Hundreds of refugees—mostly women and children—arrive daily at Doctors of the World’s primary healthcare center in Qah, Syria.

Why we care: Crowded and unsanitary living conditions, cold weather, lack of clean drinking water, and poor access to health services are threatening the health of more than 5,000 refugees in the Qah camp.

What we do: Providing medical and psychological care; offering supplies for improving the living conditions for refugees; and supporting medical personnel treating wounded Syrians.

Since October 2012, Doctors of the World’s doctors, nurses, and pharmacists have provided medical care for refugees in the Qah village, mainly treating respiratory infections, skin diseases, wounds and diarrhea, which are related to poor living conditions and the cold weather.  

Doctors of the World needs additional funding to continue activities, such as distributing blankets, soap, and plastic sheeting to create better living conditions for the growing number of internally displaced persons at the camp. In addition, water supply and wastewater disposal systems are needed, as are hygiene kits to reduce the risk of infectious diseases in the camp.

With the vast majority of patients being women, Doctors of the World also needs to provide basic quality sexual and reproductive health services. These include antenatal, postnatal and delivery care.

Staff members also work with patients to detect mental health problems, and are trained in referring patients who need psychological counseling. The referrals are made to a network of psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers specially trained by Doctors of the World in treating cases of post-traumatic stress.

Photo credit: Sacha Petryszyn

Doctors of the World is supported by the Kering Foundation, which combats violence against women and promotes their empowerment. Launched in January 2009, the Foundation supports community-based projects and encourages employee involvement to sustain women’s causes around the world. Through four programmes, it supports local and international NGOs as well as social entrepreneurs, helps raise awareness and establishes joint projects with the Kering brands. In 2012, more than 80,000 women benefited from its support in 16 countries. *In line with PPR’s change of name, the PPR Corporate Foundation for Women’s Dignity and Rights will become the Kering Corporate Foundation, subject to approval at the Foundation’s board meeting on 26 June 2013. www.keringfoundation.org @KeringForWomen