International Medical Corps Becomes First American NGO to Operate in Syria

Photo: IMC

Hussien Ibrahim, Country Director for International Medical Corps in Syria (left), signs agreement with the President of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, Dr. Abdel Rahman Attar

Los Angeles, CA/Damascus, Syria – International Medical Corps (IMC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC), becoming the first American non-governmental organization approved to deliver direct humanitarian assistance in the country.

SARC has been designated by the government of Syria as the coordinating body for international humanitarian assistance, and since establishing a presence in Damascus six months ago, International Medical Corps has been working closely with SARC to reach the agreement signed last week.

“This landmark agreement represents a critical step forward in helping bring much-needed assistance to Iraqi refugees who fled their homeland, as well as to the Syrian host communities that have struggled with the strain of this population influx,” said Hussien Ibrahim, International Medical Corps Country Director for Syria.

An estimated 1.5 million Iraqi refugees have crossed the border into Syria, having fled violence that directly touched their lives, either through loss of a loved one or by being forced to leave their homes under threat of death. In addition to their physical wounds, many suffer from psychological stress, trauma, and depression caused from their experiences in Iraq. This is further exacerbated by the fact that they face exploitation and high rates of unemployment and 85 percent have little or no access to health care. Refugees with disabilities and rehabilitation needs and those with chronic illnesses suffer particularly under these conditions.

International Medical Corps will provide primary health care services to Iraqi refugees and host community members in three Syrian communities. This includes establishing two primary health clinics, and supplying them with equipment, medical supplies, and staff to enable them to provide outpatient services. To decrease maternal and child mortality, IMC will ensure that pregnant women seen at each clinic receive complete pre- and postnatal care. IMC also will provide support to two SARC dental units that serve these communities, including two dentists and two dental assistants.



Since its inception nearly 25 years ago, International Medical Corps’ mission has been consistent: relieve the suffering of those impacted by war, natural disaster and disease, by delivering vital health care services that focus on training. This approach of helping people help themselves is critical to returning devastated populations to self-reliance. For more information visit our website at www.imcworldwide.org.