Damascus, July 15 (SANA)Syrian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research,Marwan al-Halabi, discussed in Damascus withChristina Bethke, Deputy Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Syria, and an accompanying regional delegation, ways to enhance cooperation in supporting university hospitals and advancing medical training.

During the meeting, al-Halabi highlighted the central role of Syria’s 14 university hospitals, noting that they perform a significant share of the country’s surgical operations, oncology treatments, pediatric procedures, and organ transplants.The minister stressed the importance of directing WHO assistance according to actual needs and presented a comprehensive guide detailing gaps and priority interventions for each hospital.

WHO officials praised recent improvements in university hospitals and reviewed ongoing programs in reproductive health, maternal and child care, newborn health, and nutrition. They also noted the rehabilitation of Aleppo Children’s Hospital, supported by the UNDP and the Government of Japan.

The two sides agreed on the need to boost coordination mechanisms and develop practical steps for future collaboration, particularly in capacity building, training, and improving the quality of medical services.