Nigeria - Water Sanitation and Hygiene Assistance - Action Against Hunger 2017

July 2017 – The conflict between Boko Haram and Nigerian armed forces has devastated communities in north-eastern Nigeria. As access for humanitarian workers to the region improved throughout 2016 the scope of the crisis became more apparent. Overall the crisis is directly affecting more than 26 million people in Nigeria of which it is estimated that 14 million will require humanitarian assistance in 2017. Assistance for basic survival and protection is vital for displaced populations host communities and vulnerable people across the north-east. With GAC’s support Action Against Hunger is helping to assist up to 91 300 conflict-affected people in Borno and Yobe states. Project activities include: (1) rehabilitating up to 41 water points benefiting up to 30 500 people; (2) constructing up to 27 laundry areas and bathing shelters considering the specific needs of women and girls benefiting up to 2 700 people; (3) sensitizing communities on the Community-Led Total Sanitation approach that mobilizes communities to eliminate open defecation with a specific focus on women and girls benefiting up to 24 500 people; and (4) providing non-food item kits including items like soaps and reusable sanitary pads benefiting up to 37 600 people.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities among returnees internally displaced people (IDPs) and host communities with a particular focus on women and girls; and (2) improved awareness of safe hygiene practices among returnees IDPs and host communities with a particular focus on women and girls. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.