DAMASCUS, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Syrian Health Minister Nizar Yazigi discussed on Thursday with Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, World Health Organization (WHO) director-general, the impact of the economic sanctions on the health sector in Syria, state news agency SANA reported.
Speaking in Geneva, Yazigi told Ghebreyesus his ministry's efforts to reach full medical coverage in Syria amid the challenges of the destruction of hospitals and medical centers as a result of the war and economic sanctions.
Over the past year, the Syrian government rehabilitated dozens of medical centers and vital sections in the hospitals, he said, hoping the WHO could play a bigger role in such efforts.
The Syrian minister also pointed to the need for bigger efforts to lift the economic sanctions on Syria, as the sanctions are hindering the delivery of certain medicines and medical equipment to Syria.
For his part, Ghebreyesus expressed appreciation of the achievements of the Syrian Health Ministry, particularly its success in eradicating polio.
The WHO is continuing to provide all requirements of the health sector in Syria, he said.
