The escalation of hostilities across Aleppo, Ar-Raqqa, Al-Hasakah, and Deir-ez-Zor since early January 2026 has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, resulting in the displacement of an estimated 128,400 individuals as of 11 February 2026, with women and children constituting 91% of this population. The conflict has damaged critical infrastructure and suspended public services, significantly limiting access to essential sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response services. Approximately 1,336,200 people require health services, and 394,000 need protection services. The risks of GBV are heightened due to overcrowded, inadequate temporary shelters and compounded by harsh winter conditions and mobility constraints that are disrupting humanitarian access, cutting many people off from hospitals and specialized services.
In response, UNFPA, with its 10 implementing partners, is targeting 250,000 affected individuals, primarily women of reproductive age and adolescent girls, in the four governorates and camps. Utilizing integrated mobile teams (IMTs), static health facilities, Women and Girls’ Safe Spaces (WGSSs), and Community Well-being Centres (CWCs), UNFPA is delivering life-saving SRH and GBV services. Since the crisis began, 16,351 individuals have been reached with SRH services, including antenatal care, childbirth deliveries, and family planning. For GBV, UNFPA and partners have reached 19,757 individuals with prevention and response services, providing psychological first aid, psychosocial support, dignity kits, sanitary pads, and winterization items. UNFPA also leads the GBV Sub-sector and co-leads the SRH Working Group with the Ministry of Health, focusing on continuous service mapping, updating referral pathways, conducting risk assessments, and adapting service delivery to the evolving context and access constraints.
UNFPA launched a Flash Appeal on 29 January 2026, for Aleppo and North-East Syria, appealing for US$4.9 million for the period of January to June. Within the first two weeks, the appeal received 37% of its required funding, thanks to contributions from the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the UNFPA Emergency Fund. Despite this initial support, a critical funding gap of US$3.1 million remains, underscoring the urgent need for additional support to scale up the response, equip front-line workers, and ensure the sustained provision of life-saving services to women and girls.
