Inequitable access to aid after the devastating earthquake in Syria

On Feb 6, 2023, a 7·8 magnitude earthquake struck Syria and Türkiye, resulting in the worst natural disaster the region has experienced in the past century. As of March 1, the death toll in both countries has surpassed 51 000 people,1 and this number is expected to rise further. The Syrian Assistance Coordination Unit has reported that over 4518 people have lost their lives in northwest Syria,2 an area outside the Syrian regime's control in which around 4·5 million people reside, of whom 65% are internally displaced.