This research addresses the critical need for a methodical approach to assess health governance in areas where central state authority has collapsed. Focusing on Northwest Syria, the study evaluates the “Central Bodies”—institutional structures created to manage thematic planning and service delivery, such as medical referrals and information management. By applying a governance assessment framework within a protracted crisis setting, the authors identify both the strengths and the immaturity of these nascent administrative procedures. The findings highlight the transition from informal coordination to more systematic strategic planning, while also pointing out the challenges of achieving long-term humanitarian objectives with limited resources. This paper provides essential evidence for practitioners and donors on how to strengthen institutional accountability and efficiency in fragmented health systems, ensuring they can better serve vulnerable populations.
Authors and Contributors:
The paper was authored by a specialized team of researchers and practitioners: Maher Alaref, Orwa Al-Abdulla, Zedoun Al Zoubi, Munzer Al Khalil, and Abdulkarim Ekzayez. This work represents a significant contribution to understanding the practical application of governance principles in active conflict zones.
