On World Humanitarian Day - and every day of the year - the IRC acknowledges the massive contributions made by our frontline staff working in 40 countries around the world to serve people affected by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and rebuild their lives.

The four countries discussed in this report—South Sudan, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen—as well as camps for displaced populations around the world have weakened health systems unable to meet existing needs.

Millions around the world face discrimination and lack of opportunity. Their voices aren’t always heard or needs considered.

A study, including key informant interviews and a literature review, was conducted in early 2021, looking into ongoing health operations in three challenging contexts – Jordan, Bangladesh and Chad – with the aim of identifying best practices and lessons learned at the policy, financial, and practical levels. In Jordan, dwindling donor funds and limited resources have hindered access to affordable health services for vulnerable refugee and host populations. Health systems strengthening activities coupled with effective community health approaches aimed at improving non-communicable disease (NCD) patient adherence to medication and continuous care, have demonstrated that effective and timely cooperation between government, humanitarian agencies, and donors can yield positive results which more easily transition into long-term solutions.

From major cities to remote villages, women and girls worldwide face harassment, violence, discrimination and a lack of equal opportunities. Their lives are threatened, their potential robbed. This is especially – brutally – true for women and girls in the world’s conflict zones. According to International Rescue Committee violence prevention experts, the toughest places to be a woman today are: