After 18 Months of Syria’s New Dawn, Homs Conference Charts Roadmap for Health Sector Recovery and Dignified Refugee Return

For Immediate Release Media Contact: Lucy Carradine, West End Strategy Team, [email protected],504-351-7635

After 18 Months of Syria’s New Dawn, Homs Conference Charts Roadmap for Health Sector Recovery and Dignified Refugee Return

Homs, Syria, June 20, 2026 — Under the patronage of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Higher Education, and organized by MedGlobal in partnership with health directorates, Homs University, the Syrian Doctors Syndicate, diaspora health organizations, the Every Pregnancy coalition, and Humaniti, physicians, health specialists, health authorities, academic institutions, humanitarian organizations, and Syrian and international experts from around the world will gather in Homs on June 20–21 for Syria’s second major health recovery conference: New Syria: Together from Recovery to Development.

The conference aims to support Syria’s transition from emergency response toward the sustainable long-term recovery of its healthcare system. The conference, hosted by MedGlobal at the Safir Homs Hotel, will take place over two days and bring together frontline health workers, hospital directors, researchers, policymakers, Syrian specialists in the diaspora, and development partners. Together they will assess progress in delivering and strengthening healthcare services,and build support for the Syrian government’s efforts to build a resilient, equitable, and effective health system for all.

Dr. Zaher Sahloul, president of MedGlobal, reaffirmed the organization’s continued commitment to supporting Syria’s health sector: “This conference is an important opportunity to recognize what has been achieved and to renew our commitment to working together toward better health for people who have endured so much. After 18 months of Syria’s new dawn, MedGlobal, in partnership with diaspora organizations and local and national health authorities, has helped support a health system that was close to collapse. Our humanitarian and development programs have helped provide healthcare to half a million Syrians across all governorates, support the dignified return of refugees and internally displaced people, and advance health equity. We focus on primary healthcare, maternal and child health, supporting public hospitals with technology and training, and strengthening social cohesion. We stand in full solidarity with our local partners and the Syrian people.”

The conference highlights MedGlobal’s strategy for humanitarian response and health sector support during and after the crisis, including the Syria Health Recovery Initiative, which began in Homs Governorate. Launched after liberation, the initiative supports public hospitals, trains healthcare workers, medical students and residents, provides medical equipment, and promotes medical research. Through these efforts, more than 600 Syrian medical professionals from around the world have worked to support  local colleagues.

Anas Barbour, MedGlobal’s country director in Syria, said the organization’s work has expanded in the post-liberation period. “After liberation, MedGlobal moved from providing primary and secondary healthcare in liberated areas to supporting humanitarian response and building health programs across Syria, while linking this work to social cohesion. We are proud of every doctor, nurse and midwife working in our health centers and hospitals, and proud of the Syrian doctors in the diaspora who have spared no effort in serving their country of origin.”

Conference discussions will focus on primary healthcare, maternal and child health, mental health and psychosocial support for survivors of war and torture, drug addiction, hospital rehabilitation, workforce development, scientific research, specialized medical services, and the role of Syrian diaspora expertise in supporting long-term recovery.

Participants will also examine practical recovery experiences and how successful approaches can be adapted and expanded across different parts of Syria.

Samia Sarkis, MedGlobal’s programs area coordinator in Homs, described the scope of support provided:

“Our team in Homs has played a major role in supporting Homs University Hospital with specialized medical equipment, including an advanced cardiac catheterization device, and in establishing new units such as neurosurgery, ophthalmic surgery, surgical and bronchoscopy services. The team has also supported the rehabilitation of Al-Walid Hospital and helped connect Syrian diaspora professionals with their local colleagues and the Directorate of Health.”

Members of the media will have the opportunity to attend select sessions, meet health sector leaders, technical experts and conference participants, and cover issues including health recovery, post-conflict mental health, workforce development, and the role of Syrian professionals in rebuilding health services.

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MedGlobal is a humanitarian nonprofit organization that provides emergency response and health programs to build resilience among vulnerable communities around the world. The organization’s health programs support victims of crisis and conflict, refugees, internally displaced persons, and marginalized communities in disaster-affected and low-resource settings.