The Center for Humanitarian Health is pleased to announce Houssam Alnahhas, MD, as the next recipient of the joint MPH Syrian Scholarship and Sommer Scholar Award. Since 2012, Dr. Alnahhas has devoted his career to improving and protecting the health of Syrians affected by the ongoing conflict in the country. Most recently he has worked with the Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations developing coordinated responses to chemical attacks inside Syria.

“The MPH in Humanitarian Health will help enhance my understanding of the relationship between armed conflicts and health, all so important in developing a comprehensive understanding of public health issues in the world in general, and in Syria specifically,” says Alnahhas.

Alnahhas has seen first-hand how the Syrian people were suffering not only because of war- related injuries, but also because of the collapse of the health system. He realized treatment was not enough and that efforts to assess risks, develop long-term plans and raise public awareness were needed. “I believe the MPH curriculum will help me make significant contributions to rebuilding the health infrastructure inside Syria, taking into account the political and security conditions within the country, while also respecting the dignity and rights of every individual.”

The joint MPH Syrian Scholarship/Sommer Scholar Award covers full tuition plus a stipend for the 11-month program. It is available to applicants who has been displaced due to the conflicts in Syria, South Sudan, Afghanistan, or Somalia.

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