Syria Crisis Timeline: In Pictures

A look back at International Medical Corps’ role in the Syria crisis since the onset of war in 2011

International Medical Corps first began operating inside Syria in 2007, providing assistance to Iraqi refugees and vulnerable Syrian communities. When war broke out in 2011, we were able to start helping victims of the conflict — in Syria and surrounding countries — immediately.

As political insecurity and instability rise in Syria in 2011, hundreds of refugees begin to flee into Lebanon and Turkey.

International Medical Corps rapidly responds to the initial influx into northern Lebanon by supplying a health center with essential medical supplies and by deploying a mobile medical unit.

Within five years Lebanon will become host to more than 1 million registered Syrian refugees, and have the highest number of refugees per-capita in the world.

In July 2012, Za’atari refugee camp opens in Jordan to support the increasing number of refugees fleeing from Syria.

International Medical Corps begins working in the camp soon after its opening, implementing activities that support the protection and well-being of Syrian children and families.

Currently, International Medical Corps provides health, protection, and mental health and psychosocial support services in Za’atari and Azraq camps, as well as for Syrian refugees in host communities throughout the country.

In 2013, International Medical Corps officially expands its work to support conflict-affected Syrians, working with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.

Our first responders deliver mobile medical services in and around Damascus; support health care facilities; provide primary health care, mental health care and psychosocial support; and distribute critical supplies.

In addition to providing primary health care and psychosocial services, International Medical Corps provides prosthetic and support services to war-wounded persons with physical disabilities.

In response to an influx of refugees from Syria, International Medical Corps expands its programs in Iraq.

The vast majority of Syrian refugees (98%) in Iraq reside in the Kurdish region in the north — which, over the course of 2014, also becomes host to more than 1 million internally displaced persons fleeing conflict in central Iraq.

International Medical Corps provides health, mental health and psychosocial support services to Syrian refugees living in camps and in host communities, to ensure they have access to critically needed services.

International Medical Corps scales up its relief activities, in response to the growing number of refugees and migrants traveling to Europe via the Mediterranean and Aegean seas.

International Medical Corps starts working to distribute food and relief items to Syrian and other refugees waiting in locations in western Turkey that are hubs for refugees preparing to make their journey.

In addition, International Medical Corps teams provide emergency medical care and lifesaving supplies for refugees in transit in Hungary, Serbia, Croatia and Greece.

As the city of Aleppo is retaken by the Syrian government, millions of men, women and children are forced to flee their homes.

In 2016, we operate mobile medical units to reach refugees and internally displaced persons who do not have access to local health care.

We support Syrian refugees in neighboring countries, to help manage the impact of the population influx on health and social services.

International Medical Corps continues to provide medical care, supplies, and access to clean water to refugees in need.

Our programs support Syrian refugees in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey.

International Medical Corps is the main healthcare provider inside the Azraq Refugee Camp in Jordan.

In partnership with other agencies, International Medical Corps provides support and counseling for adults and children, along with team-building exercises and general education classes for children.

Now entering its ninth year, the Syrian war continues to inflict incomprehensible levels of suffering on civilians. International Medical Corps remains, helping people affected by the conflict.

As some refugees begin to return home to Syria to see what is left of the lives they had there, the violence continues — and the future remains uncertain. Much of the infrastructure — including schools and medical facilities — has been destroyed. For the more than 5 million who fled and the 6 million people displaced inside Syria, home is still a long way off.

Since the start of the conflict, we have provided nearly 16 million patient consultations, performed nearly 1 million surgeries and provided much-needed relief supplies to more than 3 million people.

Help save lives in Syria and around the world.

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