About the Project
In North East Syria, a severe water crisis, driven by prolonged conflict, decreased rainfall, and damaged infrastructure, has drastically limited access to safe water. The resulting scarcity has led to widespread food insecurity and a troubling rise in malnutrition rates, especially among children. In response, Trust Consultancy & Development, in collaboration with Save the Children, conducted a study to investigate the links between the water crisis and malnutrition in Al Hasakeh, Ar Raqqa, and Deir Ezzor. This report reveals how compromised water quality and accessibility impact hygiene practices, dietary diversity, and health, focusing particularly on children under two years old.
Methodology
The research employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative and qualitative data from surveys, key informant interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), and anthropometric measurements. The Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) survey assessed water access, hygiene, and nutrition. Anthropometric data provided a snapshot of malnutrition through weight and height metrics, Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), and edema testing. Sampling was purposive, focusing on households with young children, and ensuring a representative gender balance across survey respondents. This structured approach enabled researchers to triangulate findings and deepen insights across rural and urban settings.
Main Findings
The water crisis has severely impacted food and water security, affecting dietary diversity and increasing malnutrition risk, particularly for children under five. Key findings include:
– Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Practices: Many mothers face breastfeeding challenges, with limited access to water impacting milk production and child nutrition. Only 6% of children achieved acceptable dietary diversity, and the majority consume fewer than five essential food groups.
– Malnutrition Rates: Screening results indicated high malnutrition rates, with 7% of children under five diagnosed with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and 13% with Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM). Rural areas showed the most alarming rates, with younger children, particularly girls, facing greater risk.
– Disease Prevalence: Water-borne diseases like diarrhea are prevalent, exacerbated by limited water access and quality. More than half of surveyed caregivers reported recent cases of diarrhea, often tied to poor water and sanitation conditions.
– Water Sources and Treatment: Households rely heavily on private water trucking, yet 73% of respondents do not consider their main water source safe. Due to resource limitations, most households are unable to treat water, leading to increased reliance on untreated sources and associated health risks.
Conclusion
This study highlights the urgent need for coordinated interventions in water, sanitation, and nutrition to mitigate the water crisis’s impact on malnutrition. Improved water infrastructure, hygiene awareness, and support for mothers’ breastfeeding practices are essential steps to support vulnerable families in North East Syria.
