United Nations Warns of Disease Outbreaks Among Displaced Persons in Sweida
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has warned of serious health risks facing nearly 187,000 displaced people in Syria’s southern province of Sweida. The warning comes due to overcrowded conditions in schools and communal centers being used as temporary shelters, coupled with a lack of basic services.
Most Vulnerable Populations
UNHCR emphasized that these unsanitary conditions pose significant health threats, particularly to women, children, and the elderly. The mass displacement coincided with political tensions and armed clashes that erupted in July, further deteriorating living conditions in the area.
Distribution of the Displaced
Since the start of the military operations until the end of August, around 187,000 people have been displaced. Of these, 66% remain within Sweida, while the rest have fled to Daraa and the Damascus countryside. Despite a declared ceasefire, sporadic attacks have continued in Sweida’s rural areas. Recently, around 8,500 displaced individuals have returned to their towns — 49% to Salkhad and 42% to the city of Sweida.
Widespread Humanitarian Crisis
UN Resident Coordinator in Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, stated that the humanitarian crisis remains critical, with around 16.5 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. He noted that the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan, valued at $3.2 billion, has only received 14% of the required funding. This shortfall has limited aid coverage to around 8 million of the most vulnerable people.
Consequences of Underfunding
And also explained that Syria is facing a large-scale displacement crisis, with over 6 million internally displaced persons and nearly 6 million refugees abroad. Approximately 24% of housing across the country is damaged, and around 2.5 million returnees remain without shelter. The funding shortage has severely impacted essential services — over half of healthcare facilities have ceased operations, and 40% of schools have closed — leaving 2.4 million children out of school and over 1 million at risk of dropping out.
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