When the WHO Representative to Oman, Dr Akjemal Magtymova, was assigned her new duty station in Syria, travelling in the midst of the pandemic presented a formidable obstacle. All commercial flights were cancelled, and other options meant several days of travel, uncertainties and quarantines while crossing borders, and an increased chance of contracting COVID-19.

When Dr. Magtymova arrived in Syria, she was struck by how little people of all social and educational backgrounds recognized the seriousness of COVID-19. Read all about her incredible story of dedication and commitment to WHO's mission on this week's feature story.

Don't forget, you can read the latest stories from all our regional offices on the WHO Coronavirus Response Portal.