Syrian Health Minister Musab al‑Ali met with a delegation from Italy’s Sant’Egidio Community to discuss strengthening cooperation in the health sector and improving services for citizens, the ministry said.
The delegation was led by Mauro Garofalo, who said the organization is working on a project in Syria to support health coverage, train medical staff and potentially assist with infrastructure development.
Al‑Ali emphasized the importance of building sustainable strategic relations with Sant’Egidio in a way that serves the interests of both sides.
Sant’Egidio, a Catholic humanitarian association founded in Rome in 1968, is known for social service, conflict resolution and humanitarian initiatives.
Syria’s health sector remains in deep crisis after more than a decade of conflict, with fragmented infrastructure, severe funding shortages and millions lacking access to basic care and medicines.
More than half of hospitals are not fully functional, and shortages continue to affect primary care, reproductive health and essential supplies.