Emergency Health and Shelter Assistance in Sri Lanka - Oxfam Canada 2009

For over two decades a civil war has raged in Sri Lanka between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Despite the end of hostilities in May 2009 the humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka continues to be of concern. Approximately 300 000 internally displaced people are now located in government-controlled camps and transit sites. As of mid-August a small number of the displaced have begun to return home. The massive influx of internally displaced persons placed severe strain on the humanitarian services available. The key challenges include: insufficient access to food and potable water poor sanitation overcrowded conditions over-stretched health and education infrastructure and protection concerns for vulnerable populations and people with special needs. With CIDA support Oxfam is helping to improve access to emergency shelter safe water sanitation facilities and hygiene awareness for conflict-affected populations in Northern Sri Lanka. Activities include providing temporary water-supply systems well cleaning and water quality surveillance; training and support toward the maintenance and operation of water and sanitation facilities; construction of emergency latrines and bathing places; public-health promotion initiatives including activities to raise awareness on the usage of latrines and hand washing; and providing emergency shelters.