Colombia - Improving Hygiene and Access to Safe Water - Action Against Hunger 2017

March 2017 – In late 2016 a peace agreement was signed between the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Nonetheless populations continue to suffer the consequences of conflict and other acts of violence by other armed groups such as displacement sexual violence and restricted access to basic services. In 2016 over 2.5 million people were affected by mobility restrictions and constraints to access assistance and basic services. Close to 4.9 million people remain in need of humanitarian assistance as a result of violence conflict and natural disasters. Main humanitarian needs include access to safe water adequate sanitation and hygiene systems health care services in rural areas as well as protection services. With GAC’s support Action Against Hunger is addressing the basic water sanitation and hygiene needs of up to 12 220 crisis-affected people in the department of Putumayo. Project activities include: (1) distributing up to 1 700 basic household hygiene kits; (2) constructing or rehabilitating up to three collective water systems and/or 35 household water supply systems; (3) constructing or rehabilitating up to three basic collective sanitation systems and 70 household sanitation systems; (4) providing emergency cash-based transfers to vulnerable households including displaced; and (5) training on basic hygiene practices and hygiene promotion for up to 2 000 crisis-affected people.

The expected immediate outcomes for this project include: (1) improved access to safe drinking water; (2) increased access to basic sanitation facilities; and (3) improved basic hygiene practices. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.