Burlington, Ont. May 13, 2025 - With support from the Government of Canada, Islamic Relief Canada is reaching over 170,000 people across Syria and Yemen through two major humanitarian projects. These initiatives aim to address critical needs and improve access to essential health and protection services in both countries.
In Syria, the humanitarian crisis, worsened by the 2023 earthquake, has left millions without access to adequate healthcare, while women and girls face escalating risks of violence and exploitation. Today, over 16 million people across the country require humanitarian assistance, with urgent gaps in healthcare and maternal services. To address these needs, Islamic Relief Canada will be implementing a 1,500,000 CAD project in Aleppo and Idlib governorates. The projects will help restore disrupted protection services, expand access to specialized GBV support, and improve the availability of health services in high-need areas.
In Yemen, the project focuses on Al Hodeidah, a region facing some of the country’s most severe humanitarian needs and hosting one of the largest displaced populations. With over half of Yemen’s health facilities either partially functioning or non-operational, access to essential services, including maternal and reproductive health care, is extremely limited. Women and girls face growing risks of gender-based violence and barriers to safe childbirth, compounded by a lack of female health workers, mental health services, and basic medical supplies. Through this government funded project, Islamic Relief Canada is supporting over 46,000 people. This project aims to strengthen 14 public health facilities by rehabilitating infrastructure, providing essential medicines and equipment, training healthcare staff, and delivering targeted maternal and newborn health services, including transportation and care support for women in urgent need.
This work has been made possible through the support of the Government of Canada, whose funding allows for a timely and targeted response. These projects reflect Islamic Relief Canadas commitment to working with conflict affected communities through initiatives that build long term resilience to both conflict and disaster.