As the evacuation of civilians from besieged sections of Aleppo gets underway, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams are positioned in Atimah, in Idlib governorate, roughly 35 kilometers [21 miles] away from Al Atareb in Aleppo governorate. They have with them 45 tons of medical supplies—mainly drugs, consumables and medical equipment—and non-food items ready for distribution to those in need.
“We are ready to assist patients in need coming from East Aleppo if required,” said Carlos Francisco, MSF head of mission for Syria. “This evacuation of civilians is urgently needed and safe passage must continue to be assured by all parties involved.”
Thus far, some evacuees have said to MSF personnel that they are relieved to be safe and to have access to healthcare and medicines they lacked for months, since the siege started in July. It is foreseen that urgent and complex cases will be sent to Turkey for specialized treatment.
