In Syria, more than a decade of war has brought the country's health system to the brink and left millions of people facing a spiralling economic collapse. Around 90% are living below the poverty line, and many are struggling to meet their most basic needs. A cholera outbreak, which began in August 2022, is exposing the fragility of Syria’s water supply and health care systems and the impact this has on the lives of vulnerable families.

Zara Abba Boukar has a firm belief: girls living in her community have to go to school so they can go far in life.

"Ever since I was a teenager, people have confided in me, whether at school or at home." In 2021, Amina has turned this strength into a profession. In Ténenkou Cercle, in central Mali, she travels to the most inaccessible communes to support women and girls.

As COVID-19 spreads globally, people living in conflict zones with weak health systems will be hit hardest. These areas are home to displaced families and overcrowded refugee camps with limited resources. Just this week, the first reported case of this new coronavirus has been confirmed in Syria, which could lead to one of the most severe outbreaks in the world.