In Aleppo, many aid organizations are working to give residents food, water, and shelter amidst political instability and violence. But few are supporting medical students, who are best positioned to provide medical care under these circumstances. These students face countless challenges in continuing their education. Due to threats, they must take classes in secret makeshift classrooms, where textbooks are nonexistent and they lack access to critical components of a medical education.
Numerous international aid organizations are working to provide the people of Aleppo with food, water and shelter. However, few are supporting medical students, who are best positioned to provide medical care under these circumstances. These students face countless challenges in continuing their education. Due to constant threats, students must take classes in secret, makeshift classrooms, where textbooks are nonexistent and they lack access to critical components of a medical education.
LWB has teamed up with the Yale School of Medicine to provide medical students in Aleppo digital medical libraries. These libraries will give students access to textbooks, video tutorials, and virtual learning tools, including apps that simulate the lab experience. The program will help students treat everyday ailments as well as war-related injuries. Given the dearth of health personnel, it will fill a critical gap and save thousands of lives.
The corrosive effect of the protracted conflict in Syria will have implications for children and families for generations to come. After six years of war, Syria has experienced massive displacement and brain drain. When the fighting ends, the people of Syria will need to rebuild from within. By giving medical students the resources they need to continue their studies, this program will directly benefit the next generation of doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals.