Valerie Amos, the UN under- secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, has called for increased support to Syria's neighboring countries hosting large numbers of refugees, deputy UN spokesman Eduardo del Buey said here Wednesday.

Amos calls upon the international community "to tackle the consequences of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Syria, and support surrounding countries in their efforts to deal with a worsening refugee crisis," del Buey said at a daily news briefing.

The comment came after a three-day visit to the region where she spent time meeting with leaders in both Lebanon and Jordan, two countries particularly affected by the burden of Syrian refugees.

"We need to redouble our efforts to support neighboring states in absorbing the costs of addressing the daily needs of a large refugee population," the humanitarian chief said.

In Jordan, Amos met with Jordanian government officials and " praised the generosity of the people of Jordan for hosting some 240,000 Syrians, and the work of the national and international relief agencies," said del Buey.

Similarly, in her meetings with Lebanese government officials in Lebanon, Amos "thanked them for the support the Lebanese people and Government are providing to more than 130,000 refugees from Syria, and for keeping the borders open," said the spokesman.

According the UN refugee agency, the total number of refugees from the Syrian crisis stands at over 442,000.

"The plight of the refugees, and the possibility that thousands more will follow them, underlines the need for a comprehensive, region-wide response to end the crisis," Amos said.