Since the beginning of the Syrian civil war in 2011, the country’s citizens have endured immense suffering. Many millions have been displaced by the conflict or forced to flee the country altogether, creating the world’s largest displacement crisis.
Thousands of Syrians have refuge in overcrowded urban areas, facing difficult living conditions, high rates of poverty and limited access to basic services. This mass displacement and limited access to food, clean water and healthcare have exacerbated the issue of malnutrition, particularly among children and mothers.
Farhan, his wife, their eight kids and two grandparents fled their hometown of Homs after the onset of the Syrian war. They travelled to Damascus, the capital, looking for safety and economic opportunities, then settled in Dahadeel—one of its poorer neighbourhoods. Farhan quickly got a job and worked hard to provide for the family, but his meagre income wasn’t enough to support the family’s basic needs. They had to make do with whatever food they could get, dreaming of the hearty, nourishing meals that they could never afford. As their situation grew worse, Farhan’s youngest son—a 7-month-old baby named Abdul Mawla—began to exhibit signs of malnutrition.
With the support of the European Union, International Medical Corps runs a mobile medical team that provides medical and nutritional services around the area. Sometimes, the team visits a location near Farhan and his family’s house. Early in 2024, Farhan’s wife approached the team on one of their routine visits and expressed her worries about her sons—especially baby Abdul Mawla. Dr. Mohamad Haidar, who leads the team, examined Abdul Mawla and took his mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurement. The measurement was just 11.5 cm, which the Syrian Ministry of Health classifies as indicating severe acute malnutrition.
Dr. Mohamad quickly referred the family to a community management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) centre supported by the Ministry of Health. These centres, which International Medical Corps works with the Ministry of Health’s Nutrition Department to support, provide people with proper treatment and nutrient-rich foods to help them recover.
Baby Abdul Mawla was treated for four months at the CMAM centre. Dr. Mohamad followed his case carefully, communicating with the center and the family regularly. In June 2024, Dr. Mohamad examined the baby for the last time and was very happy with his recovery. Abdul Mawla’s MUAC measurement had increased from 11.5 cm to 12.6 cm, showing that he had gained weight during the treatment. Moreover, his motor development had improved—another good sign for his recovery. Thanks to the coordination between the International Medical Corps mobile team, the Ministry of Health and the CMAM centres, Abdul Mawla received the care he urgently needed. The whole family was grateful to International Medical Corps and the European Union for ensuring that Abdul Mawla received effective treatment. In addition to helping Abdul Mawla, the coordination between International Medical Corps and the CMAM centres supported by the Ministry of Health has changed hundreds of lives in the region. Since the beginning of this partnership, International Medical Corps has referred 175 children (78 boys and 97 girls) and 200 pregnant and lactating women to the CMAM centres for treatment.
