Save the Children Supported Health Compound hit in Syria, Seven People Injured
FAIRFIELD, Conn. (October 3, 2019) – A Save the Children supported health compound in Syria was hit by artillery shells on Thursday, injuring seven adults including a doctor at the site, and leaving one in critical condition.
Around 60 patients, including children, were in the facility at the time that what has been identified as a shell hit the southern wing of the compound. The Maraat Al Numan health compound serves up to 300,000 people living in the area, with an average of 200 visitors daily. It offers essential nutritional, maternity, dental and vaccination services. The full extent of the damaged is still being assessed but the facility is currently out of service.
"Yet again, civilians are paying the price of a long, deadly conflict,” said Amjad Yamin, a spokesperson for Save the Children. “This facility was offering critical help to hundreds of men, women and children. We stand with our partner Syria Relief and their staff who were on site when the facility was hit and we call for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers.
“The area has been relatively calm since the announcement of the ceasefire, and the displaced populations had started returning, now this may send them back.”
Save the Children has been supporting this compound since 2016 through its partner Syria Relief.
Save the Children is calling on all parties to stop this war on children. The Syrian conflict must not be allowed to become the moment where the violation of fundamental human rights and international laws designed to protect vulnerable children becomes the new normal.
Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Since our founding more than 100 years ago, we’ve changed the lives of more than 1 billion children. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
Thank you for signing up! Now, you’ll be among the first to know how Save the Children is responding to the most urgent needs of children, every day and in times of crisis—and how your support can make a difference. You may opt-out at any time by clicking "unsubscribe" at the bottom of any email.
By providing my mobile phone number, I agree to receive recurring text messages from Save the Children (48188) and phone calls with opportunities to donate and ways to engage in our mission to support children around the world. Text STOP to opt-out, HELP for info. Message & data rates may apply. View our Privacy Policy at savethechildren.org/privacy.