The Swedish Embassy in Damascus, in partnership with the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), signed a $2.75 million agreement with Syria’s Ministry of Health to enhance maternal and newborn healthcare across the country. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Health Minister Dr. Musab al-Ali.
The agreement aims to improve midwifery and nursing education, strengthen healthcare delivery for mothers and infants, and raise the overall quality of medical services. It also provides for the renovation of four nursing schools, equipping their laboratories with modern tools, and hiring specialized consultants to develop a national strategy for nursing and midwifery. The strategy will focus on enhancing international cooperation, updating educational curricula, and promoting academic exchange in line with global standards.
Building a Skilled Workforce to Save Lives
Minister Ali emphasized that the memorandum seeks to empower licensed midwives and medical professionals who provide essential healthcare to mothers and children. He explained that the project’s core goal is to reduce maternal mortality during childbirth by improving care quality and creating a scalable national model for midwifery development that meets international benchmarks. He noted that midwives play a crucial role in reducing preventable deaths and ensuring safe childbirth, especially in rural and underserved areas, where access to specialized care remains limited.
Sweden’s Continued Support for Humanitarian Health Efforts
Swedish Ambassador to Syria and Lebanon Jessica Svar Dastrom stated that this partnership represents Sweden’s ongoing commitment to supporting health and social services and promoting human rights in Syria. She explained that the cooperation focuses on improving maternal and child health, particularly through education and institutional capacity building.
During her visit to a nursing school in rural Damascus, Dastrom met with midwives who shared their aspirations for a more secure and advanced professional future. She highlighted that Sweden places strong emphasis on supporting women’s health and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services.
UNFPA Deputy Representative Boucheta Marabet added that the agreement reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that every woman and newborn in Syria receives safe and high-quality care. He underscored that strengthening the midwifery profession is essential for building a more resilient and equitable healthcare system.
Developing a National Health Workforce Strategy
Director of Health Professions at the Ministry of Health Dureid al-Rahmoun said the project will help build the capacity of nursing and midwifery staff, improving the quality and reach of services provided nationwide. He explained that the memorandum includes developing a multi-year strategy and enacting supporting legislation to strengthen the profession.
Rahmoun noted that Syria currently has 11 nursing schools and six nursing institutes, all of which will undergo curriculum updates. Four of these schools will be renovated, and each nurse will participate in a series of 15 specialized training sessions to enhance practical and technical skills.
This memorandum responds to national healthcare priorities identified by the Ministry of Health and paves the way for expanding maternal and newborn services across Syria. It represents an important step toward improving health outcomes for women and children, particularly in communities most in need.
