March 2019 – Decades of political instability have left Somalia facing a complex and protracted humanitarian crises with an estimated 4.2 million Somalis (35 percent of the population) expected to require humanitarian assistance in 2019. Some 2.6 million people have been forced from their homes, with little or no access to the basic services. Acute malnutrition rates remain near or above emergency thresholds, particularly among displaced populations. Violence due to terrorist threats and multiple conflicts has made access to services a challenge in many regions, hampering the ability of humanitarian workers to reach those in need. With GAC’s support, World Vision Canada is providing assistance to address the urgent needs of up to 358,001 returnees and internally displaced people in the Baidoa region of Somalia. The project focuses on improving access to emergency health and nutrition services, water, sanitation and hygiene services, and increasing safety and protection of internally displaced people and returnees. Project activities include: (1) supporting up to 10 health posts with essential supplies and equipment; (2) the construction or rehabilitation of community water points and sanitation facilities; and (3) strengthening local referral systems for protection cases.
The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased access to emergency nutrition services and lifesaving primary health care services, particularly for displaced women and girls; (2) improved access to gender and culturally appropriate safe water sources, sanitation facilities and hygiene practices for returnees and internally displaced people; and (3) increased access to protective services, particularly for gender-based violence survivors and children vulnerable to protection violations. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved, suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crisis or that are facing acute food insecurity.
