Committee, Syrian American Medical Society 

Dr. Bachir Tajaldin
Senior Program Manager for Turkey, Syrian American Medical Society

Mona Yacoubian, moderator 
Senior Advisor to the Vice President, Middle East and Africa, U.S. Institute of Peace

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