Somalia - Support to Conflict-Affected People in the Bay Region - World Vision Canada 2015

March 2015 - Somalia remains home to one of the longest-running humanitarian crises in the world. The effects of chronic drought decades of political instability and ongoing international military efforts against Al Shabab insurgents have left an estimated 3.2 million Somalis in need of humanitarian assistance. More than one million Somalis remain internally displaced and a further one million are living in neighbouring countries as refugees. Malnutrition rates remain some of the highest in the world well above the emergency threshold of 15% and access to basic services – such as safe water adequate sanitation facilities and essential medical care - is extremely limited. With DFATD’s support World Vision Canada is helping to meet the needs of 13 400 conflict-affected people around Baidoa in the Bay Region of Somalia. Project activities include: (1) support to the local health facility to provide basic services (including immunizations pre-natal and ante-natal services treatment for acute malnutrition and treatment / support for victims of sexual violence); (2) mobile outreach clinics to provide healthcare services to up to 10 000 people in remote rural locations; (3) training of community health workers on case management of malnutrition safe birthing practices and sexual/gender-based violence; (4) training of teachers and other local authorities on protection issues (identification and principles); and (5) training of youth in life-skills.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) improved access to healthcare and education for conflict-affected Somalis; (2) improved access to treatment and support for victims of sexual violence; and (3) improved capacity of local health and education officials to meet the needs of their communities. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crisis or acute food insecurity.