14 March 2016 – 5 years since the conflict began in Syria, millions of people across the country continue to suffer from limited access to basic medical care services because of ongoing conflict and a deteriorating health system. Over 11 million people are in need of health assistance that many hospitals and primary health clinics are unable to adequately provide. More than 4.8 million people have taken refuge in neighbouring countries and beyond.   In the past week, however, after a fragile cessation of hostilities, access has slightly improved permitting WHO and partners to reach more patients in 10 out of 18 besieged areas. Medicines, vaccines and medical supplies have been delivered through the interagency humanitarian convoys to besieged Madaya, Zabadani Foua, Kefraya; Mouadamieh, Kafr Batna, Ein Tarma, Jisreen, Saqba, and Hammourieh in East Ghouta; and hard-to-reach areas in Aleppo, including Eastern Aleppo, Azzaz and Afrin.  Nonetheless, the supply of medicines and surgical supplies continues to be interrupted. Read more...