World Bank Approves $225M Grant to Rebuild Syria’s Water and Health Systems, Targeting 4.5 Million People

In a major step toward Syria's recovery after more than a decade of conflict, the World Bank has approved US$225 million in grant financing through the International Development Association (IDA) to restore critical public services in the country's devastated water and health sectors.

The funding package—comprising two large-scale emergency projects—aims to directly benefit approximately 4.5 million Syrians, addressing urgent gaps in access to clean water, sanitation, and quality healthcare, while laying the foundation for long-term resilience and stabilization.

A Nation's Infrastructure in Crisis

After 14 years of conflict, Syria's essential infrastructure has suffered catastrophic damage. The water sector, in particular, has seen severe degradation:

• Over 50% of water supply systems destroyed or damaged

• Around 70% of wastewater treatment plants incapacitated

• Water supply reduced by nearly 40% compared to pre-conflict levels

• Per capita water availability dropped below 700 cubic meters annually, far beneath the global water scarcity threshold

Today, more than half of Syria's population lacks reliable access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, increasing risks of disease, displacement pressures, and economic hardship.

The health system has fared no better. Years of conflict have left damaged facilities, workforce shortages, and fragmented service delivery, with many Syrians forced to rely on costly out-of-pocket healthcare. The system's traditional hospital-centric model is no longer equipped to meet the country's current needs, particularly in preventive and primary care.

Two-Pronged Recovery Strategy

The World Bank's financing is structured around two targeted interventions designed to deliver both immediate relief and long-term system strengthening:

1. Syria Emergency Water Security and Resilient Services Project – US$150 million

This flagship initiative will focus on restoring water infrastructure in some of the country's most densely populated and conflict-affected areas, including Idlib, Homs, and Hama.

Key components include:

• Rehabilitation and climate-proofing of water treatment and transmission systems

• Restoration of wastewater treatment facilities, including in Damascus

• Deployment of emergency equipment to maintain essential services

• Strengthening water resource management systems and climate resilience

• Conducting dam safety assessments and improving water data systems

The project is expected to significantly improve access to safe water and sanitation while reducing environmental pollution—critical for public health and urban recovery.

2. Syria Health System Recovery and Strengthening Project – US$75 million

The second initiative targets the rebuilding of Syria's fragile healthcare system, with a strong focus on primary health care (PHC).

The project will:

• Restore services in 150 high-impact PHC centres across the country

• Expand access to maternal, newborn, and child health services

• Improve healthcare access for internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and vulnerable communities

• Strengthen pandemic preparedness and emergency response systems

• Rebuild health workforce capacity and institutional systems

Facilities will be selected through a data-driven, equity-focused approach, ensuring resources reach areas with the greatest need and impact.

Linking Recovery to Stability and Return

World Bank officials подчеркнули that restoring essential services is central to Syria's broader recovery strategy and social stability.

"Restoring physical infrastructure and resuming the delivery of essential public services are key pillars of Syria's Statement of National Priorities," said Jean-Christophe Carret, World Bank Division Director for the Middle East.

He added that improved service delivery will play a crucial role in facilitating the return of refugees and internally displaced persons, aligning with the government's "No Camps" initiative, which seeks to transition displaced populations back into stable communities.

Addressing Climate and Future Risks

A notable feature of the programme is its emphasis on climate resilience, reflecting growing concerns over water scarcity in the region. Syria's declining water availability—exacerbated by climate change—poses a long-term threat to food security, health, and economic recovery.

By integrating climate-proof infrastructure and improved water management systems, the projects aim to future-proof essential services against environmental shocks.

A Critical Step, But Challenges Remain

While the $225 million package represents a significant injection of support, experts caution that Syria's reconstruction needs run into tens of billions of dollars, requiring sustained international engagement.

Nevertheless, the initiative marks a pivotal step toward restoring basic services, rebuilding trust in public institutions, and improving daily life for millions of Syrians navigating the aftermath of prolonged conflict.

As implementation begins, the focus will be on translating funding into tangible improvements—clean water flowing through taps, functional clinics serving communities, and a gradual rebuilding of systems essential for long-term recovery.