Water and war: The effect of functioning chlorinated water stations in reducing waterborne diseases during conflict in northwest Syria, 2017–2021

Since 2011, Syria’s ongoing conflict has severely impacted water infrastructure, increasing contamination and limiting access to clean drinking water, which in turn raises the risk of waterborne diseases. This study aimed to assess whether more functional and chlorinated water stations in northwest Syria could reduce risk of waterborne disease.

The study, conducted between 2017 and 2021, used weekly disease surveillance data from 10 districts and a WASH system evaluation programme. The results showed that areas with more functional and chlorinated water stations had lower disease rates. Exposure to functioning water stations had a stronger association with lower rates of waterborne diseases than exposure to chlorinated water stations.

The results of this study provide an understanding of the effects of water station functionality and chlorination in conflict settings. These findings underscore the importance of prioritising water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) activities in countries experiencing violence against civilian infrastructure.

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