Hurricane Matthew - Water Sanitation Hygiene and Protection Support in Haiti - Oxfam-Québec 2016

October 2016 – On October 4 Hurricane Matthew a Category 4 storm tore through the Caribbean causing widespread damage flooding and displacement in Haiti. Hurricane Matthew has resulted in the largest humanitarian crisis in Haiti since the 2010 earthquake. An estimated 1.2 million people have been affected. With GAC’s support Oxfam-Québec is contributing to improved water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) livelihoods and protection for vulnerable persons affected by Hurricane Matthew in Haiti. Project activities include: (1) distributing hygiene kits to vulnerable persons particularly women and girls and providing sensitization on cholera prevention and hygiene promotion; (2) chlorinating water distribution sources; (3) rehabilitating WASH facilities including providing lighting and signage to indicate sex segregation; (4) providing cash transfers repair supplies livelihood kits and cleaning activities to meet urgent food and housing needs; (5) supporting communities in accessing or recovering lost documentation; and (6) strengthening women’s community-based organizations (CBOs) and the Ministry of Women Affairs to provide protection services.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) improved access to WASH facilities and items for vulnerable persons; (2) improved awareness of hygiene promotion and cholera prevention; (3) improved access to clean water; (4) improved access to livelihood and shelter support; and (5) increased capacity of women’s community-based organisations and the Ministry of Women Affairs to meet the protection needs of vulnerable women. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.