World Bank Grants Syria $225 Million to Support Water and Health Sectors
The World Bank has approved two grants totaling $225 million to support Syria's water and health sectors, as part of efforts to strengthen basic services and rehabilitate critical infrastructure to address economic and humanitarian challenges.
In a statement published on its official website on Thursday, the bank said the first grant, amounting to $150 million, will be directed to improve water security by rehabilitating water and sanitation networks in priority areas, including local communities, displaced people and returning refugees.
Strengthening the health system
The second grant, worth $75 million, will focus on supporting the health system by expanding access to health-care services and strengthening the capacity of medical facilities.
Some 4.5 million people are expected to benefit from these projects, while health financing will support primary care and maternal and child health services across 150 health centres across the governorates.
This funding comes in the context of a growing trend by international institutions to support recovery programs in Syria, particularly in sectors related to public services and infrastructure, as key pillars for creating a more stable economic and social environment. This support is also an extension of previous World Bank programs that included financing the electricity and financial reform sectors, at a time when reconstruction needs are estimated at $216 billion.
"The restoration of infrastructure and the resumption of basic public services are key pillars of Syria's development priorities," said Jean-Christophe Carré, director of the World Bank's Middle East Department.
As Syria moves forward on the path of stability, improving public services will contribute to achieving tangible improvements in the living conditions of citizens, enhancing social cohesion, and facilitating the integration of returnees and displaced persons, in support of the Syrian government's "Syria without Camps" initiative, Carré said.
On April 14, the Ministry of Energy – Syrian Water Sector Regulatory Department announced the completion of the preparation and presentation of the World Bank-supported "Supporting the Recovery of the Water Sector in the Syrian Arab Republic" project, in preparation for moving to the final evaluation phase in accordance with international procedures and standards.
The ministry explained that the project is part of an integrated five-year program (2026-2031), which aims to rehabilitate the critical infrastructure of the water sector, improve drinking water and sanitation services, and enhance the efficiency and sustainability of water resources in the targeted areas.