Two years have passed since the terrible earthquake that hit Syria and Turkey on the night between 5 and 6 February 2023. However, the needs remain enormous.
For this reason, AMU through the RISE Program continues to support the Syrian population for
alleviate suffering and restore hope to communities.
Numerous concrete interventions have been carried out on multiple fronts: from the reconstruction of homes to care for the sick, to the distribution of healthy meals in schools.
Here is what was achieved from December 1, 2023 to January 31, 2025.
AMU for the earthquake in Syria: the updates
Medical care and interventions for the elderly
Due to the difficult economic situation that Syria has been experiencing for years, public health care is practically non-existent , and this problem has increased after the earthquake. Those who suffer most from the lack of health care are the elderly. The RISE program steps in to support the most vulnerable people in these difficult times.
In these months, the activity has ensured that the elderly receive the necessary medications, medical visits when necessary, and periodic check-ups through the activity coordinator. 
In Aleppo and Baniyas, 50 elderly people with chronic diseases have been supported in their medical care: these are patients whose conditions have been caused directly or indirectly by the earthquake. Support is provided in different ways: distribution of medicines, medical visits and diagnostic tests.
Financial assistance was provided to caregivers of 30 elderly people who require physical, health and nutritional care . In addition, 100 essential medical devices – including blood pressure monitors, diabetes kits and nebulizers – were provided to people with chronic diseases.
Also for the elderly, starting from this month (February 2025) 60 energy accumulators will be distributed and installed , in order to improve home safety and prevent accidents caused by total darkness.
Support for the elderly who face highly fragile social and economic situations continues in 2025.
Healthy meals for children and prevention for risks
In the cities of Homs and Baniyas, two kitchens have been set up to prepare and distribute 500 healthy meals per day to students in schools and educational centers: four times a week, each child receives a sandwich prepared with local ingredients, and accompanied by a seasonal fruit or vegetable. This initiative ensures that children receive nutritious meals throughout the year, easing the economic burden on families.
From the beginning of this activity in June 2024 to January 31, 2025, a total of 37,257 healthy meals have been distributed.
Training sessions on prevention and risk management in the event of natural disasters were also organized. These courses, held by specialists, were aimed at civil society (organizations, associations, scouts and schools).
Restoration of houses damaged by the earthquake
One of the main problems caused by the 2023 earthquake was housing. Unfortunately, to date there are still many people waiting to renovate their homes damaged by the earthquake. There is a lack of resources to do so. The RISE program also provides for this need, giving priority to the elderly, large families and female heads of households.
In Aleppo, from May 1st to January 31st 2024, 50 houses were renovated . Also in Baniyas, from June 1st 2024 to January 31st 2025, 20 houses were renovated . The recovery of the houses is still ongoing, these numbers are therefore destined to increase.
