The plight of IDPs

There are over 300,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) in and around Lower Shabelle of Afgoi in the South Central Region of Somalia. The majority of them fled their homes in Mogadishu as a result of the clashes in the capital since late 2006, while others fled their homes due to food shortages and the increased cost of living.

IDPs became destitute due to the fighting. They have lost their livelihoods and assets, hence urgently require humanitarian aid. The IDPs are extremely vulnerable as they have poor access to sanitation, health, food and water.

IRW and ECHO provide emergency aid

Islamic Relief Somalia has been providing humanitarian support to 29,800 IDPs in the Afgoi corridor, with the assistance of ECHO, the European Commission for Humanitarian Aid. The project, ‘Emergency Support to IDPs in Lower Shabelle’ is the third project in Somalia that IR is under taking with ECHO funding. The objective is to improve the living conditions of the vulnerable through provision of better and improved access to food aid, potable drinkable water, medical health care, hygiene and sanitation.

Providing food, water and healthcare

Through this action, IR is expecting to achieve the following results:

1. Increased food security among the targeted 3,425 HH IDPs
2. b) Vulnerable IDP access to safe potable drinking water achieved through water provision
3. c) Basic preventive health care including free medical services, care for the elderly, maternal child health, ante and post-natal and child welfare clinics provided through establishing health centres.

The action has comprised three major interventions as providing food aid support, facilitating water supply, and constructing health posts with free healthcare services including medicine supplies and capacitating IDPs on various development issues on those sectors.

Working together

IR is taking steps to ensure coordination and possible opportunities for collaboration by identifying the number of beneficiaries for food aid support and food items to be distributed in consultation with WFP, work on water supply with UNICEF, Oxfam GB as well as strong local NGOs, CED and Hijra.

IR is selecting essential medical equipment and medicine lists in conjunction with the World Health Organisation in Nairobi for technical approval. The construction of the health posts will contribute to improve the current health situation of the targeted population in the area.

Building capacity

IR is moving ahead with the view to build capacity of the camp committees through training on conflict management, disaster risk reduction and water management. Awareness raising training on HIV/AIDS will also be part of the project. Various awareness raising sessions have been planned to educate the mothers on child health, the benefits of breastfeeding and nutritional issues.

Islamic Relief is an international aid agency that works in over 25 countries worldwide.

Our work covers emergency preparedness, full-scale disaster response, rehabilitation and long-term development projects.

Over the years IR has provided communities with public services, such as water and education. We have now moved towards a ‘rights-based approach’, helping communities to become self-sufficient and encouraging them to expect their governments to provide adequate public services.

IR works in partnership with communities, aid agencies, local organisations and governments.