nlp-thedeep/humsetbias huggingface dataset:
[ April 2020, camps NWS ]  Inadequate sewerage and waste management. Participants reported that disposal was not properly managed within camps, with one describing sewage rivulets running between tents. Participants expressed concerns about the risk of disease spread due to inadequate hygiene. Participants blamed NGOs for inconsistent waste management and not resolving waste disposal issues, despite multiple requests, thus forcing camp residents to try unsuccessfully to dispose of waste themselves.
[ April 2020, camps NWS ]  While effects of school closures were not discussed separately from other forms of lockdown, as children in camps either attended unofficial camp ‘schools,' formal schools in nearby villages, or worked to help their families survive without any additional education. Given existing educational constraints, only one participant highlighted the detrimental effects of school closures on children and young people in camps and that online education was not readily accessible, as worsened access was largely hypothetical.
[ April 2020, camps NWS ]  Psychological distress. Some reported emotional signs of stress, including increased fear and worry, insomnia, nightmares, and sadness. “Even though the disease has not reached the area yet, we are living in fear and terror… because we are living in camps' Stress responses varied, however, with one participant articulating the implicitly pragmatic risk prioritisation common within camps. “Ten years of war! You expect people to fear a germ? Everything became acceptable. Even death is acceptable'
[ April 2020, camps NWS ]  Several participants indicated the possible positive prevention effects of lockdown, if implemented correctly by allowing essential services such as food aid for those in need. However, even these participants indicated this would be difficult in camps. “The curfew might be good to solve and overcome the coronavirus problem, but it has a strong negative impact in terms of poverty and hunger. If we stay home we're not relieved, and if we go out to work we're not relieved.'
[ April 2020, camps NWS ]  One participant suggested providing services for high risk individuals to reduce their need to go out in crowds, for example buying their groceries. Another participant suggested that exchanging tents to make room for high risk individuals would be possible.
“We are all family and relatives here  [ in the camp ] . If we had to we could vacate one tent for them  [ high risk individuals ]  and the rest of us share one tent with each other'
[ April 2020, camps NWS ]  NGO responses. Participants reported being told to maintain a one metre distance when queuing, reduce gatherings, increase disinfection, and wear masks. They described humanitarian NGO led COVID 19 awareness campaigns. “All people used to gather  [ for aid distribution ] , now they  [ NGO workers ]  are wearing masks and putting an insulator. Children are not allowed. People come and collect  [ aid ]  without gathering. Each name is called upon to collect'
[ 11 July 2021, GoS ]  The Syrian government has announced a steep increase in bread and fuel prices to tackle a financial crunch, bringing more pain to civilians in the Middle Eastern country racked by more than a decade of devastating war. Bread prices doubled and diesel prices nearly tripled on 11 July 2021, according to the official SANA news agency, as the new prices went into force in government held parts of Syria on Sunday amid a long running economic crisis.
[ April 2020, camps NWS ]  Participants most frequently mentioned television and internet as COVID 19 information sources, followed by NGO awareness campaigns inside or outside camps. The few participants who did not have internet or television access relied on information circulated by their neighbours and relatives. Major internet sources were Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, Telegram, and well established media outlets such as the BBC, France 24, and Aljazeera. Facebook was the most mentioned information resource. “ [ I get information ]  from the internet mostly, because we don't have electricity  [ for TV ] . Among every 2 3 households, one would have electricity and neighbours would come and charge their  [ phone ]  batteries  [ … ]  so we don't have TV. We get all news through our mobile phones'
[ April 2020, camps NWS ]  Several participants provided some misinformation when asked about COVID 19 transmission, prevention, and high risk people. Examples included expecting certain and rapid death after infection, all ages being affected similarly, and inaccurate hygiene techniques such as only washing with water  ( without soap ) . Several were unable to identify high risk household members. Many stated that they would seek immediate help from health facilities if they contracted the virus, which contradicted local guidelines advising symptomatic patients to self isolate if able to cope. “The first thing I would do is take them  [ infected people ]  to the hospital where they can be treated'
[ April 2020, camps NWS ]  Perceptions of lockdown and curfews: Participants discussed the possibility of lockdown  ( i.e. a broad emergency measure, closing private and public spaces and keeping people home as much as possible but maintaining essential services )  or curfew  ( i.e. a narrower administrative order, imposed frequently such as during riots or violence in specified hours and areas, to keep people home and public spaces and essential services such as markets and schools closed for a set number of hours ) . Participants did not distinguish between lockdown and curfew in their responses, instead highlighting challenges related to implementation of either measure and questioned their feasibility in camps given existing overcrowding, shared toilets and showers, and the crucial absence of enforcement bodies. “Two or three members of each household go out to work daily to provide for their families. How would you impose curfew? It would be a crime!'
[ 16th ​March, 2021, NSAG ]  % of SDs with majority of population in need of;   65 % Soap or Water,   65% masks and   65% disinfectant.
[ 21 March 2021, NWS ]  Yesterday also saw airstrikes targeting civilian infrastructure in Northern Idlib, close to the Turkish border. SAMS fears that a new military offensive is imminent.
