The human impact of WHO’s Refugee Health Programme in Turkey

12 March 2019

Millions of refugees have fled Syria over the past 8 years of conflict. Today, many are seeking to build new lives elsewhere, including in neighbouring countries such as Turkey – host to the largest number of Syrian refugees in the world. WHO’s Refugee Health Programme in Turkey, established in 2016, aims to support Turkey’s Ministry of Health in ensuring that Syrian refugees have access to culturally sensitive health services with the same standard as those offered to other residents and citizens. These efforts align directly with WHO’s target, outlined in the 13th General Programme of Work, to ensure that 1 billion more people are protected from health emergencies, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals. This photo series highlights some of the ways in which the programme has directly impacted the lives of Syrian men, women and children now living in Turkey.

WHO/Ali Saltan

The human impact of WHO... 1

As part of the Refugee Health Programme, WHO has supported the Turkish Ministry of Health in establishing and running 7 Refugee Health Training Centres which train Syrian health professionals who are later employed by the Ministry at 151 Health Centres across Turkey. These Health Centres receive thousands of visits each month from Syrians who can access primary health care services for free and in their own language, provided by Syrian health professionals. Dr Abdulhamid (pictured), one such professional, received special training to work in the Turkish health system, including on-the-job training from Turkish health professionals who devote their time and skills to this programme.

WHO/Ali Saltan

The human impact of WHO... 2

On average, more than 48 000 health consultations are offered each month to Syrians of all ages in the Refugee Health Centres.

WHO/Ali Saltan

The human impact of WHO... 3

Syrian refugees of all ages come to the Refugee Health Centres for primary health care services, including newborn baby Hussein and his family.

WHO/Ali Saltan

The human impact of WHO... 4

Dr Sefwan is one of thousands of health care professionals from Syria who had to abandon their careers and take refuge in Turkey. When he first arrived, it was not easy for him to imagine a life where he would ever have a chance to wear his white coat again.

WHO/Ali Saltan

The human impact of WHO... 5

WHO joined forces with the Ministry of Health of Turkey to provide Syrian health professionals like Dr Sefwan with trainings so that they could be integrated into the Turkish health system. Dr Sefwan became employed by the Ministry in the Izmir Refugee Health Training Centre where he could proudly wear his white coat again.

WHO/Ali Saltan

The human impact of WHO... 6

Reja is a nurse who works at the Hatay Refugee Health Training Centre. She is proud to serve her fellow Syrians and the job also helps her to support her family. “I am grateful to Turkey and this programme because it gave us our lives, future and jobs,” she says.

WHO/Eray Mert

The human impact of WHO... 7

Trainings are provided to doctors, nurses and other health care workers in order to staff the Refugee Health Centres. This includes training for translators and community health service support staff.

WHO/Eray Mert

The human impact of WHO... 8

The WHO Refugee Health Programme in Turkey not only provides Syrian refugees with essential health services, but it also helps them cope with the wounds of the ongoing conflict. For those who were forced to flee from their homes and the lives they knew, there’s an opportunity for healing in every interaction at the Refugee Health Centres. In 2019, the programme is being supported by the EU (EUTF), Government of Federal Republic of Germany (KfW), Government of Norway, US Department of State (BPRM) and the Government of Japan.

/