The European Union has pledged health care aid to Iraqi refugees in Syria amounting to $13.2 million. The EU and Syria's Ministry of Health and State Planning Commission signed an agreement that will help the country modernize its health care facilities in areas that have become safe-havens for Iraqi refugees.

The aid will be used to equip 50 healthcare centers and several hospitals with badly needed medical equipment, such as mobile X-ray and ultrasound machines, cardiology and laboratory equipment, as well as power generators.

The EU has been supporting Syria in improving its healthcare programs to help cope with the plight of Iraqi refugees. Some $43.9 million were already infused for this endeavor.

Syria is home to some 1.5 million Iraqi refugees. The migration has taken a toll on Syria's service institutions such as education, health and housing systems.

Damascus has called for international assistance as the government has been spending some $1.6 billion a year for Iraqi refugees' stay in Syria.