Publication

This commentary looks at the myriad of challenges facing Syrian medical NGOs, which sprang up to deal with the ongoing crisis in the country. These include organizational issues, including board management, weak soft and hard skills, neutrality challenges, donor dependency, logistical and security challenges as well as relationships with other Syrian medical NGOs, community-based organizations and local administration councils, various military factions, governments in neighboring countries, and the international donor community. The author then suggests how these NGOs should respond to the challenges, including by 1) improving their skills levels; 2) learning how to deal with international counter-terrorism measures; 3) planning strategically rather than simply responding to crises; and 4) initiating projects that cover both sides of the conflict.