The devastating earthquakes that struck Türkiye and Syria on 6 February claimed thousands of lives, damaged and destroyed buildings and infrastructure, and require an immediate humanitarian response.

In this first UNFPA situation report covering the whole of Syria, priorities are articulated for immediate response to reduce suffering and save lives as search and rescue operations continue.  Across Syria, UNFPA is focused on providing essential psychosocial and GBV response services across all affected areas, and providing basic reproductive health services to meet the urgent needs through mobile health teams and static clinics.

There is an immediate need for psychological first aid and ongoing needs for the provision of psychosocial support, and if possible, referral for mental health services for those requiring more specialised services given the traumatic experiences. Essential needs for the immediate response include: reproductive health medical supplies, menstrual hygiene materials, winterised dignity kits, blankets, newborn items, winter clothing, tents and / or prefabricated structures to provide lifesaving SRH and GBV services. Fuel is also urgently needed to ensure continuation of critical service provision, particularly in health facilities.

Coordination and functioning referral systems are being scaled-up so that transit and reception areas for displaced persons can mitigate the risk of gender based violence. Humanitarian assistance also needs to ensure affected populations are protected against the risk of sexual exploitation and abuse as people are extremely vulnerable.