Turkey and Syria – Our Emergency Response

February 13, 2023 – Today marks just over one week since the devastating earthquakes in southern Turkey and northern Syria. The death toll has surpassed 33,000 people, while the desperate search for anyone still alive has likely entered its last hours. Despite very difficult conditions and freezing temperatures, Doctors of the World is working around the clock to provide assistance to those who have lost family members, their homes, their livelihoods, and any hope that life as they knew it will ever be the same.

We are supporting search and rescue efforts in cooperation with our partners, Project HOPE and SAMU First Response, in Hatay, one of the provinces most affected by the earthquakes in Turkey. We are distributing first aid and hygiene kits, medicines, blankets and thermal clothing, as well as food with a mobile kitchen we have set up, to ensure victims have access to medical care and nutrition.

In Syria, many buildings and shelters have been destroyed, the hospitals damaged and overwhelmed. Many healthcare workers have suspended their services because they are dealing with the consequences of the disaster for themselves and their families. Doctors of the World has five clinics open in Idlib and has started a temporary mobile medical team of doctors, nurses, midwives and pharmacists visiting neighborhoods and new camps to provide an emergency response to people affected by the earthquake.

Also, we know that mental health support is essential after a traumatic event of this scale. The vast majority of individuals affected are in need of psychological support. Our psychologists have been sent into the field to provide psychological first aid for post-disaster trauma.

Our work would not be possible without the generosity of our donors. We are grateful for your support and will continue to keep you updated on our response.