Colombia - Improving Hygiene Nutrition and Access to Safe Water - Action Against Hunger 2018

March 2018 – Despite the recent signature of a historic a peace agreement between the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) Colombia continues to face conflict and violence. In addition to the vulnerable populations affected by mobility restrictions and constraints to access assistance and basic services Colombia is increasingly a destination or transit country for Colombians returning from Venezuela Venezuelans and/or indigenous populations residing in the border areas. As a result of the deteriorating situation in Venezuela the arrival of thousands of Venezuelans with limited means is increasing the pressure of basic services in host communities. With GAC’s support Action Against Hunger is helping address the basic water sanitation and hygiene nutrition and protection needs of up to 10 050 crisis-affected people in the departments of La Guajira and Nariño. Project activities include: (1) distributing up to 1 200 family water kits; (2) distributing up to 850 hygiene kits or vouchers for hygiene kits; (3) providing health and nutritional assistance to pregnant and lactating women and children under five; (4) constructing or rehabilitating basic water and sanitation collective systems in schools/communities; (5) providing emergency cash-based transfers to vulnerable households including displaced; and (6) training on basic hygiene practices and hygiene promotion for up to 2 000 crisis-affected people.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) improved access to safe drinking water; (2) increased access to basic sanitation facilities; (3) improved basic hygiene practices; and (4) improved nutritional care for vulnerable people. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.