Iraq Crisis - Access to Health Services and Livelihoods for Internally Displaced People - 2016

March 2016 - The humanitarian situation in Iraq continues to deteriorate. The violence between armed groups and government forces has displaced over 3.2 million people from their homes. An estimated 10 million people in Iraq have been affected by the conflict and are in need of humanitarian assistance. The capacity of the Government to respond to the basic needs of its citizens has been overwhelmed. In 2016 more people will be displaced by the conflict while many will remain displaced in camps and host communities. However there will also be growing numbers of people returning to areas no longer under the control of ISIL who will also need assistance to help restart their lives. With GAC’s support this project is addressing the basic needs of 6 300 vulnerable displaced persons in host communities in northern Iraq through support to re-establish livelihoods and providing mental health care assistance to tackle the underlying factors of distress and mental health-related issues. The project will: (1) provide mental health services and psychosocial support to up to 6 000 vulnerable IDPs and host communities; (2) establish baby-friendly spaces to support babies and their mothers; and (3) provide up to 300 vulnerable conflict-affected households with small-scale grants to support the restoration of livelihoods.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) improved access to mental and maternal health services for vulnerable internally displaced persons; and (2) increased household income for vulnerable conflict-affected households. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crisis or that are food insecure.