The Impact of War on Children in Syria: A Review of Médecins Sans Frontières’ Findings

QUESTION

What has been the impact of war on children in Syria? See:

Impact of war on child health in northern Syria: the experience of Médecins Sans Frontières.

Author: Meiqari L

Published: 2018 Mar

Summary: Few data are available to evaluate the impact of Syrian war on civilian population; to describe this impact on child health, this article uses data from Médecins Sans Frontières-Operational Centre Amsterdam’s activities in Tal-Abyad and Kobane cities, northern Syria (2013-2016).

Child Injuries in the Syrian Civil War

Author: Kahraman, Ahmet

Published: 2019

Summary: INTRODUCTION The most frequent cause of the civilian death in wars is bombings.

ANSWER

 The Impact of War on Children in Syria: A Review of Médecins Sans Frontières’ Findings

Introduction

The ongoing conflict in Syria has had devastating consequences for its civilian population, especially children. This research aims to examine the impact of war on children in Syria, focusing on two studies conducted by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) that shed light on the extent of child injuries and the overall state of child health in northern Syria. By analyzing these studies, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by children in war-torn regions and highlight the urgent need for intervention and support.

Study 1: Impact of War on Child Health in Northern Syria: The Experience of Médecins Sans Frontières

Published in 2018, this study by Meiqari L utilized data from MSF’s activities in Tal-Abyad and Kobane cities in northern Syria between 2013 and 2016. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of the Syrian war on child health in these areas.

The findings revealed a dire situation for children in northern Syria. The conflict had severely disrupted healthcare systems, resulting in limited access to essential services such as vaccinations, maternal care, and treatment for common childhood illnesses. The lack of adequate medical facilities and supplies contributed to high morbidity and mortality rates among children. Malnutrition and infectious diseases were prevalent, leading to increased vulnerability and decreased resilience among children.

The study emphasized the urgent need for sustained humanitarian assistance and interventions targeting child health. It highlighted the importance of supporting healthcare infrastructure, providing essential medications and vaccines, and strengthening health systems to mitigate the long-term consequences of the war on children.

Study 2: Child Injuries in the Syrian Civil War

Authored by Kahraman Ahmet and published in 2019, this study focused on child injuries caused by bombings during the Syrian civil war. The objective was to assess the impact of bombings on the physical and psychological well-being of children.

The study revealed that bombings were the primary cause of civilian deaths during the conflict. Children, being the most vulnerable, experienced a disproportionately high rate of injuries and fatalities. Explosive weapons, including aerial bombardments, shelling, and landmines, resulted in severe physical injuries, including burns, fractures, and traumatic amputations.

Beyond the physical impact, children also suffered from psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The constant exposure to violence, loss of family members, and displacement compounded the psychological distress experienced by children.

The study emphasized the urgent need for protection measures to safeguard children from the devastating effects of bombings. It called for an end to the use of explosive weapons in populated areas and the implementation of comprehensive psychosocial support programs to address the psychological trauma faced by children.

Conclusion

The research conducted by Médecins Sans Frontières provides valuable insights into the impact of the Syrian war on children, highlighting the severe challenges they face in terms of health, injuries, and psychological well-being. The findings underscore the urgent need for humanitarian interventions to provide essential healthcare services, protection measures, and psychosocial support to mitigate the long-term consequences of war on Syrian children. Efforts must be made by the international community to address the unique needs and vulnerabilities of children affected by armed conflict and ensure their safety, well-being, and access to essential services.