What Islamic Relief is already doing to help in Syria
Nearly 12 million people helped by humanitarian programmes. Islamic Relief continues to stand with the people of Syria.
Since the onset of the crisis, we have provided emergency relief and humanitarian aid, assisting nearly 12 million vulnerable people across the country, as well as refugee communities in neighbouring countries (Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey).
We have:
- Reached more than 3 million people through Ramadan and Qurbani distributions
- Provided emergency food aid to more than 1.5 million people, including approximately 680,000 internally displaced Syrians forced to flee their homes
- Given essential winter survival assistance to nearly 1 million people
- Delivered vital healthcare support to almost 1.3 million people as part of our Covid-19 response efforts.
Over the years we have been able to save millions of lives, but as the conflict rages on, we still urgently need your support. Please donate to our Syria Appeal and help save lives.

How your donations are helping people in Syria
As well as providing vital food aid, Islamic Relief is also delivering lifesaving healthcare interventions. We are running healthcare facilities such as mobile emergency units, health centres and specialist dialysis centres, and have also established and supported the only heart surgery centre. In addition, in 2020 we provided medical items that are vital in many healthcare settings, including:
- Physiotherapy and recovery items such as splints, mobility assistance devices, crutches, and braces
- Medical disposables and specialist instruments and equipment
Islamic Relief is also at the forefront of the response to the Covid-19 outbreak. We have delivered awareness-raising activities in primary healthcare centres. As part of efforts to reduce the spread of coronavirus, we gave 84 health facilities personal protective equipment (PPE) including masks, gloves, and medical gowns, as well as no-contact thermometers, hand disinfectant gels, disinfectant sprays and other sterilisation solutions. As a result, thousands of people were able to access free healthcare services.

“This centre is a source of pride for us and the whole world.
“The post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), continued trauma and continuous displacement that I have faced are the reason my health has suffered so badly,” says Ahmed, from Kafr Nabl, who had a heart condition that was being worsened by stress.
Then the 75-year-old became the first patient to receive specialist surgery at the only heart surgery centre in northern Syria, which was established and supported by Islamic Relief as part of efforts to support Syria’s collapsing healthcare sector. It has made a huge difference to his health.
“Thank God, I am in the best health now. The feeling is indescribable. I thank Islamic Relief.”
Islamic Relief’s healthcare interventions include a project to provide healthcare to over 1.2 million people in the region. Alongside running healthcare facilities, we provide wages to healthcare staff, essential training and support with running costs. We also offer transport for those who would not otherwise be able to travel to healthcare facilities, and have set up referral systems between healthcare facilities.
Why the people of Syria need your help
Eleven years since the outbreak of conflict in Syria, millions of people are struggling to survive.
A staggering six million people have been displaced from their homes and the cost of basic items has increased 20 times since the outbreak of war.

With many people losing their lives, grandparents have found themselves becoming the sole carers for their orphaned grandchildren. This is a reality that Abu Ziyad knows all too well.
Having lost his son when his village was bombed, he’s now caring for his orphaned grandchildren alone.
Find out how Islamic Relief helped Abu Ziyad earn a living.