An integrated approach for Mon state conflict-affected populations in hard-to-reach areas: providing access to healthcare, nutrition, food security and WASH services The proposed project is a multi-sectoral intervention aiming at providing emergency humanitarian assistance to conflict-affected, vulnerable, displaced populationsin Billin,  Township in Mon state. The proposed intervention intends to target 3 509 IDPs (1 192 Men, 1 266 Women, 520 Boys 531 Girls, including 180 CU5 and 55 PLW). The recent political developments in Myanmar have resulted in increased conflict and clashes across the country, in particular in the South-East, which are creating large population displacements and severe humanitarian needs. Those urgent needs have to be addressed to mitigate the impacts of the protracted crisis on the populations resulting to from these precarious living conditions. Mon is part of the conflict-affected States where around 18 000 individuals are displaced as of 14th of November 2022 ("Myanmar UNHCR displacement overview 14 Nov 2022", published on the UNHCR Operational data portal), among which 36% are women and 15% are girls, due to intense clashes between MAF (Myanmar Armed Forces) and KNLA/PDF. 

When displaced, the affected population do not have access to basic needs and basic social services, hence is lacking of health and nutrition support, food, WASH, education, shelter and protection. They are often located in informal settlements or hosted by the communities, who do not always have the capacity to address all IDPs needs. Hence, PUI is proposing to intervene with the provision of meaningful access to primary healthcare including MISP (Minimum Initial Service Package) and MNCH (Maternal, newborn and child health), nutrition services and with the distribution of emergency hygiene and shelter kits as well as food commodities to IDPs in Mon state. PUI will provide, when relevant and appropriate, MISP training to KDHW staff, with support from UNFPA (which is already funding PUI on other grants). The MISP planned activities will have the overall objective to prevent excess maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality and plan for comprehensive RH services.

IDPs are displaced within Bilin township of Mon State, as mentioned above, in areas that are controlled by KNU/KNLA. Hence, a direct access by PUI teams is not an option. Other partners, related to the KNU and its allies, operate in the area and have an extensive knowledge of the population,their needs. and their communities.Hence, PUI will partner with KDHW (Karen Department Of Health And Welfare). 

Primary health care services, nutrition service package and emergency referrals will be provided by KDHW through a mobile approach. 

PUI will coordinate with all relevant actors for its partner to access the area. Keeping in mind the situation volatility, PUI, through KDHW, may adapt programmatically over the course of the project implementation in order to achieve the intended outcomes. Overall, PUI intends to improve living conditions and access to safe water and hygiene items, improve meaningful and comprehensive healthcare access to vulnerable population (IDPs, host community, women, girls, and hard to reach population), and improve the nutritional status of vulnerable PLW and CU5. KDHW’s capacities will also be strengthened to enhance a local response to emergency needs and increase the humanitarian aid impact.