Rebuilding lifelines: Safe water and sanitation services restored in Jibreen

With support of UN Joint Programme, UNICEF restores life-saving water and sanitation services in Aleppo, protecting children’s health and dignity

By Sherin Salameh
Formwork preparation for a reinforced concrete manhole with a huge excavator looming over it.
UNICEF/UNI983692/Hanna Asmar
06 May 2026

Jibreen, Aleppo Governorate - In Jibreen village, children and families had long been living with damaged and blocked sewage systems, where wastewater accumulated on the surface, posing serious health risks to children and communities and affecting daily life.

In March 2026, UNICEF, with support from the Governments of Denmark, Italy, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland under the UN Joint Programme on Urban and Rural Resilience (UNJP), implemented a full rehabilitation and replacement of the sewage network in Jibreen village, rural Aleppo. The area had been struggling with severely damaged and blocked sewage systems due to limited maintenance and years of conflict, resulting in wastewater accumulating on the surface. This posed serious public health risks to families and children, created environmental hazards, and caused persistent unpleasant odors that affected daily life in the community.

A woman wearing a blue UNICEF coat speaks members of the community who are standing around her. A woman wearing a blue UNICEF coat speaks members of the community who are standing around her.
UNICEF/UNI983676/Hanna Asmar A UNICEF officer meets with families in the community during water network rehabilitation works in Jibreen village, Aleppo Governorate.
A woman wearing a blue UNICEF coat speaks members of the community on street with a large digging equipment in the distance. A woman wearing a blue UNICEF coat speaks members of the community on street with a large digging equipment in the distance.
UNICEF/UNI983679/Hanna Asmar A UNICEF officer discusses the progress of water network rehabilitation works with the implementing partner in Jibreen village, Aleppo Governorate.
A large yellow excavator in a narrow street loads dirt on a waiting truck. A large yellow excavator in a narrow street loads dirt on a waiting truck.
UNICEF/UNI983682/Hanna Asmar An excavator operates during UNICEF supported water rehabilitation works in Jibreen village, Aleppo Governorate.

This intervention reached around 500 people, providing 100 families, including children, with access to a safe and functional sanitation network. By restoring this essential service, the project significantly reduces health hazards, improves hygiene conditions, and enhances the overall well-being of community.

In April 2026, a second intervention from the Joint Programme, focused on the rehabilitation and replacement of drinking water pipelines. By installing a new and reliable water network, approximately 8,000 people, including children, now have improved access to safe drinking water.

Workers prepare new pipes for installation. Workers prepare new pipes for installation.
UNICEF/UNI983674/Hanna Asmar Workers prepare new pipes for installation during UNICEF supported water rehabilitation works in Jibreen village, Aleppo Governorate.
New pipes prepared for installation to replace damaged ones. New pipes prepared for installation to replace damaged ones.
UNICEF/UNI983693/Hanna Asmar New pipes prepared for installation to replace damaged ones as part of UNICEF supported rehabilitation works in Jibreen village, Aleppo Governorate.
A UNICEF officer oversees work progress as workers carry out backfilling of a sewage channel. A UNICEF officer oversees work progress as workers carry out backfilling of a sewage channel.
UNICEF/UNI983690/Hanna Asmar A UNICEF officer oversees work progress as workers carry out backfilling of a sewage channel during sewage rehabilitation works in Jibreen village, Aleppo Governorate.
Collection row media
A small yellow bulldozer pushes dirt to fill a ditch. A small yellow bulldozer pushes dirt to fill a ditch.
UNICEF/UNI983689/Hanna Asmar Backfilling works during UNICEF supported sewage rehabilitation in Jibreen village, Aleppo Governorate.

“When water and sanitation systems work, families can focus on their lives, their children, and their future. These improvements help people stay healthy and build the resilience they need to recover and move forward.”

Aya, UNICEF Water and Sanitation Officer, Aleppo Field Office

Through these interventions, UNICEF and its partners are not only addressing urgent humanitarian needs but also strengthening community resilience. By restoring vital infrastructure, reducing health risks, and ensuring sustainable access to essential services, these projects help families rebuild their lives with dignity.