‘As both a German and a Syrian, I can build bridges’
Aladdin Abdin returned from Germany to Syria and now holds a senior position at the Syrian Ministry of Health. One year after the fall of Assad, this interviews looks at the Syrian health system and the opportunities presented by international cooperation.
Mr Abdin, you left Germany to return to Syria. What made you take the decision?
Following the political transition at the end of 2024, I knew that Syria was entering a new phase – and I wanted to be a part of it. I lived in Germany for 15 years, studied, worked and continued my professional development there. But my family, my roots and my heart always remained in Syria.
When the opportunity arose to return and to really build something, it was an obvious step for me. Arriving in Damascus in January 2025 was a very emotional moment. I saw how big the challenges are but also how much hope and energy there is in the country. That was a source of real motivation for me.
What were your impressions when you arrived?
I saw a country that had suffered a great deal but that is full of people who are ready to get down to work. I was particularly impressed by the young people – many of them are well educated, committed and want to bring about change. At the same time, I saw how urgently we need modern structures, especially in the health care sector.
As both a German and a Syrian, I can really play a special role here: I speak both ‘languages’ – in professional, cultural and human terms. That makes cooperation much simpler and faster.
How are you drawing on your experience from Germany now that you are back in Syria?
Germany showed me how a strong health system works – with clear structures, reliable processes and a focus on the people themselves. I am using this experience now in Syria because it can really help our country. At the Ministry of Health, we are working on a strategy to rebuild the health system, combining training, digitalisation and modern hospital management so that all Syrians receive better care. Step by step, I am implementing what I learned in Germany: taking decisions based on data, creating clear processes, strengthening team work and transparency. The aim is for quality to become standard practice as opposed to a luxury. It is particularly motivating to see that we are not only setting up structures but also creating trust. People can sense that things are changing.
Aladdin Abdin is head of Planning and Health Transformation at the Syrian Ministry of Health. Abdin, a dentistry graduate, lived in Germany for 15 years and returned to Syria in mid-2025. In Germany, he studied health care management and worked in project management for hospitals and public-benefit organisations. In early 2025, he was among the medical professionals who attended the conference in Berlin on setting up German–Syrian hospital partnerships.
What role does international cooperation play in this context?
International cooperation plays a crucial role in rebuilding Syria’s health system. No country can implement these kinds of changes on its own, especially after years of crisis. Partnerships – particularly with Germany – provide expertise, experience and new perspectives. At the same time, German institutions can also benefit from exchange with Syrian professionals. What’s important for me is that this cooperation is a partnership between equals: we learn from each other and together develop solutions that have a lasting impact.
Can you give an example?
The hospital partnerships between Germany and Syria are a prime example. Professionals from both countries work together, share their knowledge and put their experience into direct practice. This speeds up the reconstruction process and enables modern standards to be established. The German partners, too, can learn from the expertise and concrete experience of our professionals. It’s a partnership that really has an impact.
What message would you like to send out to experts?
Now is the right time to get involved! Every initiative counts. Syria is embarking on an important journey and real change happens when people take the initiative, share their knowledge and work together as partners. If we combine German experience with the Syrians’ energy and motivation, we can create a strong, sustainable partnership that benefits both sides. This will not only help modernise the health system but also build trust and mutual respect and create real prospects for the future.
