The conflict between the Syrian Government and Opposition Forces in the Southern Syria governorate of Dará since mid-June has forced over 300,000 people into displacement. The recent wave of displacement from Southern Syria is being labelled as the region’s largest mass displacement since the Civil War began over seven years ago.

Since the beginning of the offensive, the UN has received reports of multiple deaths, which include women and children. Women and children are currently the most vulnerable groups among the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and casualties. The UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria recently published a report about sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) against women and girls, as well as men and boys. The absence of counselling and psychotherapy services is making it difficult for SGBV victims to reintegrate into society and respond to the escalating conflict.

Twelve children are reported to have recently died near the Jordanian border due to preventable conditions such as scorpion bites, dehydration and water-borne diseases due to the hot summer conditions. Health facilities in Dar’a have been affected with multiple attacks including six hospitals reported to be out of service or damaged. The lack of Water and Sanitation for Health (WASH) services is resulting in IDPs using contaminated water sources and there are rising fears of increased numbers of individuals affected by waterborne diseases and dehydration.

The conflict has put pressure on local markets causing increasing on prices of basic services, such as cooking gas which has increased over 100%. The search for affordable accommodation for IDPs has complicated as the rental prices have doubled.

The Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) Cluster has recorded over 1,273,718 displacements from affected areas of northern and southern Syria in the last twelve months. The fighting is expected to continue and increase numbers of the displaced and casualties.

Islamic Relief Worldwide is currently proposing a project to ensure access to life-saving support and services including food, Non-Food Items (NFI), health and WASH to the displaced families. The crisis affected families will be in a better position to cope with the hardships of displacement through provision of essential and appropriate support to meet their basic needs with dignity. In order to address the alarming health situation, at least seven health service providers including mobile health units and health facilities will be targeted to provide medicines and medical disposables. This will ensure continuity of vital health services for both displaced and non-displaced populations in Southern Syria.