Can Syria avoid a coronavirus disaster?

Much of the world is battling to contain the coronavirus pandemic, and the challenge is even greater in Syria.

Continuing for years, the war has destroyed the health system.

The few hospitals left operating are struggling to cope with 300 to 500 new infections a day.

In the last rebel-held province of Idlib, social distancing and frequent hand washing are nearly impossible for displaced people in overcrowded camps.

So can a new humanitarian disaster be avoided?

Presenter: Mohammed Jamjoom

Guests:

Dr Ihsan Eidi – Cardiologist at a hospital in Idlib

Amjad Yamin – Director of Advocacy for Save the Children’s Syria Response

Joshua Landis – Director of the Center for Middle East Studies, University of Oklahoma and editor of the Syria Comment blog