[ 21 March 2021, NWS ]  The heinous attack of 21 March 2021 on SAMS supported Al Atareb Hospital in Western Aleppo, killed 7 patients and wounded at least 15 others, including 5 medical staff. The hospital's coordinates had been shared with OCHA in order to deconflict and certify that it was a humanitarian facility. This makes yesterday's attack an even more flagrant violation of international law, and the perpetrators must be held accountable. Without accountability, these attacks are likely to continue, which has been the case in Syria. Out of fear of further attacks, all health facilities in the area surrounding Al Atareb remain closed.
[ 24 March 2021, GoS ]  The largest community initiative that emerged after the announcement of the first coronavirus infections in Damascus and its countryside, announced the exhaustion of all its oxygen cylinders. The initiative's official, in his post said “today, we received 14 oxygen cylinders and, unfortunately, they are not enough to meet the needs.' The initiative official added, “the tremendous pressure has become terrifying… We have nothing left in Syria except God's mercy.' He mentioned that “the situation is currently unspeakably dangerous, and it has become very difficult to secure oxygen.' Doctors in Damascus described the third wave of the virus as “the most dangerous yet,' as it is more severe than the wave that reached Syria last July, warning of the great shortage of oxygen in hospitals and clinics.
( GoS October 2020 )  Population at high COVID risk 9,131,518
[ 16 Mar 2021, GoS ]  Amid sharp economic decline, Syrian President Bashar al Assad issued a decree on Tuesday granting hundreds of thousands of public sector workers and soldiers a one time financial stimulus, equivalent to an average monthly salary. The decree stated that a one time payment of 50,000 Syrian pounds, which is nearly $11 on the black market, would go to public sector workers, including those on part time contracts and conscripts. And 40,000 Syrian pounds, about $8.80, would be dispensed to pensioners. Economist Ziad Ghosn estimated the cost of the stimulus would be around 120 billion Syrian pounds. He also estimated the stimulus would reach about two million people.
[ 13 April 2021, NES ]  A lockdown will begin in northeast Syria on 13 April 2021 as authorities attempt to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus during Ramadan and following a relatively large number of new infections.
( GoS, April 2021 )  As a result of limited availability and access to fuel, the Syrian Government implemented a series of measures to ensure managed distribution and use of the limited fuel supplies it had. This led to heavy queues at petrol stations and has severely affected the smooth running of many businesses and services. The situation became so difficult that side jobs were created as many people left their cars with roadside caretakers who would wait in the queues instead of them and look after the vehicles. In most governorates, not all stations were functioning, and the waiting times ranged from three hours in Quneitra to three days in As Sweida.
[ 31 March 2021, GoSyria ]  As of 31 March 2021, a total of 18,909 COVID 19 cases, including 1,265 fatalities, were confirmed by the Health Minister in government controlled areas. The monthly increase in COVID 19 cases in March  ( 3,321 cases )  signals an upward trend compared to February 2021  ( 1,540 cases )  and represents the second highest monthly caseload since the beginning of the pandemic.
[ 23 Aug, Overall Syria ]  The Ministry of Health in Syria issued a circular to its directorates and public hospitals in which it stressed the need for committed health staff concerning the COVID19 outbreak. The circular insisted on an increase in the number of hospital beds in the isolation department to sustain COVID19 patients. The ministry pointed out in its circular the importance of securing the requirements of the isolation departments and taking care of all its necessities –especially oxygen, protective supplies, and medicines.
( Whole of Syria, April 2021 )  In April 2021, the informal national average price of transport diesel skyrocketed by 48 percent compared to March 2021 and by 452 per cent since April 2020 reaching SYP 2,267/litre. Moreover, the informal price remains 12 times higher than the formal price  ( SYP 174/litre ) .
( Whole of Syria, April 2021 )  In April 2021, the formal butane gas cylinder price  ( 25,000 L )  increased by 16 percent m o m due to added transport cost and other fees by agents. One butane gas cylinder on the formal market was priced at SYP 4,079/refill. Broken down by regions, northwest Syria recorded the highest informal refill price at SYP 35,094/refill  ( up 35 percent m o m ) , followed by the cross border region at SYP 33,997/refill  ( down 15 percent m o m ) .
[ 7 April 2021, Overall Syria ]  The strain on the healthcare system caused by COVID 19 in Syria is contributing the worsening humanitarian situation by leaving people more prone to COVID 19 infection and dying unnecessarily of conditions that would otherwise be easily treated. COVID 19 transmission is a major threat to all Syrians and is particularly high among frontline health workers.
[ 23rd March 2021, NWS ]  It is estimated that one out of each four women are not optimally feeding their infant and young children, additionally in some areas affected by conflict and among displaced population in North west Syria, close to 60 per cent of children of the age 6 24 months are not receiving diets of acceptable quantity and diversity.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  For the rest of Syria, only one out of four children is receiving a minimum acceptable diet. Poor infant and young child feeding, particularly the complementary feeding will be aggravated by the ongoing economic crisis in Syria, in conjunction with maternal anaemia and malnutrition.
