Emergency WASH assistance to drought displaced households in Baidoa district, Bay region, Somalia Somalia is facing one of the worst droughts, which has led to millions being displaced and facing water shortages. Recent UN OCHA data on the drought estimates that at least 5.2 million people are facing acute water shortages, in particular IDPs. Baidoa district in Bay region has been one of the main districts affected by displacement influx, and the district is now in alert with overstretched boreholes leading to IDPs to face lack of water and inadequate access to sanitation and hygiene facilities. Subsequently, IDP sites are under an increasing health risk with outbreak of cholera and AWD diseases. 

Through the proposed 8-months project, ACTED aims to increase equitable and inclusive access to clean and safe drinking water, sanitation facilities and promote safe hygiene practices for 15,174 individuals (men: 3,642, women: 3,945, boys: 3,035, girls: 4,552), including 10% people with disabilities in Baidoa district, Bay region. This will contribute to reduced risk of disease outbreak and meet acute WASH needs of the most vulnerable drought affected-displaced communities. To achieve this objective, ACTED will provide emergency water trucking through vouchers to drought affected internally displaced person (IDP) in seven sites (Buur iyo shabelow, Widayrahman, Qamarey, Yaaq-barawey, Elgaras and Haluul iyoo hagran) for a maximum of 90 days. ACTED will further upgrade one communal water source that will benefit drought-affected rural and displaced communities in Balanbale IDP and surrounding IDP sites. To increase the sustainability of WASH services, ACTED will enhance the capacity of WASH Management Committees in 17 IDP sites, as follows - Buur iyo shabelow, Osoble, QodQode, Elbet, Widay Rahman, Balanbale, Albaraka, qamarey, Yaaq barawey,arsham, Awal barwaqo, bakal gaduud, elgaras, guudka, eesow, siigadheere 1, haluul iyo hargan - to manage, operate and maintain WASH facilities in the target locations. 

Additionally, to improve safe excreta disposal, ACTED will construct 116 gender segregated flood single resistant latrines in the targeted aforementioned 17 IDP sites, including 12 disability-friendly latrines out of this total. The latrines will be culturally appropriate and safe for users of all ages. The activity will be followed by a hygiene promotion campaign that will focus on disease prevention including Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD), cholera and measles. Lastly, the campaign and latrine construction will be accompanied by hygiene kits distribution.

The project is designed to ensure equitable access to WASH services by elderly and people living with disabilities, safety of children and dignity and privacy for women and girls. The provision of immediate life-saving and sustainable solutions will contribute greatly to the reduction of morbidity/mortality and an improved sense of dignity, comfort, and security. Coordination with WASH clusters at national and state levels will be maintained, in addition to ongoing coordination with general key actors in Baidoa district. Gender issues will be addressed through collecting gender and age-disaggregated data, which will be analyzed to identify gaps, implement disability inclusive and gender-sensitive interventions, and ensure people with disabilities and women's participation/empowerment. Protection of beneficiaries will be ensured during access and utilization of services in order to minimize future risks.