Dan for Relief and Development (DRD) implemented a community health initiative entitled “Pulse of Life” in Jazrat Al-Milaj, rural Deir ez-Zor, from 10 to 15 August 2026. The initiative included the distribution of 30 blood glucose meters and their supplies to the most vulnerable cases, alongside free blood glucose testing, health awareness activities, and training on the proper use of the devices

The initiative was launched in response to the challenges faced by the poorest households in accessing essential healthcare services, particularly regular blood glucose testing for people living with diabetes. These challenges are compounded by the high cost of medical tests and the distance some families have to travel to reach laboratories, creating additional financial and health burdens, particularly for older people and patients.

As part of the initiative, 50 free blood glucose tests were conducted to support the early identification of cases requiring follow-up and to determine which beneficiaries were most in need of home glucose monitoring devices.

In response to the health needs of the targeted households, 30 blood glucose meters, along with all necessary supplies, were distributed. In addition, 100 testing strips were provided. Practical training sessions were also conducted for beneficiaries on how to operate the devices, read and record results, maintain the equipment safely, and use it correctly.

The initiative also included health awareness sessions addressing the symptoms of diabetes, prevention methods, the importance of healthy nutrition and physical activity, and the regular monitoring of blood glucose levels. These activities contributed to strengthening beneficiaries’ ability to manage the condition and reduce the risks of related complications.

The initiative was implemented with the participation of volunteers and health personnel, as well as members of the Health Committee and Peace Committee, who contributed to planning, coordination, field supervision, and the organization of sessions and activities. Their involvement further strengthened the role of community committees in responding to local needs.

The initiative helped reduce part of the direct financial burden on targeted households and strengthened their ability to monitor their health conditions, while also increasing awareness of the importance of prevention and early detection of chronic diseases.

The “Pulse of Life” initiative is part of broader efforts to support the most vulnerable groups, improve access to essential healthcare services, and promote a culture of prevention, community cooperation, and locally led responses to health needs in the region.

As part of its efforts to promote public health and prevent diseases, the Dan Foundation for Relief and Development carried out the “Step Towards a Healthy Community” initiative in Al-Jazra Camp in the Deir ez-Zor countryside, through its Health and Community Safety Committees, with the participation of the health team from the Dan Center in the Al-Jazrat area

The initiative came in response to the importance of raising health and environmental awareness in reducing the spread of waterborne diseases, foremost among them cholera, thereby contributing to protecting the most vulnerable groups and enhancing the community’s capacity to adopt preventive practices.

The initiative, which lasted a full week, targeted the residents and families of Al-Jazra Camp, with a focus on children, women, and the elderly. Activities included distributing awareness brochures, conducting five educational sessions covering cholera symptoms, transmission methods, and preventive measures to be followed, along with 30 home visits to reinforce health messages and answer families’ inquiries.

The initiative also focused on encouraging families to apply proper health practices, including regular disinfection of water tanks and maintaining personal and household hygiene, to reduce the risks of disease transmission.

As part of the initiative’s activities, an interactive program for children was implemented to instill personal hygiene habits, alongside a community environmental cleanup campaign in which a number of camp residents participated, aimed at fostering shared responsibility for maintaining a healthy and safe environment.

This initiative reflects the foundation’s commitment to supporting local communities by enhancing health awareness, embedding a culture of prevention, and empowering individuals to adopt practices that contribute to protecting their own health and that of their communities.

Dan continues to implement its humanitarian and development programs aimed at building more aware communities capable of facing health and environmental challenges, based on its belief that prevention and knowledge are the foundation for achieving sustainable development and improving quality of life.