HotSpots H2O, April 18: Water and Sanitation Crises Jeopardize Health of Damascus Citizens

Apr 18, 2017 | Kayla Cragg
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Water shortages and sewage system failures are compromising the health of millions in Damascus, Syria. According to the UNICEF Representative in Syria, Hanaa Singer, “In Syria, water has been used as a weapon of war by all parties to the conflict. Water sources have been deliberately shut off, water infrastructure has been attacked and damaged, and water workers were denied access to maintain, repair, and operate water networks.” The situation in Damascus has been especially dire. Earlier this year, 5.5 million citizens endured several weeks without clean water. Sewage system failures in the city are further increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.