[ July 2021, NES ] Most commonly reported health priority needs  ( by % of communities ) : Treatment for chronic diseases 67%,Medicines and other commodities 53%, Pediatric consultations 45%.
[ 6 July 2021, NWS ]  25,890 confirmed COVID 19 cases  ( as of 6 July 2021 ) .
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  It is estimated that 246,000 children or five per cent of the total Nutrition sector PiN are disabled. Out of the total population in need, 3.7 million people are in an acute need of nutrition assistance.
[ 25 March 2021, GoS ]  The General Directorate of Ports has announced the reopening of commercial ports only in Lattakia and Tartous and the oil downstream in Banias for maritime navigation after the improvement in the weather conditions. In a statement to SANA, Eng. Hany Shariqi, in charge of managing the affairs of the General Directorate of Ports, stated that the commercial ports of Lattakia and Tartous and the oil downstream in Banias were reopened after the improvement in the weather conditions which resulted from the low air pressure yesterday.
[ 19 Aug, GoS ]  The Health Ministry announced that 75 new coronavirus cases were recorded in Syria, adding that 19 other cases recovered while 5 passed away.
[ 25 March 2021, GoS ]  Health Ministry announced that 153 new coronaviruses were registered in Syria, 113 cases recovered, 12 others passed away.
[ JAN   MARCH 2021 ]  The highest priority need was livelihood and basic needs at 60% followed by food at 47%.
[ 23 March 2021, Overall Syria ]  A specific group of hotspots – including the Syrian Arab Republic – are particularly concerning due to the scale, severity and trends of the existing food crises. In some areas of these countries, parts of the population are experiencing a critical hunger situation, with extreme depletion of livelihoods, insufficient food consumption and high acute malnutrition.
[ March 2021, Overall Syria ]  Only 58% of hospitals and 53% of primary health care centers are fully functional
[ July 2021, NES ] Most commonly reported protection priority needs  ( by % of communities ) : Special assistance for vulnerable groups: 79% Specialised child protection services: 41% Psychosocial support: 31%
[ June 30, Homs ]  Dr. Ghadeer Salibi, Head of the Communicable Diseases Division in the Health Directorate in Homs, says: There is a noticeable decline in the number of daily infections, which does not exceed two cases at the present time, attributing this to several factors, the most important of which are weather and climate and the increase in the number of beneficiaries of the vaccine, which is given in the three centers designated for Al Waleed Al Zahraa and the Deacon are for those who register on the electronic platform for this purpose.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  2.45M children were out of school in 2020  ( number estimated to have increased since )
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  448,000 spontaneous IDP return movements in 2020, while 38,200 refugees returned to Syria, mainly from Lebanon and Iraq.
[ 30th March 2021, NES ]  % of SDs with majority of population in need of;   53 % Soap or Water,   70% masks and   72% disinfectant.
[ March 7, GoS ]  Another challenge faced by the hospital in general, and the doctor in particular is the sudden deterioration of the patient's condition, which requires high skill in "intubation", which is a highly skilled procedure through which an airway is secured by inserting a tube from the larynx into the patient's lung before placing it and choosing the appropriate ventilator settings. He continues: “It is terrifying for us as doctors facing a new, unknown and transforming disease we do not know anything about it, especially in a country belongs to developing countries that emerged exhausted from a long war. Choosing the appropriate settings according to the situation of each patient is not easy and requires high experience and accuracy. “
[ March 2021, Overall Syria ]  Since the start of the year, 25,988 returns were reported across the whole the Syria, 99 percent of whom have remained in their place of return. Rates of return are significantly lower than for the same period in 2020 and 2019. Indeed, the cumulative return for quarter one 2021 is 68 percent less than 2020 and 76 percent less than 2019 for the same quarter. Notably, there has been a 78 percent decrease in the rates of returns from abroad in 2021 compared to both 2020 and 2019. As of March 2021, only 2,744 returns from abroad  ( 11 percent of total returns )  were recorded.
[ 16 July 2021, GoS ]  The Health Ministry announced that 7 new coronavirus cases were recorded, adding that 5 coronavirus patients recovered and one other passed away.
[ 31 March 2021, GoS ]  Amid the security developments, service provision and the economic situation have continued to worsen in southern Syria. Acute challenges have included ongoing bread and fuel crises, the prolonged and significant collapse of the SYP, rising commodity prices, and declines in remittances, all impacting communities across southern Syria.
[ 30th March 2021, NWS ]  % of SDs with majority of population in need of;   67 % Soap or Water,   65% masks and   65% disinfectant.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  Remittances, on which millions of Syrians and particularly IDPs rely are understood to have halved, from US$1.6 billion in 2019 to US$800 million in 2020, due to global and regional economic contraction.
[ July 2021, NES ] Children below the age of 12 were reported as a group affected by child labour in 10% of communities.
[ March 22, As Sweida ] The Health Director of As Suwayda governorate Dr. Nizar Muhanna stated that the cost of daily treatment for a Coronavirus patient in the intensive care bed is at least  ( 750 thousand Syrian pounds ) , while the lowest is  ( 250 thousand SYP )  in a private hospital room, even the cost of a daily home treatment exceeds  ( 20 thousand SYP ) , noting that the period of therapeutic stay in the hospital or home requires  ( 3 13 )  days or more, not tom mention the cost of pain, suffocation, workless  and the priceless "consequences" which requires awareness and prevention.
