Chapter 7: Technology and the Practice of Health Education in Conflict Zones

One of the many negative impacts of a conflict zone on society is its effect on education access for its people. Syria’s current crisis is a prime example of the ways in which conflict can make access to education, especially higher education, almost impossible. This crisis is uniquely worrying since many attacks on Syria are targeted at its health professionals and doctors. This is exacerbating the doctor shortage, which further adds to the need for improving Syria’s health education. In response to this devastation of war, the Institute of International Health and Education (IIHE) is running an online health education program in Syria. Its Online Education for Displaced Syrian Medical Students (OEDSS) program was developed by its founders for Syrian medical students, living in conflict zones or internally displaced. There are many barriers to access to medical education for these internally displaced students, including financial, educational, and cultural barriers.