Attachments
Updates on the humanitarian situation
A short presentation on: Overall trends of communicable diseases
Cholera remains a priority in Syria for 2025, with WHO/UNICEF had classified Syria as an “active” country. Surveillance system is getting better with still challenges due to the changes in the country.
Preparedness to respond to AWD possible outbreak will be priority before the hot season.
Displacement, hostilities/impact on systems As of February 1, 2025, IDP numbers increased from 627,500 to 653,400 since January 10, 2025.A majority reside in Idleb (265,500) and Aleppo (108,600). Total returnees stand at 555,000, primarily in Aleppo (320,400) and Hama (149,100).
Hostilities continue to impact WASH systems, necessitating ongoing emergency repairs and support for the continuity of services. Main problems are registered with the Tishreen dam (UNICEF repairs 2 turbines to cover the electricity needs of the dam itself), impacting also the Al Khfasa water station production, which supply water to Aleppo City and Ein El Beyda boosting water station. Al Bab is receiving water irregularly. 10 water stations have also reported damages in Deir Ez-Zor Governorate.
Gaps in camps in NWS As of the end of 2024, 32% of camps remain uncovered, affecting approximately 619,957 individuals with an estimated monthly cost for basic WASH services at USD 2.3 million. Camps in SD with WASH high severity of needs, in Al Dana and Al Bab, are notably impacted, with significant funding required for basic WASH services. Additional camps lost support as of February 1 due to end of project and lack of funding, with significant monthly costs incurred for maintaining basic WASH services. WASH and PHE priorities in uncovered but hotspot areas in Al Dana, Azaz, Idleb. This analysis was done before the USG stop order and waiver so the situation will be worse in the upcoming weeks.
Impact of the USG stop order The order has impacted organizations in different ways for the WASH sector, depending on the funding portfolio. INGO1 has resumed the lifesaving activities, while all infrastructure interventions are on hold, considering the waiver but HR is not funded (fund instalment received in December). INGO2 has no USA WASH Funding. INGO3 is impacted by the stop of INGO4 activities in Al Hol Camp. NES WASH WG presents a gap in coordination. INGO5 stopped all activities waiting to further clarification and funds. INGO6 will have the WiN project impacted. WoS cluster is mapping the gaps in the response due to this situation. The Global WAH Cluster will have a dedicated meeting this Thursday 6th February.
After discussion, WoS cluster will raise some points during the meeting:
(i) advocating to consider coordination as lifesaving;
(ii) in the waiver, better mention and clarification of the WASH activities, as they can be considered life-saving under health but not clear and each organization is acting differently;
(iii) there is a general ask for clarification and guidance and to advocate for that. Asking for advocate for also covering salaries.