Government of the Russian Federation (GoRF) and Syrian Arab Republic Government (SARG) attacks on armed opposition group (AOG)-controlled areas of Aleppo, Idlib, and Hamah governorates escalated in July, resulting in numerous civilian deaths and injuries. GoRF and SARG airstrikes and shelling killed more than 500 civilians from April 29–August 8, according to the UN.

Violence in northwest Syria has also damaged and destroyed civilian and humanitarian infrastructure, including bakeries, mosques, schools, and water stations. Conflict has destroyed 17 entire villages in some locations of southern Idlib and northern Hamah, according to satellite imagery reviewed by the UN.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is deeply committed to assisting the world's most vulnerable people, including persecuted religious minorities.

Through the Disease Surveillance and Prevention project, USAID supports the World Health Organization to collect information on a weekly basis on 15 targeted communicable diseases in Afghanistan. By monitoring sites in all 34 provinces, the project provides accurate and timely data on the outbreak of disease and seasonal trends. Investigations result in quick action to mitigate disease outbreaks and prevent epidemics. The project also coordinates health surveillance in the field, disseminates public health information, and collaborates with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and Expanded Program on Immunizations.

The MELRA program provides policy-level assistance to Government of Afghanistan ministries and other entities to improve the country’s business enabling environment and create business opportunities for private sector growth. The program requires its Afghan partners to demonstrate their commitment to ensure the success of suggested reforms under the MELRA program.