Artıcles

TWO YEARS AFTER
THE EARTHQUAKES:
SCARS STILL EVIDENT IN HATAY, BUT HOPE FOR REBUILDING LIFE CONTINUES

Artıcles 05.02.2025

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NEWS
TWO YEARS AFTER
THE EARTHQUAKES:
SCARS STILL EVIDENT IN HATAY, BUT HOPE FOR REBUILDING LIFE CONTINUES

Istanbul, February 5, 2025

On the second anniversary of the devastating 7,8 and 7,6-magnitude earthquakes that struck Türkiye’s southeastern region on February 6, 2023, Dünya Doktorları (DDD)/Médecins du Monde (MdM) Türkiye reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting the people of Hatay, one of the provinces most severely affected by the disaster.

Since the immediate aftermath of the earthquakes, DDD/MdM Türkiye has been at the forefront of delivering essential humanitarian assistance in Hatay. Our comprehensive services encompass primary health care, sexual and reproductive health, mental health and psychosocial support, and social protection, all tailored to meet the evolving needs of the affected communities.

Persistent Challenges and Ongoing Needs

Two years on, the humanitarian needs in Hatay remain significant.

Despite significant recovery efforts, many families in Hatay continue to reside in temporary housing units. Overcrowding, inadequate sanitation facilities, and limited access to hygiene products in these settings have exacerbated health risks, leading to a rise in infections and illnesses linked to poor hygiene and unsafe drinking water.

The psychological impact of the disaster remains profound. Survivors are grappling with mental health challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Addressing these intertwined physical and mental health needs is crucial for the region’s recovery.

TWO YEARS AFTER THE EARTHQUAKES, THE SCARS —BOTH PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL— ARE STILL EVIDENT IN HATAY. OUR WORK TO REBUILD LIVES AND RESTORE HOPE CONTINUES, BUT THERE IS STILL MUCH TO BE DONE. WE REMAIN STEADFAST IN OUR MISSION TO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES, AND WE CALL ON ALL STAKEHOLDERS TO JOIN US IN ENSURING THAT NO ONE IS LEFT BEHIND IN THIS RECOVERY PROCESS.

HAKAN BİLGİN

PRESIDENT OF DÜNYA DOKTORLARI/MÉDECINS DU MONDE TÜRKİYE

A CALL FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT

“Two years after the earthquakes, the scars—both physical and emotional—are still evident in Hatay. Our work to rebuild lives and restore hope continues, but there is still much to be done. We remain steadfast in our mission to provide comprehensive health and social services, and we call on all stakeholders to join us in ensuring that no one is left behind in this recovery process,” says Hakan Bilgin, President of DDD/MdM Türkiye, stressing the importance of ongoing action in the earthquake-affected region.

As we mark this solemn anniversary, DDD/MdM Türkiye remains dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of those affected by the February 6, 2023, earthquakes. With sustained collaboration and commitment, we will continue to be in solidarity with the people of Hatay to rebuild stronger lives, healthier and more resilient communities with a brighter future.

NOTES TO EDITOR

Over the past two years, DDD/MdM Türkiye has made a profound impact on the lives of earthquake survivors in Hatay, with a focus on health and well-being. Highlights from the impact of DDD/MdM Türkiye’s Operations in Hatay:
32,208 medical screenings provided to address immediate and chronic health conditions.
17,815 health education and awareness-raising sessions conducted to foster healthier practices and prevent disease.
13,500 sexual and reproductive health services delivered, ensuring access to maternal health care, family planning, and education.
14,549 mental health and psychosocial support services offered, supporting individuals and families to cope with the psychological toll of the disaster.
3,960 protection cases managed, and protection-related awareness sessions conducted to safeguard vulnerable populations.
4,750 hygiene kits were distributed to improve sanitation and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.
47,811 total beneficiaries reached through health, protection, and social support services.
Since the devastating earthquakes of February 6, 2023, DDD/MdM Türkiye has been at the forefront of the emergency response not only in Türkiye but also in Northwest Syria, delivering life-saving healthcare services to affected communities. Our efforts have led to a significant increase in primary healthcare, sexual and reproductive health, mental health and psychological support, and nursing consultations, with over 713,686 consultations provided since 2023, reaching nearly 200,000 unique beneficiaries – which reflects our continued commitment to meeting urgent health needs. Additionally, our community health workers (CHWs) conducted over 126,000 sessions, engaging more than 230,000 participants, the majority of whom are women and vulnerable groups. Despite ongoing challenges, our teams remain dedicated to ensuring access to essential medical services for those most in need.