A course of antibiotics for a person in Syria

For many people in Syria, antibiotics are unaffordable or unavailable. Yet they are essential for fighting infections, preventing complications and saving lives. Since the fall of the Syrian president in December 2024, Syria has had the chance for a new beginning after almost 14 years of war. Nevertheless, 15.8 million Syrians continue to depend on external aid. 7.4 million of them are internally displaced persons who are unable to earn a living in their new place of residence (WHO 2025). Many live in basic emergency shelters without access to essential services such as clean water or medical care. Numerous health facilities were destroyed during the war; the few that are still functioning struggle with staff shortages, a lack of technical equipment and drug shortages. Medicines such as antibiotics are only available sporadically in many hospitals, further exacerbating the already tense health situation. Urgent operations often cannot be performed because of a lack of antibiotics. Even simple injuries quickly lead to dangerous infections due to a lack of wound care. This means that when patients are prescribed antibiotics, they are usually difficult to obtain – or simply too expensive for many families. Prices have risen sharply during the war, while financial reserves are lacking (BAMF 2024, SAMS 2025). Right now, it is important to secure medical care in Syria – for example, by supplying antibiotics and other essential medicines. This will not only protect the health of many people, but also support the reconstruction of the country.