[ March 22, As Sweida ]  Mhanna indicated that the total number of patients accepted in the isolation centers in the governorate is  ( 28 ) , and this number is probably rising alarmingly on a daily and basis to reach a peak that might be delayed up to two weeks knowing that the number of cases is 868 infection with 86 deaths.
[ 2nd March, 2021, SDF ]  Main course of action if HH member feels ill: go to hospital, stay at home
[ 16th ​March, 2021, NSAG ]  Main course of action if HH member feels ill: go to hospital, stay home
[ 16th ​March, 2021, SDF ]  Main course of action if HH member feels ill: go to the hospital, stay at home
[ March 7, GoS ]  Suhail does not deny that there is always sterilization in the hospital in which she works, as the bed sheets are changed and his columns are cleaned after the discharge of each patient  ( Corona ) , in addition to throwing all the tools that he used in the garbage. As for the follow up of the patient's condition by doctors, this is a “relative' matter, as she says: “There are selfish doctors who feared for themselves to catch the infection, avoiding much contact with the infected person, and they were satisfied with checking on him once a day, unless his condition worsened, on the other hand, there are doctors who reassure the patient. Every two hours, they are ready for 24 hours. '
[ 29 March 2021, Overall Syria ]  There has been a sudden improvement in the exchange rate of the Syrian pound against foreign currencies, during the past two days, after it approached the barrier of 5,000 Syrian pounds per dollar. The exchange rate improved within ten days, by about 1,300 pounds, as it reached 4,700 pounds per dollar on March 17, after which it began to improve, reaching 3,400 on 28 March 2021, according to the “Syrian Pound Today' website, which specializes in foreign currencies.
[ March 7, GoS ] Suhail  ( a 28 year old physician ) , who preferred not to reveal the name of the government hospital in which she works, said: “At the beginning of the pandemic, the attention was noticeable and intense, as the hospital was subjected to daily and continuous sterilization every four hours, and all doctors and nurses were enthusiastic and adhered to masks and gloves with changing them continuously. It was also forbidden for patients to enter without wearing a mask. However, this interest gradually diminished as the doctors and patients both became bored and lost their enthusiasm and surrendered their order to divine providence, in addition to repeating the usual sentence: “We were infected with the virus and survived it, we have immunity for many months,' according to the doctor's words.
[ 23rd March, 2021, Overall Syria ]  The number of positive cases has continued to increase, with 748 new cases registered across the country this week while areas outside the government's control have yet to begin vaccination campaigns. The new cases include 514 cases in the government areas, 211 cases in Northeast Syria, and 23 cases in Idlib and parts of Aleppo's western countryside. There have been no further updates on the vaccination campaign that began two weeks ago in areas under government control. Vaccinations have yet to begin in areas outside the control of the government
[ Apri 21, NES ]  The co presidency of the Executive Council of Northern and Eastern Syria decides the following: 1  A partial curfew is imposed in all areas of the Autonomous Administration in northern and eastern Syria for a period of seven days Starting from Friday morning, 4/23/2021, until Thursday, 4/29/2021, as the ban starts from five in the afternoon until seven in the morning of the next day, with the continuation of the total ban on Hasaka, Raqqa, Deir Ezzor and Tabqa
[ Apri 21, NES ]  6  Work is suspended in all institutions and departments of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria for the duration of the ban With the exception of the departments whose work nature requires continuing to work, provided that it is determined by the concerned department.
( GoS 26/03/2021 )  A third surge of COVID19 in Syria is underway and things are scary especially in Damascus, Ghouta and the Al Sahel regions. Hospitals and intensive care units occupancy is 100%. Patients are not finding beds in hospitals and they are turned away. The third surge is worse in term of severity of symptoms and faster spread. It peaked quickly and took the medical community off guard. It starts with GI symptoms followed by Pulmonary. Speculations that it is a new strain probably B.1.1.7 from the UK. It is expected of that things will get even worse and cases will spread to other cities and regions in Syria . People will die at home unreported.
Frontline healthcare workers will continue to die. Last estimate is 250 doctors died of COVID.
[ Apri 21, NES ]  2  All border crossings of the Autonomous Administration of northern and eastern Syria are closed, except for humanitarian cases, patients, students, and commercial traffic.
[ 22 July 2021, GoS ]  The Health Ministry announced that 4 new coronavirus cases were recorded, adding that 5 coronavirus patients recovered.
[ Apri 21, NES ]  5. An exception is made from this ban  ( all hospitals, pharmacies, humanitarian organizations, media professionals, ovens, etc. )  Fuel stations )  As for restaurants, their work is limited to take out orders only.
[ 21 July 2021, GoS ]  The Health Ministry announced that 4 new coronavirus cases were recorded, adding that 4 coronavirus patients recovered.
