Escalating crisis forced thousands of people to leave their homes in the countryside to the north of Aleppo.

Villages in sub-districts such as Tall Rifat, Hiraytan and A’zaz saw an exodus as people fled to safer areas near the Syrian-Turkish border.

Islamic Relief was on the ground, securing safe and equitable access to clean latrines and distributing essentials such as shampoo, soap, sanitary pads and toothpaste. We also delivered awareness-raising sessions in good hygiene practices across the displaced community to reduce the spread of disease.

After assessing needs, the water, sanitation and hygiene projects we delivered reached more than 71,000 people in northern Syria where over five months we distributed 13,500 hygiene kits, installed 175 latrines across four camps and presented hygiene awareness activities in the areas of greatest need.

Living in Ahal Alsham camp, Um Ammar, 45, is a widow and mother-of-five. Since the outbreak of the war, she (like most Syrians) has suffered ongoing displacement, homelessness and the loss of family and friends. For four years, she has moved from place to place  in search of safety for herself and her children. She has now found herself in Ahal Alsham Camp located on the Syrian-Turkish border near A’zaz city.

Um Ammar lost her husband two years ago when he went to find work but didn’t come back. Since then she has heard no news about him.

Living with her children in a tent, she lacks even basic amenities such as a mattress, blankets, cooking utensils and essential hygiene items. Mud fills the tent and the few items they do own are waterlogged.

Um Ammar shoulders the responsibility for her children’s care and protection and she treasures the basic facilities that support them.

She said: “Even though we’ve found ourselves living in a camp, we’re grateful for basic toilet facilities to preserve our dignity. The monthly hygiene kits we receive help me to keep my children clean and protect them from disease. We hope to soon have container units for showers instead of having to take shower in tents.”