Medical education system (re)building in a fragile setting: Northwest Syria as a case study

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001340
• Publication Date: 2023-04-11T17:21:40Z
• Authors: Yamama Bdaiwi; Safwan Alchalati; Ammar Sabouni; Munzer Al-Khalil; Omer Abdrabbuh; Ahmad Kejah; Abdulhadi Shaban; Mohammad Almousa; Hasan Almarei; Abdalhakem Haj Asaad; Abdulhaseb Alkdro; Mohammed Almoayyad; Omar Waled Habboush; Preeti Patel; Abdulkarim Ekzayez
• Keywords: Stakeholder Engagement

Syria has witnessed more than a decade of armed conflict through which healthcare workers and facilities have not only been affected, but targeted. Amidst this targeting workers, subsequent displacement, 'weaponization' healthcare, the medical education health professional training (MEHPT) those that remain split into at least two distinctive contexts: government controlled, non-government controlled. Efforts to rebuild MEHPT in light polarisation fragmentation led new system controlled northwest Syria, functions what we describe as 'hybrid kinetic model'. This mixed-methods study provides an in-depth analysis case inform future policy planning interventions context post-conflict workforce development.We used mixed methods investigate state during September 2021 May 2022. included a) Stakeholder analysis, b) 15 preparatory experts consultations c) 8 Focus group discussions d) 13 Semi-structured interviews e) 2 Questionnaires f) Validation workshops.We identified three main categories key stakeholders working on Syria: 12 newly established academic institutions, 7 local governance authorities involved MEHPT, non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The operated these three-layer provide undergraduate postgraduate MEHPT. In first, top, layer, external NGOs donors hold strongest capacity expense relatively under resourced internal second, middle, level. third, bottom, level, bodies operate. We uncovered several levels challenges facing including challenges, institutional individual political challenges. Despite participants our highlighted significant opportunities within can be peace building pillar for community.To knowledge, is first paper situational setting while engaging voice stakeholders. found actors made efforts towards (re)building new, hybrid system, bottom-up approach. efforts, remains fragile polarised, suffering from with limited involvement governance. Building findings, improve approach build bridges trust among community, further studies are needed determine feasible approaches increasing role structures through: 1-Formalisation establishing MEPHT technical coordination unit. 2-Further shifting power supporting funders structures. 3- Working achieving sustainable long-term partnerships.