[ 23rd March 2021, GoS ]  High contact essential health services were also impacted, with health actors operating mainly in Government of Syria controlled areas observing a 15 per cent decrease in immunization during the lockdown period of April and May and an annual reduction of 53 per cent in disability and rehabilitation services as compared to 2019.
[ 20 July 2021, GoS ]  The Health Ministry announced that 5 new coronavirus cases were recorded and 4 patients infected with the virus recovered, adding that there were no new death cases reported.
[ 7 April 2021, GoS ]  The talk of Syrians offering their bodies for sale in order to secure their livelihood is no longer just a rumor as a local radio station received a call from a number of people confirming that they are in fact selling their kidneys and urging buyers to hurry and take advantage of the opportunity and the low prices. Al Madina FM broadcasted calls of Syrians announcing their willingness to sell their “hearts' so that their children would not go hungry, which was met with great engagement by commentators on social media, who pointed their fingers towards Syrian President Bashar al Assad and his regime as the reason that brought the Syrian people to this stage of desperation.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  Following the economic deterioration in 2020, the poor economic situation is anticipated to be the widespread driver of humanitarian needs across the country. The direct and indirect effects of COVID 19 will continue to drive needs, especially in camps, informal settlements, collective shelters and last resort settings, where overcrowding, poor sanitary conditions and lack of space for self monitoring and quarantine will continue to increase the risk of COVID 19 spreading quickly and render the response more challenging.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  Silence remains the most common coping mechanism among GBV survivors, but emerging negative coping strategies include drug abuse and suicide attempts.
A member of the executive office concerned with the transport and electricity department in Lattakia Governorate, Malik al Khair confirmed to “Al Watan' that increasing the electricity rationing hours to become 5 hours cut for one feeding hour, due to the lack of electricity supplies reaching the governorate. Al Khair said that the rationing could be increased to 6 hours cut for one hour of feeding indicating that the shortage includes all governorates due to the siege on our country and the lack of necessary supplies.
[ 29th March 2021, NES ]  Critical shortages related to COVID 19 medical services continue to be reported, especially in sub districts under Syrian Democratic Forces  ( SDF )  control where 94 percent of sub districts report insufficient testing provision, insufficient quarantine space for diagnosed cases, and insufficient isolation and monitoring space for suspected cases.
[ March 2021 ]  Limited network, a lack of electronic devices and an inability to buy credit have further restricted the ability of households to use home based electronic learning platforms. Eighty three per cent of families with school aged children in Ar Raqqa and Quneitra Governorates reported that they did not have sufficient credit; 86 per cent in Ar Raqqa and 69 per cent in Deir ez Zor did not have sufficient network, while 78 per cent in Ar Raqqa and 55 per cent in Homs did not have the needed devices for their children.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  Despite multiple threats and barriers, families who send their children to school continue to prioritize education because they believe that  ( i )  education is important, that  ( ii )  education will help their children's economic opportunities and because  ( iii )  children want to go to school. Families who do not send their children to school cited economic and availability barriers. Families with school aged children want support that reduces the costs associated with sending children to school.
[ 21 March, 2021, NWS ]  On 21 March, The airstrikes affected a logistics centre near the Bab Al Hawa crossing and two gas facilities. Bombardment also affected the Qah area in northern Idelb. Airstrikes also hit Kafr Shalaya in southern Idleb. On 22 March, several missiles impacted Sarmada again, mainly impacting a fuel market.
[ 23rd March 2021 ]  Younger children, adolescents and children with disabilities face further challenges accessing learning services due to limited availability of Early Childhood Edu cation  ( ECE )  centres, secondary education services and vocational training opportunities. Across all learning levels, education facilities that can provide inclusive education for the estimated 15 per cent of school aged children with disabilities remain extremely limited.
[ 23rd March 2021,NES ]  In the north east, COVID 19 and price increase impacted farmers' capacity to plant wheat and barley. This affected the 2012/2020 production season, with only 900,000 tons of wheat produced.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  Palestine refugees have also been severely affected by the socio economic consequences of the pandemic. According to a recent UNRWA's study, close to 30 per cent of the responding Palestine refugees affirmed that the head of the household lost her or his job over the past months.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  An assessment of the state of disability conducted at the national level presents the most alarming situation for people with disabilities  ( PWD ) . 3.7 million people – or 27 per cent of the total population  ( aged 12+ )  – in Syria have a disability. Near 75 per cent are without access to medical, social, and economic support, with higher incidence rates in some areas
[ March 2021, Overall Syria ]  Even where COVID 19 preventive measures have been subsequently relaxed or lifted, monitoring has shown a demonstrable impact on the delivery of protection and community based services, including child protection and GBV, due to continued restrictions on the number of people who can meet and the physical distancing required when they do.
[ 23rd March 2021 ]  Ninety four per cent of all school aged children are living in areas with severe, extreme or catastrophic education conditions mainly concentrated in Aleppo, Idleb and Rural Damascus Governorates, an increase to last year's 86 per cent. Due to the compounding impact of the 2020 situation many students are either behind in their learning, finding it difficult to return to school or at risk of dropping out.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  Girls and boys have overall attendance parity until adolescence. Most start school at six years old  ( 78 per cent for both girls and boys ) , and this is stable until children reach 12 years, when it declines. This is concurrent with increased exposure to protection threats such as child labour, predominantly for boys, and early marriage, predominantly for girls.
