Water, sanitation, and hygiene access in southern Syria: analysis of survey data and recommendations
Sikder, Mustafa & Daraz, Umar & S. Lantagne, Daniele & Saltori, Roberto. (2018)
Syria is an example of an emerging complex emergency. Based on about 2000 surveys conducted in opposition-controlled southern Syria, we found that piped water supply on the premises as the main water source in the last 30 days declined significantly both in 2016 and in 2017, with privately operated water trucking networks filling the gap. Additionally, water safety improved from 2016 to 2017, with communities targeted with WSP programming were more likely to have FCR in households' stored water. Lastly, the data showed that sanitation and hygiene indicators were protective against diarrheal disease in children. The lesson from the Syria WASH response is that allowing market forces to manage services and quantity, and targeting response activities on increasing affordability, quality, and regulation can be an effective, scalable, and cost-effective strategy to guarantee the human right to water and sanitation in this new type of protracted complex emergency settings with prior infrastructure and vibrant markets.
