We are proud to announce that Journey Beyond the Rubble, a powerful short film, has won the prestigious Health Emergencies Grand Prix in the health for all film festival (HAFF) held by World Health Organization WHO. This film chronicles the inspiring story of Walla, a young Syrian refugee mother who survived five days buried under rubble after the Turkey & Syria earthquake on February 6, 2023.

Despite losing her son in the disaster, Walla emerged with her daughter and began a harrowing journey of recovery. The film poignantly captures her initial struggle to escape the debris, her battles with severe leg injuries, and her determination to walk again. Filmed on the one-year anniversary of the earthquake, Journey Beyond the Rubble celebrates her resilience and progress.

Advocating for Syria’s Future

This recognition underscores IDA’s dedication to advocating for Syria’s future, keeping the plight of Syrians at the forefront of global attention. Our work focuses on rebuilding and re-energizing the community, aiming for a healthier future generation despite the ongoing conflict.

Strategic Efforts

From 2023 to 2025, our efforts are guided by the SyriVive strategy, which includes:

• Prioritizing Syria’s Future: Ensuring that the international community remains engaged with and committed to Syria’s recovery.
• Strengthening Healthcare: Enhancing the health system and workforce to provide sustainable healthcare services.
• Ensuring Sustainability: Maintaining organizational resilience to support ongoing and future initiatives.

Collaborative Impact

IDA actively participates in various collaborative efforts, sharing critical information and coordinating activities across sectors such as health, nutrition, wash, protection and early recovery. These partnerships enable us to support a significant portion of healthcare services in Northern Western Syria, making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by the conflict.

A Commitment to Health and Dignity

Winning in the health for all film festival is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that every Syrian has the opportunity for a future filled with health and dignity. Journey Beyond the Rubble is not just a film—it is a call to action and a symbol of hope, embodying the strength and resilience of individuals like Walla.

We are grateful for the continued support of our community and partners, which makes our work possible. Together, we can help build a brighter, healthier future for Syria.