[ 21 March, 2021, NWS ]  The attacks on 21 March led to losses of critical supplies by humanitarian organizations and the suspension of aid deliveries.
[ 26 March, 2021, NWS ]  Airstrikes near an NGO warehouse resulted in fires that reportedly destroyed relief items intended for some 25,000 people, including NFI kits, hygiene kits, kitchen sets, and soap.
[ 26 March, 2021, NWS ]  At least five NGOs temporarily suspended operations, including WASH and FSL distributions and work at medical centres.
[ March 2021, Overall Syria ]  Despite many reopening in September, few are able to enact safe school protocols due to a lack of classrooms and limited or non functioning toilets or handwashing facilities. It is estimated that there is only one functioning classroom for every 53 school aged children, while the combination of devastation and lack of rehabilitation mean that those who do attend have to contend with unsafe, insecure and unsuitable infrastructure, including absent walls, roofs, staircases, windows or heating, as well as severe overcrowding.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  13.1 million people in Syria are in need of protection assistance of which 51.5% ( 6.7M )  are female and 48.5% ( 6.3M )  are male; with 45.3% ( 6M )  children below 17 years, 50.4%  ( 6.6M )  adults from 18 years to 59 years and 4.2% ( 0.6M )  elderly above 59 years; and 24.7% ( 3.2M )  people with disability.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  There is a sharp drop in attendance for adolescents. The critical lack of access to secondary education in many areas limits the ability of adolescents to continue their education; the lack of vocational education prevents adolescents who will not return to school from learning skills needs for economic opportunities.
[ 31 March 2021, GoS ]  The Health Ministry announced on 31 March 2021 that 134 new coronavirus cases were recorded in Syria, adding that 121 coronavirus patients recovered and 11 others passed away.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  Food Security and Agriculture: 14.2 million people are in need of food and agriculture assistance; of which 51%  ( 7.2M )  are female and 49% ( 7M )  are male; 45% ( 6.4M )  are children below 17 years, 50%  ( 7.1M )  are adults between 18 and 59 and 5%  ( 0.7M )  are elderly above 59 years; of total people in need 25%  ( 3.6M )  are people with disability. Among them 76% are in extreme severity situation while rest of them are in severe situation.
[ 26 March, 2021, NWS ]  Malnutrition among pregnant and lactating women  ( PLW )  reported to be five times higher than it is among children aged 6 59 months. Similarly, the odds of being wasted are consistently higher in girls compared to boys which is possibly attributed to preferential feeding practices and gender dynamics.
[ 23rd March 2021 ]  Between March and December 2020 there was a three fold decrease in the number of monthly average IDP movements across Syria compared with the same period in 2019 – from 162,123 to 60,501 – with a 19 fold decrease occurring in Al Hasakeh and Ar Raqqa Governorates,demonstrating the extent to which hostility induced displacement has lessened both in scale and scope. IDP movements still continued across all geographic areas, with Al Hasakeh and Ar Raqqa making up the top seven most affected governorates in 2020 alongside Deir ez Zor, Hama and Tartous after Idleb and Aleppo, but represent a significant decline on the breadth and intensity of displacement seen in previous years. Limited spontaneous IDP return movements in 2020 were likely also influenced by tighter movement restrictions due to COVID 19, and concerns about the quality and quantity of basic services available in chosen return areas, including potential economic and social deprivation, as well as personal safety and security.
[ 26 March, 2021, NWS ]  70 per cent of IDPs in camps in northwest Syria continue to rely on WASH partners to provide trucked water on a daily basis.
[ March 2021, Overall Syria ]  Perceived barriers and deterrents to return included: apprehension over security conditions, including mandatory military service for men aged 18 to 42  ( fear of arrest and detention ) ; the threat of violence and social tensions; low provision of basic services, shelter and livelihoods opportunities in the intended places of return; the inability to pay fines and fees for late documentation of civil events; and the mandatory exchange of US$100 prior to entry to Syria. COVID 19 related border restrictions and potentially worsening socio economic conditions in host countries may also have played a role – even if the relationship between push factors and return behaviour is not unambiguous, with a lower quality of life in places of asylum not always translating into increased returns.
Other COVID related stressors included limitation of movement  ( 40 per cent ) , separation/isolation from family and household members  ( 36 per cent ) , increased negative coping mechanisms  ( 30 per cent )  and forced labour or economic exploitation  ( 23 per cent ) .Remote learning, while critical in preventing children from falling behind educationally, may have also exposed them to social risks which cannot be easily monitored including online bullying and maltreatment. More than a third  ( 39 per cent )  of all respondents referred to stigmatization, marginalization and discrimination as being a principal protection concern of children, for instance, with this rising to half in the case of child marriage. Furthermore, respondents reported that medical personnel  ( 30 per cent ) , female headed household  ( 29 per cent ) , people with disabilities  ( 23 per cent )  and IDPs  ( 21 per cent )  the social groups most impacted by COVID 19.
