Àrea Metropolitana de Barcelona

Emergency treatment and primary healthcare have been absolute priorities in health since the beginning of the conflict in Syria, leading to secondary and tertiary care being neglected. As a result, acute complications arising from chronic diseases have multiplied due to lack of treatment, and there has also been an increase in cancer cases, which is attributed to increased environmental pollution, armed conflict and the use of illegal weapons, a lack of food controls and a lack of public awareness.

In this context, the Municipal Council of Qamishli, the Kurdish Red Crescent, Mezzaluna Rossa Kurdistan Italia and the Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB) are working together to build the first oncology centre in northern and eastern Syria. The AMB is contributing by ensuring an adequate water, sanitation and waste management system to safeguard the health of patients and staff, and the health conditions and environmental sustainability of the centre. The correct treatment of the oncology centre’s waste will also have a crucial impact on the environment.

It is estimated that the new centre will treat around some 5,000 people every year. The centre will undertake awareness-raising and information activities, and provide treatment and screening for oncological diseases, enabling early diagnosis of cases.