WASH for protection in COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation areas in Sheikhan, Shariya, Bajet Kandala and Berseve 2 IDP camps With operational presence and implementation capacity in areas targeted by the proposed project, the consortium, comprised of Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) and Concern Worldwide (CWW) alongside with KURDS, a national organization (and sub-IP of CWW), aim to protect from COVID-19 148,864 direct and indirect IDPs living in IDP camps in KRI. LWF will implement the project in Sheikhan (3,755 IDPs in Ninewa), PWJ will operate in Shariya (15,663 IDPs in Sumail, Duhok) and CWW will cover both Bajet Kandala (9,705 IDPs in Sumail, Duhok), and Berseve 2 (7,612 IDPs in Zakho, Duhok). In line with the priorities of the allocation strategy and to support the Government and other health actors to manage an expected larger number of COVID-19 cases in the forthcoming winter months, the partners will ensure access to WASH infrastructures and services in 4 newly established quarantine and isolation areas in Shariya, Sheikhan, Bajet Kandala and Berseve 2 camps. Sheikhan Q/I site will also benefit IDPs in Essain (14,443 IDPs in Ninewa) and Mamrashan (8,184 IDPs in Ninewa) Shariya Q/I area will serve IDPs in Kabarto 1amp2 (26,453 in Sumail, Duhok) Bajet Kandala will serve Khanke (14,407 IDPs in Sumail, Duhok plus Rwanda community) and Berseve 2 will also serve Berseve 1 (6,567 IDPs in Zakho, Duhok), Darkar (3,740 in Zakho, Duhok) and Chamishku (25,150 in Zakho, Duhok).

In each camp, the consortium partners will all construct WASH infrastructures in quarantine and isolation (Q/I) areas, particularly gender-segregated latrines and showers at a minimum ratio of 1:20, water network systems (water tanks, taps networks etc.), cesspools for collection of liquid waste and solid waste disposal areas. To ensure access to functional WASH infrastructure and services to COVID-19 affected persons in Q/I areas in Sheikhan,  Shariya,  Bajet Kandala and Berseve2 IDP camps, the project will regularly desludge latrines and regularly remove and collect the garbage. Latrines, showers, cesspools, waste disposal and water tanks or distribution systems will be handed over to the local district authorities and existing operations and maintenance committees following capacity building to ensure proper operation and maintenance of the facilities even after the end of the project. 

To enable IDPs to adopt COVID-19 preventive measures, water trucking or water distribution will be organized in the Q/I areas and hand washing devices will be installed. In addition to water, the frontline workers and IDPs in Q/I areas will also receive hygiene kits comprised of multi-purpose soaps, laundry detergent, cleaning and menstrual hygiene items for women for their protection. Protection will be mainstreamed into project implementation through training of local district authorities, existing operations and maintenance committees and of front-line staff prior to deployment.

To contain the spread of the pandemic, to encourage reporting and self-quarantine in Q/I areas and to address COVID-19 stigma and discriminatory behaviors, the project will carry out regular hygiene promotion initiatives on the prevention and control of COVID-19 through house-to-house visits. LWF, PWJ and CWW/KURDS hygiene promoters will teach people a step-by-step process for how hands should be washed and use cluster recommended images and other IEC materials to explain disease transmission and prevention measures. Sensitization campaigns will also include awareness information on the existence and guidance on how to use the complaints and feedback response mechanisms.

Building on its strong track record in WASH in Dohuk and Ninewa Governorates, LWF, PWJ and CWW/KURDS are well positioned to implement the proposed six-months project. With long-standing experience in implementing WASH interventions the project will build on existing activities and be carried out in close collaboration with government authorities, international and local organizations and the target population