Refugee camp in Idlib;
Credit: SARS
Non-profit association Caritas Luxembourg issued a statement earlier today to raise awareness of the current situation in the refugee camps north of Idlib in Syria and the risk posed by the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in these camps.
In addition to years of conflict, hunger and displacement, Syria, and more specifically the Idlib region, now also faces the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. For its part, Caritas Luxembourg has been supporting people in need in this region for several years, mainly providing them with food and shelter.
In light of this new invisible threat, Caritas Luxembourg spoke with Dr. Michael Feit, a doctor and head of international cooperation at the NGO, about what COVID-19 means for people in this region. According to Dr. Feit, despite the country only officially reporting five cases of the virus, coronavirus is now present across most of Syria. Moreover, a lack of containment measures means that the virus will spread quickly; the risk is enormous.
Dr. Feit went on to highlight the three strategies being pursued in Luxembourg in response to the current health crisis, namely slowing the spread of the virus, increasing health capacities and protecting vulnerable people. However, social distancing cannot be applied in refugee camps where thousands of people live together in a confined space. Similarly, a lack of running water means people in the camps cannot wash their hands as often as is recommended.
In addition, hospitals in the region have been systematically attacked in recent weeks. Even before the arrival of COVID-19, these hospitals were completely overcrowded. According to Dr. Feit, nearly 100 healthcare facilities have been affected or had to close since December and the number of respirators is minimal. There is also a lack of staff and expertise in epidemiology. Consequently, it will not be possible to treat all COVID-19 patients in the region in hospitals.
Moreover, there is no possibility of isolating the elderly, who must be cared for by their families in order to survive.
Regarding morale, Dr. Feit explained that partners of Caritas Luxembourg in Idlib are feeling helpless. All the NGO can do now is help slow the spread of the virus through the distribution of soap and disinfectants. The NGO also supports people in need by staying with them.
In any case, Dr. Feit has estimated around 100,000 deaths resulting from COVID-19 if the World Health Organisation (WHO) pandemic plan does not work.
Caritas Luxembourg has appealed for donations from the public to support its activities during the current coronavirus pandemic. Individuals wishing to help out are asked to make a donation by bank transfer to the account of Caritas Luxembourg (CCPL) IBAN LU34 1111 0000 2020 0000, mentioning "Urgence Coronavirus – aide internationale" or online at www.caritas.lu.
