• 28 Apr, 2026

The city of Homs has recently witnessed parallel efforts aimed at strengthening public safety and improving health practices. These efforts include a large‑scale campaign to collect stray dogs and a specialized training workshop on antimicrobial resistance organized by the Ministry of Health in cooperation with the World Health Organization.

Stray Dog Collection Campaign Enhances Public Safety

The Pet Animal House Association, in cooperation with the Homs City Council, launched a campaign to collect stray dogs from several neighborhoods, including Al‑Waer, Al‑Armen, Al‑Zahraa, Al‑Muhajireen, and Baba Amr, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance public health and safety.

Comprehensive Veterinary Care

Collected dogs are transported to the association’s facility near Tadmor Roundabout, where they receive:

·         sterilization

·         vaccination

·         tagging

·         full medical examinations

All procedures follow approved humane and health standards.

Logistical Support from the City Council

Youssef Dayyoub, Deputy Director of Sanitation, explained that the council provided logistical support by:

·         allocating land near Tadmor Roundabout

·         clearing debris and preparing the site

·         building a fence and installing a gate

·         supplying a water tank

·         assigning a vehicle and driver to support field operations

Citizen complaints are received through email and social media channels, in coordination with neighborhood committees.

Organized Work and Ongoing Challenges

Association president Aya Bakour stated that the field team includes a veterinarian and four trained volunteers, working according to a structured plan that ensures humane treatment from collection to completion of care. She noted that around 15 campaigns were carried out in the past three months, despite challenges such as the high number of stray dogs and limited funding, as the association relies mainly on donations.

Campaign Objective

The campaign aims to reduce stray dog populations, respond to citizen concerns, and ensure responsible and humane treatment of animals, contributing to improved public safety in the city.

Training Workshop on Antimicrobial Resistance

The Ministry of Health’s Directorate of Communicable and Non‑Communicable Diseases, in cooperation with the World Health Organization, held a workshop titled “Antimicrobial Resistance and Antibiotic Stewardship” at the University Hospital in Homs.

Strengthening Evidence‑Based Medical Practice

Dr. Fahd Shreibati, Director of the University Hospital, emphasized that the workshop is part of a broader strategy to improve medical and pharmaceutical performance by promoting evidence‑based prescribing practices. These efforts help:

·         enhance patient safety

·         reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance

·         improve overall healthcare quality

Challenges of Antimicrobial Resistance in Syria

Dr. Aya Alfa, head of the antimicrobial resistance program in Homs, explained that resistance remains a major public health challenge, especially due to:

·         the impact of conflict on the health system

·         limited diagnostic capacity

·         the need for greater awareness among healthcare workers

The workshop aims to strengthen practical application of antibiotic stewardship principles.

Scientific Sessions and Expert Contributions

The workshop included:

·         multidisciplinary sessions for doctors and pharmacists

·         scientific lectures by leading experts

·         case‑based discussions tailored to local conditions

·         interactive sessions for pharmacists

Experts contributing to the workshop included Dr. Yasser Al‑Frouh, Dr. Ola Ebara, Dr. Banan Kharrat, and Dr. Ahmad Qajja.

Alignment with WHO Guidelines

The Ministry of Health continues to align national practices with WHO recommendations by:

·         strengthening healthcare workforce capacity

·         developing stewardship systems

·         promoting rational antibiotic use

·         reducing the rise of antimicrobial resistance