EASTERN CONNECTICUT HEALTH NETWORK SURGEON, PHARMACIST ON MEDICAL MISSION TO SYRIA
Syrian natives visit country for first time in 15 years following war.
Manchester, CT, July 2, 2025 — For the first time in more than 15 years, Dr. M. Maher Suede, Chairman of Department of Surgery and his wife Manal Suede, pharmacy clinical coordinator at Eastern Connecticut Health Network, touched down in their native Syria this April as part of a medical mission. Since the end of civil war in January it’s finally possible to fly directly into Syria, but after more than a decade of war, much help is needed to rebuild the country and its crippled healthcare system.
The couple are volunteers with Atlantic Humanitarian Relief (AHR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to delivering medical aid and humanitarian support to Syrians who were displaced due to the war. While Dr. Suede has completed other missions with AHR to refugee camps in neighboring Jordan this was the first opportunity for the Suedes to serve directly inside Syria. Each worked in separate sites, Manal in a clinic in the suburbs and Dr. Suede in the capital of Damascus.
“After over a decade of war, the healthcare infrastructure is devastated and the needs are tremendous,” said Dr. Suede.
The Suedes use their own time and financial resources to participate in humanitarian work. ECHN helps them raise awareness by helping publicize upcoming missions among their
colleagues. In April, the Suedes also brought with them some medical supplies including of medications but it is nowhere near enough the meet the great need of the population.
“It’s a very humbling experience, said Manal Suede.
The couple plans to go on future missions, the next in October or November and are asking others to join the effort.
About Atlantic Humanitarian Relief:
Atlantic Humanitarian Relief depends entirely on volunteer clinicians and public support. The organization is actively seeking physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and other healthcare workers to participate in upcoming missions. Financial contributions also play a critical role in covering the costs for much needed medications, equipment, and supplies. You can learn more about AHR on its website: atlantichumanitarianrelief.org/
About ECHN
Eastern Connecticut Health Network operates acute care hospitals and emergency services in Manchester and Rockville, serving a region of 300,000 people in 19 towns. Its affiliates include Manchester Memorial Hospital, Rockville General Hospital, ECHN Medical Group, and the John A. DeQuattro Cancer Center. Dedicated to providing compassionate health care services in over 30 specialties, ECHN is training the next generation of resident physicians in primary care and psychiatric medicine. ECHN specialty programs include Breast Imaging, Diabetes care, General Surgery, Hand Surgery, Heart and Vascular Services, Integrative Health, Maternity, Occupational Health, Orthopedic Surgery, Pain Management, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Primary Care, Pulmonary, Sleep Disorders, Stroke Care, Urgent Care, Vein Health, Wound Care, and the Women’s Center for Wellness. Follow-up care services are supplemented by Visiting Nurse and Health Services of Connecticut. ECHN is a member of Prospect Medical Holdings, a national family of hospitals and health networks. Visit echn.org for more information.
