Anas explained: “I’ll never forget the moment I found out that the physical therapy department had been directly targeted
Over a decade into the conflict, hospitals across Syria continue to be subjected to attacks, leaving communities without access to critical health services.
Anas Mahmoud, a physical therapist, was displaced from his home in the formerly-besieged East Ghouta in 2018 due to the conflict. Upon arriving in Northwest Syria, he began working at Al-Shifa hospital. Al-Shifa hospital has been evacuated four times due to targeting since June 2021. Anas explained: “I’ll never forget the moment I found out that the physical therapy department had been directly targeted and was out of service because of the damage. This department that I’d been working in for three years, providing essential services every day, couldn’t continue that work.” Despite the risks and challenges that come with working at a hospital in Northwest Syria, Anas continues working towards his goal of“helping patients rehabilitate themselves and reenter society.” The bravery and resilience of SAMS staff in Syria allow us to support communities in need of essential services in the face of dire circumstances.
