The World Bank has announced $225 million in grant funding through the International Development Association (IDA) to support water and health projects in Syria. This move aims to bolster essential services and improve living conditions in the country.
اضافة اعلان
According to a statement from the bank, the funding is divided into two parts: $150 million for a water sector rehabilitation project focusing on repairing water and sanitation networks, and $75 million to support the health sector by improving access to medical care and increasing service efficiency.
These projects, which fall under early recovery and stability efforts, are expected to benefit approximately 4.5 million people, contributing to the improvement of vital services and supporting the return of displaced persons.
The Impact of Prolonged Conflict
The conflict in Syria, spanning nearly 14 years, has devastated water infrastructure, reversed decades of development, and heightened vulnerability to climate change.
More than half of the water supply infrastructure and approximately 70% of sewage treatment plants have suffered severe damage. Water availability has dropped by about 40% compared to pre-conflict levels. Currently, more than half of the population suffers from a lack of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. Furthermore, the annual per capita water share has fallen below 700 cubic meters, well below the water scarcity threshold.
Healthcare Sector Challenges
The Syrian health sector has also been severely impacted, resulting in fragmented services, damaged facilities, and weakened governance. Challenges in service delivery, personnel shortages, and the limited capacity of the primary healthcare system hinder the provision of quality care, leading to a decline in the utilization of primary health services.
Additionally, public health sector funding faces strict constraints, forcing families to incur high out-of-pocket expenses. The statement noted that Syria’s traditional hospital-centric curative care model is no longer aligned with the country's current health needs.
