As part of its efforts to promote health awareness and encourage women and girls to take care of their health, Dan Foundation for Relief and Development distributed breast cancer awareness brochures to women and girls in the Military Quarter and downtown Al-Hasakah, marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, known as “Pink October.”

The brochures provided awareness information about the nature of breast cancer, its associated risk factors, and the main signs and symptoms that require medical attention. They also highlighted the importance of early detection in increasing the chances of successful treatment and reducing the risk of the disease spreading.

The awareness materials also highlighted early detection methods, including mammography and clinical breast examinations, as well as the importance of paying attention to any new or unusual changes in the breasts. The materials emphasized that most breast lumps are not cancerous; however, they require medical evaluation to provide reassurance and determine the underlying cause.

The brochures also covered a range of recommendations that may help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, including engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, following a balanced diet, and undergoing appropriate screening based on age and personal and family medical history. In addition, they introduced the main treatment options determined by doctors according to the type and stage of the disease and the patient’s overall health condition.

This initiative reaffirms the importance of health awareness in empowering women and girls with accurate information about breast cancer and encouraging them to take proactive steps to protect their health. It also contributes to promoting a culture of early detection and increasing the chances of identifying the disease in its earliest stages.

On the occasion of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, “Pink October,” Dan for Relief and Development Foundation organized an awareness campaign under the slogan “Earlier Screening, Greater Hope,” aiming to raise awareness about breast cancer, highlight the importance of prevention and early detection, and encourage women to access available screening and healthcare services

The event brought together a number of women from the local community, including three breast cancer survivors who shared their personal experiences with the disease and spoke about different stages of their journey in confronting it. Their stories helped reinforce messages of hope and highlight the importance of early detection. Dan Foundation female staff members also participated in the event.

The campaign included an awareness session facilitated by a licensed midwife, who addressed ways to prevent breast cancer, the importance of recognizing signs and symptoms, and appropriate steps to take and sources of support and healthcare services to seek when breast cancer is suspected. The session also addressed and corrected several common misconceptions and inaccurate information related to the disease.

Participants were also introduced to the Breast Cancer Services Map, which identifies locations where relevant free healthcare services are available, helping women understand their options and access appropriate services in a timely manner.

The event concluded with the distribution of breast cancer awareness brochures, aimed at extending the campaign’s key messages to the wider community, encouraging women to prioritize their health and make use of screening and early detection services.

2026 January
The Syria NGO Forum (SNGOF) urgently calls on all parties to the conflict in Aleppo to
immediately de-escalate hostilities and uphold their obligations under International Humanitarian
Law (IHL). The protection of civilians must remain paramount and non-negotiable as violence
. continues
Recent escalations have resulted in at least 12 civilian casualties with multiple more injured, again
forcing 139,000 people to flee their homes, with over 1,100 seeking refuge in overcrowded
emergency shelters where heating is scarce and temperatures hover near freezing with heavy
snowstorms this winter period. These communities have already endured multiple cycles of
displacement, insecurity, widespread contamination, and loss over the past 14 years, and
renewed violence risks compounding their suffering.
Coordination mechanisms have observed a rapid deterioration in humanitarian operating
conditions in Aleppo over the past 72 hours. Movement restrictions, localized curfews, suspension
of flights at Aleppo International Airport, and temporary closure of public institutions (including
hospitals in proximity to conflict lines) have significantly constrained humanitarian access and
civilians’ ability to seek assistance and safe movement. Urgent humanitarian aid must be provided
immediately to affected and displaced communities in the face of the crisis. Amid the ongoing
crisis, all actors must urgently prioritise the protection of vulnerable individuals from protection
risks and safeguard their rights, dignity and access to essential services.
SNGOF reiterates to all parties their binding obligations that attacks on civilians and civilian
infrastructure are prohibited under IHL. We urge strict compliance with these obligations,
including:
● Protection of civilians and civilian objects at all times.
● Safeguarding essential services and humanitarian access, ensuring continuity of lifesaving assistance.
● Avoiding indiscriminate attacks and upholding proportionality and distinction principles.
At this pivotal moment, when prospects for recovery are within reach, the SNGOF calls for urgent
de-escalation. If allowed to continue, renewed hostilities will only deepen community suffering,
reverse fragile recovery gains, and undermine prospects for stability that still remain within reach.
The SNGOF is a coordination, representation, and advocacy platform for national and
international NGOs in Syria that brings together 178 international and national NGOs, networks,
and observers delivering humanitarian, early recovery, and development assistance, across all
governorates of Syria

As part of the 16 Days Campaign to Combat Gender-Based Violence, and under the theme “Safety…Everywhere”, the Women’s Protection and Empowerment Center of DAN Relief and Development in Al-Hol Camp hosted a series of awareness and interactive activities aimed at raising consciousness and rejecting all forms of violence against women and girls. Over the course of 16 days, 16 voices were raised to affirm the right to safety and dignity, and to support women’s and girls’ rights in a more just and protective environment.

