CO-WASH,Gender&Protection for DRC refuge Oxfam proposes to implement an integrated WASH, Gender and Protection project that addresses the current and immediate future needsof the new refugees and their host communities. The project is building on on-going response initiatives and aims to enable the refugees access basic services within the recommended Sphere with ultimate aim of achieving the UNHCR standards while strengthening their resilience and self-reliance. In consideration of the on-going Covid 19 Pandemic, Oxfam will continue to promote SOPs through behavioural and social intervention in health
education, social mobilization, risk communication and water access in a holistic manner working in synergy with UNHCR, OPM and other partners, stakeholders and Kikuube district Health Office
Water supply: Actions will target upgrading of main water system and effecting 2km of piped water supply and distribution networks to reach newly settled populations. More actions will include proper operation and maintenance of existing water supply systems and the promotion of safe water chain management, conducting refresher trainings for water source committees, procurement and prepositioning of fast moving spare parts for both water systems and handpumps and water testing consumables.
Sanitation: Access to safe excreta systems at households levels will be improved through support to households to construct, properly use and maintain their own latrines and construction of emergency communal latrines, that are gender-sensitive, considering the specific needs of boys and girls in regard to privacy, safety/protection and menstrual hygiene management, and promotion of safe hygiene and sanitation practices at institutions through child to child approaches.
Hygiene promotion: Oxfam will continue to build capacity and empowering community structures and volunteers with relevant skills on participatory approaches and tools to mobilise the target refugees and host communities to adhere to proper hygieneand sanitation practices to mitigate diarrheal diseases. This includes ensuring the appropriate use of available household and communal facilities, personal hygiene and safe water chain management. As a sustainability strategy, Oxfam will continue to positively engage school children and Teachers as agents of change. In addition, Oxfam will engage with school management committees and Parent-Teachers Associations on operation and maintenance of the WASH facilities established in schools.
COVID-19 prevention:
Oxfam will continue to promote SOPs through behavioural and social intervention in health education, social mobilisation, risk communication and water access in a holistic manner working in synergy with UNHCR, OPM and other partners, stakeholders and Kikuube District Health Office.
Risk communication and outbreak communication - understanding risk factors and the potential for exposure by individuals or communities is key in community IPC promotion. In this response, Oxfam will engage communities to identify these risks and, if necessary, modifying existing behaviours and systems to reduce exposure and further disease transmission. The action will also explore opportunities for facilitating the effective exchange of information and opinion on public health so that health partners can better assess, manage and coordinate preparedness and response activities through the lens of WASH. This will help instil and maintain public trust in the local and national health system (including VHTs), convey realistic expectations, and improve motivation about their capacity to respond and manage outbreaks.
Health promotion – Oxfam will work with health partner (MTI), Refugee leaders, faith leadersand government structures such as VHTs, to harmonise and institute comprehensive approaches to increase individual and collective participation in health actions aimed at effective COVID 19 prevention and control. This will be synchronised with IPC actions through the improvement of Water supply and support to community sanitation.
Health education - The response will continue to work with the health partner and the district through the environmental health officers and VHTs to; 1) identify opportunities for learning, 2) to inform communication designed to improve health literacy, including improving knowledge, and 3) developing life skills conducive to individual and community health.
Social mobilisation - the response will work in synergy and focus on communities, individuals, households and other health partner in promoting and maintaining control and preventive activities. This will include addressing barriers to COVID 19 vaccine intake, recognising signs and symptoms, quick referral for treatment, adherence to SOPs and continuous surveillance of other household members.
Sustainability of WASH Infrastructure: Community based structures and formal water governance structures will be supported through properly established O<(>&<)>M, and management systems with the active involvement of the sub-county authorities, Local District water authorities and beneficiary populations to build resilience, self-reliance and promote the long-term sustainability of WASH facilities and services in the target refugee and host community areas in line with the proposed 2021/22 Integrated Refugee Response Plan Priorities and National Operation and Maintenance Framework 2019.