The Institute for Health and Diversity Research warns of a dramatic deterioration of the humanitarian, health, and psychosocial situation in Aleppo, particularly in the predominantly Kurdish neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh. Civilians face ongoing hostilities, severe disruptions of basic services, and critical shortages in medical and psychosocial support. We call for an immediate and sustained ceasefire and unrestricted access for international humanitarian organizations.
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Statement of the Institute for Health and Diversity Research on the Humanitarian and Health Situation in Aleppo
The humanitarian, health, and psychosocial situation in the Syrian city of Aleppo has deteriorated dramatically since the end of 2025. Particularly affected are the northern and northeastern districts of the city, including the predominantly Kurdish neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh. These densely populated residential areas have for weeks been exposed to intense military hostilities, severe restrictions on basic services, and an increasing isolation of the civilian population.
Current situation and impact on civilians
Since early January 2026, these neighborhoods have been subjected to heavy military attacks, including artillery shelling, rockets, and drone strikes. The hostilities have largely taken place in residential areas and have resulted in civilian fatalities, numerous injuries, and extensive destruction of homes, health facilities, and other civilian infrastructure. As a consequence of the ongoing escalation, many families have been forced to flee their homes within Aleppo or to surrounding areas. At the same time, numerous civilians remain trapped or effectively besieged in their homes, unable to leave due to the security situation.
Essential healthcare: acute risks
From the perspective of an institute dedicated to health and diversity research, the physical health of the affected population is of particular concern. Since late December 2025, electricity has been completely cut off in the affected districts. Access to fuel, heating materials, food, clean water, and medical supplies is severely restricted.
Large segments of the population have little or no access to basic medical care. Hospitals, health centers, and pharmacies are operating only at limited capacity or have been forced to partially suspend their services. Children, older persons, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and individuals with chronic illnesses are especially at risk.
Psychosocial situation: severe distress without support
Beyond the collapse of physical healthcare services, the psychosocial situation of the population is equally alarming. Prolonged exposure to violence, displacement, siege conditions, and existential insecurity has led to severe psychological distress. Many affected individuals exhibit symptoms of acute trauma-related disorders, anxiety, depression, and psychosomatic conditions.
Children, in particular, face a high risk of long-term psychological and developmental harm. At the same time, access to psychosocial support, trauma care, and mental health services is almost entirely absent.
Disrupted communications hinder aid and evacuation
The communication and information infrastructure has also been severely disrupted. Due to the lack of electricity and limited technical resources, internet and mobile phone connectivity is only sporadically available. This significantly hampers access to reliable information as well as the coordination of medical assistance, psychosocial support, and potential evacuation measures.
Obstruction of international humanitarian assistance
A particularly grave concern is the obstruction of international humanitarian and medical assistance. Owing to military blockades and ongoing hostilities, international organizations are currently unable to access the affected neighborhoods.
Humanitarian and medical actors such as UNHCR, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the World Health Organization, and specialized providers of psychosocial emergency care are prevented from delivering urgently needed assistance. The denial of access for international aid actors significantly exacerbates the health and psychosocial crisis faced by the civilian population.
Calls by the Institute for Health and Diversity Research
In light of this situation, the Institute for Health and Diversity Research calls for:
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an immediate and sustained ceasefire to ensure the protection of civilians;
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the prompt opening of safe humanitarian corridors for medical and humanitarian assistance;
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unrestricted access for international organizations, in particular UNHCR, WHO, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and specialized medical and psychosocial aid organizations;
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the immediate restoration and safeguarding of essential healthcare services, including emergency medical care, access to medicines, and treatment for chronic conditions;
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the targeted expansion of psychosocial and trauma-informed support services, especially for children, women, and other particularly vulnerable groups;
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strict adherence to international humanitarian law, including the protection of health facilities, medical personnel, and civilian infrastructure.
Closing statement
The protection of both physical and mental health, as well as the preservation of human dignity, must be treated as absolute priorities. Without immediate access to medical and psychosocial assistance, there is a serious risk of long-term health and societal consequences that will extend far beyond the current crisis.
