A Grim History of Conflict Since 2011, deadly conflict in Syria has decimated the economy and infrastructure, creating a humanitarian crisis affecting millions of people. The United Nations Refugee Agency estimates that up to 5 million Syrians have fled the country and another 6 million have been internally displaced by the fighting. Many of Syria’s doctors and other health workers have left the country; health facilities in Northwest Syria continue to be targets of bombing and violence. Hundreds of health workers have died in attacks. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Activities (UNOCHA) reports that shelling and displacement continue in northwest Syria. More than 93% of the 4.4 million people in NW Syria are in need of humanitarian assistance. According to the World Health Organization, most public hospitals and health clinics in Syria are closed or only partially functioning, and there is little access to health care across many parts of the country. Access to basic services, including health care in the refugee camps and host communities in neighboring countries faces significant resource challenges and relies on host governments and aid organizations efforts. After the worst earthquake in nearly a century struck Syria and Türkiye on February 6, 2023, this longstanding humanitarian crisis faces another level of catastrophe. Read more about our earthquake response. Updated February 2023.