Integrated lifesaving emergency response to conflict-affected IDPs, returnees, and vulnerable host communities in Zaye woreda of Kamashi zone, Benishngul Gumz region, Ethiopia ltpgtltspangtThe proposed project aims to provide lifesaving assistance to recently returned
or relocated IDPs in Zaye woreda of the Kamashi zone of Benishangul
Gumuz region. It will be implemented by HelpAge and two local partners, namely Mujejeguwa Loka Women Development Association (MLWDA) and Ultimate Concern for the Deprived (UCD), aligning with the Humanitarian Response Plan, 2023, and the allocation
strategy. It addresses the needs and priorities of older
people, people with disabilities, women, children, and other vulnerable groups
who struggle disproportionately to access essential services. This is achieved through providing
integrated  multisectoral assistance prioritizing protection, WASH, and ESNFI.lt/spangtltbrgtlt/pgtltpgtUnder Protection, the project strengthens measures to reduce the risk of violence, discrimination, abuse, and neglect for women, children, older men  women, and people with disabilities. Survivors will be supported by establishing a one-stop center that provides multi-sectoral case management, including health, counseling, and legal services in one location. The sector-specific unconditional cash support provides protection to the affected households through increasing their purchasing power and similarly, it stimulates the market in the targeted locations. The unconditional cash support will also help the most at-risk households to fulfill their immediate needs. The project will also promote the social integration of targeted IDPs with a particular focus on older people and people with disabilities who are often marginalized. This will involve inclusive activities, awareness campaigns, and fostering dialogue. Such activities create community cohesion and empowerment to participate in decision-making processes, rebuilding their lives and shaping their own futures. This demonstrates a nexus approach which is essential to the continued peace and security of the region.  ltbrgtlt/pgtltpgtltspangtltbgtUnder ES/NFIlt/bgt, the project ensures that vulnerable groups such as women-headed households,
older men  women, and PwDs have access to safe and suitable shelters
upon their return to their original place. This includes conducting
beneficiary identification and assessment to identify vulnerable individuals and
providing assistance like plastic sheets as identified by the
interagency assessment. lt/spangtlt/pgtltpgtltbgtUnder WASH,lt/bgt the
project will strengthen the WASH response by providing
a minimum WASH package and addressing the underlying causes of the water supply challenge. and waterborne diseases. Activities include water point and water system renovation, providing
hand washing stations with soap, and hygiene promotion. Health extension
workers (HEWs) and Health Development Armies (HDAs) will be trained on the
prevention of communicable diseases (cholera, scabies), safe water management,
and personal and environmental hygiene topics.lt/pgtltpgt

The proposed project builds upon experience gained and lessons learned
from past and ongoing projects. Since 2017, HelpAge has successfully
implemented ltbgt6lt/bgt UN OCHA projects through the Ethiopia Humanitarian Fund. As
the only NGO focusing on the needs of older people and people
with disabilities, HelpAge will ensure all activities are age-disability and gender
inclusive as well as ensure partners play a key role in this initiative. While HelpAge leads the general protection and WASH components the two local subgrantees, MLWDA leads the Protection component mainly GBV and child protection parts and, UCD leads the ES/NFI sectors (HelpAge leads the Cash-based interventions). In this response, we will reach 37,817 (17,861 women, 3591 Girls, 13,218 Men  3,167 Boys) out of which 2,618 people with disabilities (800 women, 1580 men, 86 boys and 152 girls with disabilities) and 144,825 (52% female) indirect beneficiaries. The selectionltspangt of lt/spangtltspangttarget beneflt/spangtltspangtilt/spangtltspangtciaries lt/spangtltspangtwill lt/spangtltspangtbe based on the lt/spangtltspangtgender, alt/spangtltspangtge,  disalt/spangtltspangtbility 
profile of the tarlt/spangtltspangtget locatlt/spangtltspangtion. Blt/spangtltspangtased on this different delivery mechanisms will be ilt/spangtltspangtmplemented lt/spangtltspangtin consultatiolt/spangtltspangtn with communitieslt/spangtltspangt  stakeholders.lt/spangtlt/pgt