GOAL’s EU-Funded SANAD Programme Reaches Over 1.16 Million People in Northwest Syria with Lifesaving Support - GOAL Global Skip to content

GOAL’s EU-Funded SANAD Programme Reaches Over 1.16 Million People in Northwest Syria with Lifesaving Support

 

April 30, 2025 • 3 min read

As Syria cautiously emerges from over 13 years of conflict, humanitarian needs remain at critical levels.

Today, over 90% of Syrians live below the poverty line, three in four depend on humanitarian aid, and 7.2 million remain internally displaced,  the highest number recorded since the conflict began. Across the country, almost one-third of housing units are either destroyed or severely damaged, while half the population lacks access to safe water and sanitation services.

In late 2024, the fall of the Assad regime fuelled cautious hope for displaced families, but also exposed the sheer scale of devastation. Over 115,000 refugees returned from neighbouring countries in the early months of 2025, facing shattered infrastructure, soaring costs of living, and fragile public systems unable to meet basic needs.

Against this backdrop, GOAL’s SANAD project — funded by the European Union — provided vital, lifesaving assistance across northwest Syria.

Responding to the Crisis with Life-Saving Aid: SANAD

Launched in May 2024, SANAD built on the foundations laid by the EU-funded RELIEF IV programme, expanding emergency support in food security, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), shelter, winterisation, and emergency response.

In total, the programme reached 1,168,827 individuals, delivering urgent aid to communities still reeling from the impact of conflict, displacement, and the 2023 earthquakes.

“While the end of open conflict brought hope, the reality on the ground remains stark. Millions of Syrians are returning to communities without homes, services, or livelihoods. Through the EU-funded SANAD programme, GOAL delivered vital support when needed most — reaching over 1.16 million people with shelter, water, food, and dignity. The needs are still immense, and without donors like the EU, recovery would be out of reach for so many.”
— Tamer Kirolos, Country Director, GOAL Syria

Impact in Numbers:

 Food Security and Cash Assistance

  • 238,513 people were supported to meet basic food needs through emergency cash transfers.
  • Over USD 10.4 million disbursed, with 96% of households reporting that the assistance met their urgent priorities.

 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)

  • 839,488 individuals gained access to clean, safe water through the restoration and operation of water stations and piped networks, including solar-powered water wells.
  • 177,672 people reached through sanitation services, with 99.98% of water samples meeting SPHERE standards.
  • Around 80% of beneficiaries reported having their WASH needs met.

 Shelter

  • 105 dignified shelter units constructed, including four units adapted for persons with disabilities, benefiting 436 individuals.
  • The shelters provide vital protection, privacy, and security to displaced families and contribute to gender-based violence mitigation efforts.

 Winterisation Assistance

  • USD 1.65 million in winter cash distributed to 45,339 individuals across northwest Syria.
  • 100% of the support delivered before November 2024, ahead of harsh winter conditions.
  • 99% of those who received winterisation assistance reported it was appropriate for their needs.

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Emergency Response

  • 21,275 people supported following shocks through early action frameworks.
  • 315,000 people included in emergency contingency planning and risk mitigation initiatives.

Stories of Resilience with Support from EU Aid

The SANAD programme’s impact is best seen through the stories of those it served.

“Life in the camp is harsh; winters and summers are equally cruel. Storms could destroy my tent, and no one would know. When I heard we’d move into caravans, I was filled with hope.”

— Hajjeh Al-Jassem, 70, Ma’arat al-Nu’man

Thanks to EU support, families like Hajjeh’s were able to leave dilapidated tents and move into dignified, durable shelters — a life-changing step toward rebuilding after years of despair.

Looking Ahead

While SANAD’s operational phase concludes, the humanitarian needs in northwest Syria remain immense.

GOAL continues to work closely with partners, donors, and local communities to ensure that vulnerable families are not left behind. Sustained international support will be critical to building a pathway toward recovery, dignity, and hope.