The Syrian conflict and infectious diseases

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• International Relations

Background:

• The Syrian conflict has created a severe humanitarian crisis, displacing over half the population.
• Destruction of healthcare infrastructure and shortages of medical supplies have disrupted health services.
• Overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions exacerbate health risks for displaced Syrians.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the re-emergence and spread of infectious diseases due to the Syrian conflict.
• To identify specific diseases and affected regions, including refugee populations.
• To underscore the strain on healthcare systems in host countries and the need for international aid.

Main Methods:

• This study is a review of reported infectious disease outbreaks and health challenges.
• Data is synthesized from reports concerning Syria and neighboring host countries (Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt).
• Focus is on disease surveillance, healthcare access, and refugee health conditions.

Main Results:

• Significant increases in tuberculosis rates among Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Jordan.
• Outbreaks of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Syria, Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon.
• Resurgence of polio in Syria after 15 years, accelerated measles outbreaks, and a cholera outbreak among refugees in Iraq.
• Healthcare systems in host nations are severely overburdened.

Conclusions:

• Infectious diseases pose a major challenge to Syria and its host countries.
• The conflict has facilitated the spread of communicable diseases.
• Enhanced, structured support from international organizations is essential for disease prevention, control, diagnosis, and treatment.