The World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved $225 million in grant financing from the International Development Association (IDA) to support Syria in improving the delivery of public services, specifically within its water and health sectors.
The Syria Emergency Water Security and Resilient Services Project, valued at $150 million, aims to restore bulk water supply and wastewater infrastructure in priority densely populated regions affected by the conflict and address the urgent needs of urban populations, including returning refugees and internally displaced persons.
Meanwhile, the Syria Health System Recovery and Strengthening Project, with funding of $75 million, will enhance citizens’ access to quality healthcare services and bolster the overall capacity of Syria’s public health system. The project will restore essential primary care and maternal, newborn, and child health and nutrition service delivery in 150 high-impact PHC centers across Syria, serving large groups of people and benefiting vulnerable populations, including internally displaced, returnees, female-headed households, and disadvantaged host communities.
The World Bank approved financing package spans two new projects aimed at improving people’s lives by securing reliable access to water and sanitation and improving access to quality health services. Both projects are expected to benefit about 4.5 million Syrians across the country.
Jean-Christophe Carret, World Bank Division Director, Middle East Department, said that, “Restoring physical infrastructure and resuming the delivery of essential public services are key pillars of Syria’s Statement of National Priorities.”
“As Syria moves forward in its journey toward stabilization and recovery, improved public services across sectors will enhance living conditions, strengthen social cohesion, and facilitate the integration of returning refugees and internally displaced persons, in support of the government’s No Camps initiative,” Carret added.