The activities directly addressed the realities faced by women. They included a theatrical sketch portraying real experiences of gender-based violence, awareness sessions focused on digital violence and methods of prevention and protection, and training workshops covering the fundamental concepts of gender-based violence, with particular emphasis on domestic violence as one of the most widespread forms.

The campaign concluded with an exhibition of handicrafts produced by participants in the center’s activities, along with drawings that authentically expressed the struggles of women and girls, while at the same time highlighting their strength, resilience, and ability to reclaim safe spaces and raise their voices.

Through this campaign, DAN Relief and Development reaffirms its ongoing commitment to empowering women and girls and fostering safe, violence-free environments. This stems from a firm belief that safety is a fundamental right, not a privilege, and that raising voices and building awareness are essential steps toward sustainable change and genuine protection within the most vulnerable communities.

As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which this year carries the slogan “Safety Everywhere”, the team of DAN for Relief and Development working in Section Three of Al-Hol Camp organized a special event entitled “Partners in Change to Break the Cycle of Violence” in the city of Al-Hasakah. The aim was to strengthen joint efforts in confronting violence in all its forms

The event featured constructive discussions that focused on the importance of unifying efforts between institutions and the local community, and on the role of each actor in creating a safer environment for women and girls. The sessions also addressed ways to enhance awareness and exchange experiences among participants, contributing to practical recommendations that help break the cycle of violence and support protection mechanisms

Organizers emphasized that the presence of such a large number of organizations and stakeholders reflects a genuine commitment to building a safer society, reaffirming that safety is a shared responsibility—and must be ensured everywhere

It is worth noting that the DAN team in Section Three of Al-Hol Camp continues to implement a variety of activities within the campaign, including awareness sessions, theatrical performances, artistic activities expressing rejection of violence, field visits to distribute flowers and brochures, as well as trainings directed at community committees on the principles of gender-based violence (GBV).

The DAN Relief and Development Foundation, represented by the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees (Haval Rasho), took part in the conference “Humanitarian Action and Recovery for Syria – Local Solutions for Sustainable Impact”, held in Damascus from December 1 to 3, 2025

The conference brought together more than 150 representatives of Syrian civil society organizations engaged in humanitarian and recovery work, along with representatives of the Syrian government, the German government, and several supporting international non-governmental organizations

The event was hosted by umbrella bodies of Syrian civil society, including the Alliance of Syrian NGOs, the Syrian NGO Forum, the Syrian Networks League, the NGO Platform in Northeast Syria, the Union of Charitable Associations in Aleppo, and the Union of Charitable Associations in Damascus and its countryside

The conference proceedings were facilitated by HELP (Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe), the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA), and the Syrian Localization Lab

Recognizing the vital role of Syrian civil society in addressing humanitarian and developmental needs, the organizers convened a series of consultative sessions to develop a shared vision on localization and strengthening local leadership, which formed the central theme of the conference

Dan Organization for Relief and Development completed the “I am dealing” program, which targeted children from 10 to 15 years of age from the displaced in Dan Center in Washokani camp, west of Al-Hasakah

50 children attended 16 sessions over a month and a half of the sessions of the (I am dealing), which aims to deal with self, improve relationships with others, how to deal with emotions and optimism for the future, and set a personal goal for them and work to achieve it

This is part of the ECW (Education Does Not Stop) project, which Dan has been working on in the western countryside of Deir Ezzor and Washokani camp since 2019.

Dan Organization for Relief and Development continues to implement the (parenting skills) program that caregivers receive in Dan Center in “Washokani” camp, west of Al-Hasakah.

Dan offers the training program for child caregivers among other programs at the organization’s center in Washokani camp.

The program includes (how to deal with their children, provide them with psychological support, how to manage stress, and how to take care of themselves and their children).

The program consists of 5 sessions over a month, which is part of the ECW project at Dan Center in Washokani camp.

A number of members of Dan Organization for Relief and Development received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine today, Thursday, at the COVID-19 vaccination point in the People’s Hospital in the Aziziyah neighborhood in the city of Hasaka

Members of the organization who are in direct contact with the beneficiaries receive the first dose of the vaccine to avoid infection with the COVID-19 virus and infecting other members of our community.

A number of members of the Dan Organization Center for Relief and Development in the village of Hawayej Diab received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine today, Thursday, at the COVID-19 vaccination point in the Muhamida Health Clinic in the western countryside of Deir Ezzor.

Members of the organization who are in direct contact with the beneficiaries receive the first dose of the vaccine to avoid infection with the COVID-19 virus and infecting other members of our community.