This research provides a critical analysis of humanitarian and health aid trends in Syria over a decade of protracted conflict. The study investigates the phenomenon of “aid displacement,” examining how funding priorities shifted in response to acute humanitarian crises and the evolving political landscape. By analyzing data from the OECD’s Creditor Reporting System, the authors explore the implications of heavy donor dependency on the long-term resilience and stability of the Syrian health sector. The paper links aid fluctuations to four key dimensions of the conflict, offering a data-driven perspective on how international assistance can either mitigate or inadvertently exacerbate systemic vulnerabilities. These findings are essential for global health policymakers and donors aiming to transition from short-term emergency relief to more sustainable and effective health system support in active war zones.
Authors and Contributors:
The research was conducted by a multidisciplinary team of experts: Munzer Alkhalil, Maher Alaref, Abdulkarim Ekzayez, Hala Mkhallalati, Nassim El Achi, Zedoun Alzoubi, Fouad Fouad, Muhammed Mansur Alatraş, and Abdulhakim Ramadan. The study also benefited from the senior contributions of Sumit Mazumdar, Josephine Borghi, and Preeti Patel.
