WASH Initiative in Laghman, Jawzjan and Balkh Provinces ltpgtThe "WASH Initiative in Laghman, Jawzjan and Balkh Provinces" initiative is a comprehensive project designed to significantly enhance the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) infrastructure and services in the provinces of Laghman, Balkh, and Jawzjan. This project is a proactive measure to mitigate the risk of Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD) outbreaks, ensuring that the communities in these regions have reliable access to essential sanitation facilities and clean water. The proposed project is a joint response for returnees and drought. The returnees' response under Priority 1 of the WASH cluster in the allocation strategy will be implemented in the Alingar and Qarghayi districts of Laghman province while the drought response under Priority 2 of the WASH cluster will be implemented in the Shiberghan and Khanaqa districts of Jawzjan and Chemtal district of Balkh province. The project design is governed by the needs assessment where OAWCK consulted with target communities including people with disabilities to make sure that the project not only responds to the most pressing needs but also ensures ownership and sustainability of the project. lt/pgtltpgtltbrgtProject Overview: lt/pgtltpgtReturnees Response/Priority 1 Activities (Laghman - Alingar and Qarghayi districts):ltbrgt	Latrine Construction with consideration of accessibility to people with disabilities: 80 new latrines will be built to improve sanitation.ltbrgt	Handwashing Facility Repair: 10 existing facilities will be repaired to promote hand hygiene.ltbrgt	Hygiene Kit Distribution: 1000 households will receive kits, each containing essential culturally appropriate hygiene supplies.ltbrgt	Hygiene Promotion: 100 educational sessions will be conducted, focusing on hygiene practices, AWD prevention, PSEA, and GBV prevention.lt/pgtltpgt . PSS Consultation Sessions: 50 Psychosocial Support Consultation sessions will be conducted to improve the well-being of the women and girls affected by displacement or domestic violence.  ltbrgt	Public Awareness: A 3-minute radio message will be broadcast 100 times to reinforce the importance of hygiene, AWD control, and GBV prevention. lt/pgtltpgtltbrgtDrought Response/Priority 2 Activities (Jawzjan - Shiberghan and Khanaqa districts Balkh - Chemtal district):ltbrgt	Pipe Scheme Repair: Two critical pipe schemes will be restored to operational status in Shiberghan and Khanaqa districts of Jawzjanltbrgt	Latrine Construction: 70 latrines will be constructed (40 in Jawzjan and 30 in Balkh), with consideration of accessibility to people with disabilities, to serve the local needsltbrgt	Hygiene Kit Distribution: 1000 households (500 in Jawzjan and 500 in Balkh) will be provided with culturally appropriate 1000 hygiene kits.ltbrgt	Hygiene Education: 110 sessions will be held to educate residents on hygiene, AWD control, PSEA, and GBV prevention. lt/pgtltpgt. PSS Sessions: 55 sessions will be conducted on psychosocial support to improve the well-being of the women and girls affected by the crisis or gender-based violence. ltbrgt	Radio Outreach: A 3-minute educational message will be aired 100 times to spread awareness on hygiene, AWD control, and GBV prevention. lt/pgtltpgtltbrgtThe project is set to benefit a total of 17,900 individuals including 15% of people with disability ensuring a far-reaching impact on the health and well-being of the target communities. ltbrgtlt/pgt