Idlib Health Directorate hosted a meeting for the staff of the project "Research for Health Systems Strengthening in Northwest Syria" (#R4HSSS), during which the key achievements of this scientific and purposeful project over the past four years were presented. Dr. Zuhair al-Karrat, Director of Idlib Health, spoke about the directorate's contribution to the success of this remarkable project, adding, "Over the past four years, in collaboration with our partners, we have accomplished many milestones, most notably: graduating two diploma courses in intensive care targeting staff in intensive care units in hospitals, establishing a comprehensive database of the health sector in the region that provides important indicators for health planning and governance, as well as establishing a Disability Affairs Office within the directorate to address the issues of this important segment of our community, in addition to creating a mental health division." Dr. Abdul Karim qzaiz, Director of R4HSSS project and a researcher at King's College London, discussed the scientific research efforts during the project, noting, "We have completed 30 scientific studies and published them in peer-reviewed international journals, in addition to organizing several specialized medical trainings targeting healthcare staff."

Dr. Ahmed Debes, Director of Operations at UOSSM, said, "This project is unique in that it works on strengthening the health system in the region and ensuring its sustainability and development by relying on the medical personnel present in the area. Another significant aspect of this project is that it brought together several health entities to carry out activities, demonstrating that our health institutions are capable of achieving the highest levels of coordination in service of the health sector." It is worth noting that the "Research for Health Systems Strengthening in Syria" project is a scientific and academic research initiative implemented over four years between 2021 and 2024, in partnership with Idlib Health Directorate, UOSSM, the Syrian Board of Medical Specialties (SBOMS), and King's College London. This project plays a crucial role in transitioning our health sector from an emergency state to a well-governed system by training medical personnel and enhancing the efficiency of the health system in Northwest Syria, an area that has suffered significant damage over the past years due to the destruction of health facilities and the loss of many medical staff. The project has produced research and recommendations that pave the way for recovery and early revitalization in our region. The project was implemented according to four pillars: health sector governance, strengthening the information system, training human resources, and providing 13 scholarships for master's degrees in public health and health systems development from British universities. #Idlib_Health_Directorate #R4HSSS