An online survey of protection actors conducted in Government controlled areas aimed at better understanding the impact of COVID 19 on vulnerable groups found that 76 per cent of respondents cited psychological trauma, stress and anxiety as the main protection issue faced by the population due to COVID, with 56 per cent stating increased gender based violence against women and girls as the next biggest concern followed by access to health care and other services  ( 43 per cent )  which often serve as a critical entry point for GBV survivors. For women and girls specifically, 52 per cent highlighted violence or abuse within the family as a primary protection issue and 48 per cent referred to a lack of safe space and privacy – signalling that increased economic strains, fears over health, and cramped lockdown conditions arising from the pandemic may have exposed them to additional dangers.
25% of all households report the private sector as their primary livelihood activity, 200,000 SYP median monthly household income, 60% of monthly HH income is spent on food, 66% of households report lack of employment opportunities as their primary barrier, 83% of households report that their income is insufficient to meet needs, 71% of income insufficient households report borrowing or buying on credit, 98% of individuals are in extreme poverty, 22% of individuals live critically below the survival minimum expenditure basket  ( SMEB ) , 36% of individuals aged between 15 and 24 are not in education, employment or training.
[ 23rd March 2021, NWS ]  Debts and credits are also a common coping strategy, with 52.9 per cent of households having taken on debt, since displacement in North west Syria, with an average amount of debt per household at SYP 701,443. The primary reason reported for taking debt is to buy food. Over 1.7 million people currently living in last resort camps are among the population groups most affected by the deteriorating food insecurity situation with no access to livelihoods and total reliance on humanitarian assistance. In North west Syria, 80 per cent of 1.5 million IDPs living in the camps are women and children.
[ February 2021, Overall Syria ]  The situation in February 2021 has witnessed continued depreciation of the local Syrian currency resulting in volatility in the exchange market. This subsequently resulted in most prices of agricultural inputs rising, making it out of reach for vulnerable farmers' in some governorates. Significant price increases were noted for mostly top dressing and phosphate fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and poultry feed and diesel fuel. There is still a need to address the prevailing economic hardships and limited access to agricultural inputs by most Syrian families across the country in a holistic and multipronged approach.
[ 26 March, 2021, NWS ]  Cases of water borne diseases such as diarrhoea are currently higher than in previous years and are expected to increase significantly with the reductions in WASH services being experienced. 76 percent of the population are estimated to be women and children, while 25 percent are estimated to be persons with specific needs. These groups are particularly vulnerable to any reduction in the level of WASH services and are likely to face increased protection risks as a result.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  From the assessed households, 31 per cent of the male headed households adopted crisis or emergency livelihood coping strategies compared to 35 per cent of the female headed households, who are often placed in a situation where they are at risk of being exploited due to their status.
[ 15 March 2021, Overall Syria ]  The Syrian economy has entered its most fragile phase yet and with the exchange rate of the Syrian pound skyrocketed to an estimated 4,250 SYP to the U.S. dollar   a more than eighty fold rise from the pre war rate of 50 SYP to the dollar, a lethal mix of economic mismanagement, sanctions, an industrial sector devastated by war, and trouble in neighboring Lebanon has fueled the devaluation of the Syrian pound, provoking more internal discontent and rendering salaries worthless. Taken together, these issues have only worsened an already severe economic crisis.
[ 23rd March 2021 ]  86 per cent of surveyed households who sought health services in previous three months reported having to pay out of pocket for care – most often for medications. Fees were most frequently reported in Aleppo, Rural Damascus, Damascus and Idleb, while IDP's expenditures on health as a per cent of household income ranged from 0 per cent to 10 per cent with the highest levels reported in Al Hasakeh, Ar Raqqa, Dar'a and Rural Damascus.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  Among the 12.43 million people in need of health services in 2021, 1.41 million are children while 3.32 million are WRA, including 498,480 women who are expected to become pregnant in 2021. An additional 536,753 older people are likely to require health services, as well as those with early onset NCD, which is estimated to account for 45 per cent of all mortality in Syria.
[ 30 March 2021, GoS ]  The Ministry of Health in the government of the Syrian regime has begun to transfer people infected with the Covid 19 from Damascus and its countryside to Homs hospitals, in light of the escalation of the infection curve as part of the third wave of the virus. “We have started referring patients who need intensive care from Damascus and rural Damascus to Homs Governorate hospitals as a result of all intensive care beds in Damascus and its countryside being totally occupied by patients,' said Tawfiq Hassab, Director of Ambulance and Emergency at the Ministry of Health.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  The protracted crisis results in varying impact on the coping mechanisms of the affected population. Fifty five per cent of assessed communities indicated relying on local/community support, 50 per cent on illegal activities, and 32 per cent on humanitarian assistance. Begging is prevalent in 24 per cent of assessed communities. The disproportionate impact of negative coping mechanisms on women in children is evident when interfaced with the fact that early marriage is prevalent in 62 per cent of assessed communities and child labour prevents school attendance in 67 per cent of assessed communities.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  Most IDPs and other vulnerable crisis affected people in Syria remain dependent on humanitarian assistance to meet their basic needs, including food, education, health care, shelter and water, sanitation and hygiene services. The national assessment showed that 52.8 per cent of IDPs were food insecure, indicating a higher level of vulnerability than residents  ( 49.7 per cent )  while returnees were found to be the most food insecure at 60.3 per cent.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  Restrictions on freedom of movement were reported in 65 per cent of assessed communities, whereas 50 per cent of assessed communities reported HLP concerns. In communities where restrictions on freedom of movement were reported, the most frequently reported causes of restriction were: COVID 19 related measures  ( 74 per cent ) , checkpoints  ( 74 per cent ) , lack of civil documentation  ( 72 per cent ) ; general insecurity  ( 46 per cent ) ; screening procedures  ( 37 per cent ) . Where movement restrictions were reported, those related to spousal or family restrictions were reported to affect primarily girls  ( 49 per cent )  and women  ( 43 per cent )  compared to boys  ( 24 per cent )  and men  ( ten per cent ) .
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  Furthermore, the regional economic downturn also resulted in reduced economic flows into Syria. The estimated US$1.6 billion of remittances sent to Syria each year are estimated to have reduced by up to 50 per cent. The impact of this is expected to be the hardest for 86 per cent of the Syrian population who were living below the poverty line even before the COVID 19 crisis. As a result, safety nets and livelihood resources are more strained than ever before, and unaffordability is now reported across sectors as the main obstacle to accessing goods and services.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  With schools and learning facilities in 2020 being intermittently closed between March and December many electronic and paper based distance education interventions were launched. The reach of this was limited due to multiple challenges, including lack of electronic devices and connectivity, movement and other restrictions, and difficulty supporting and monitoring home learning. The situation was compounded by worsening economic conditions that increased the pressure on children to support their families. There are indications that the rate of student return is lower in the North than in other parts of the country.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  IDP children were less likely to attend school than resident children  ( with rates at 72 per cent and 84 per cent, respectively ) . Looking between governorates, Damascus, Hama, Homs, and Tartous had primary school attendance rates of 90 per cent or higher; and significantly lower attendance in Ar Raqqa  ( 59 per cent )  and Aleppo  ( 69 per cent )  Governorates. In secondary school, attendance decreases further with the lowest rates found in Ar Raqqa  ( 15 per cent ) , Idleb  ( 53 per cent ) , Al Hasakeh  ( 56 per cent )  and Aleppo  ( 59 per cent )  Governorates.
[ 23rd March 2021,NWS ]  Highlighting specific vulnerabilities of IDPs, an additional Food Security Sector  ( FSS )  assessment on Newly Displaced IDPS  ( NIDPs )  in the north west, found that 41.5 per cent of all NIDP are food insecure and in need of assistance, 50.1 per cent had experienced hunger, and 41.2 per cent of households had unacceptable food consumption.
[ 23rd March 2021 ]  Syria also hosts a significant number of Palestine refugees, the majority of who continue to require assistance. An estimated 99 per cent of Palestine refugee households surveyed reported that they struggled to purchase food and other basic items due to the increasing market prices, with many going into debt to meet their basic needs. Food needs are widespread across Syria and the majority of the food insecure are significantly concentrated in Idleb  ( 86 per cent ) , Deir Ez Zor  ( 73.2 per cent ) , Hama  ( 68.2 per cent ) , Ar Raqqa  ( 65.8 per cent ) , Dar'a  ( 60.2 per cent ) , Al Hasakeh  ( 59.8 per cent )  and Aleppo  ( 59.1 per cent ) . Even the area with the lowest prevalence of food insecurity  ( Rural Damascus and Damascus )  records levels of 44.5 per cent and 46.9 per cent, respectively. The situation is expected to worsen throughout the country because of the prevailing and protracted challenges.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  Households having a person with a disability are slightly more at risk of food insecurity, while older persons and children are more likely to suffer the impacts of food insecurity as a population group. At least 72.4 per cent of assessed families have no option but to consume less nutrient rich and cheaper foods to meet their basic food needs. Hidden hunger has increased, as one in eight children are reported to be stunted in Syria, with PLW also showing higher rates of food insecurity as they struggle to meet the micro nutritional needs.
[ 23rd March 2021, GOS ]  In South Central governorates, farmers are facing challenges in accessing quality agriculture inputs due to the high cost. Livestock breeders' remain vulnerable since their animals are at risk of disease outbreaks; with limited pasture availability and high feed costs, many livestock farmers are forced to sell off their animals, thus adversely affecting overall livestock production levels and compromising the long term livelihoods of livestock keepers.
[ 23rd March 2021,NWS ]  As the Syria crisis approaches its tenth year, the health system remains heavily disrupted. While attacks on health care in 2020 fell by 67 per cent compared to 2019, the COVID 19 pandemic, coupled with economic downturn in the country, has pushed the health system to the brink. By mid 2020, more than 7.78 million people in 100 sub districts were living below three critical emergency health standards and a localized household survey in North west Syria found crude and under five mortality rates were below international standards.