Description:
March 2018 – In Afghanistan, the United Nations estimates that 3.3 million people are in acute need of life-saving humanitarian assistance due to conflict, natural disasters, and cross-border returns from Iran and Pakistan. On average, 1,100 people each day – two thirds of them women and children – were forcibly displaced by violence in 2017. Malnutrition and food insecurity levels are high and health partners report a 21% increase in trauma cases since 2016. Increasing conflict and casualty numbers are compounding protection needs and access constraints across the country.
With GAC’s support, Action Against Hunger is addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of up to 25,600 vulnerable people in Helmand province in Afghanistan. Project activities include: (1) screening and treatment of acute malnutrition in girls and boys, young mothers, and pregnant and lactating women; (2) providing training and support for health workers and community members on the integrated management of malnutrition; (3) providing cash assistance to increase access to essential food and non-food needs; (4) constructing and rehabilitating water points and a water distribution system; and (5) providing gender-sensitive health and hygiene promotion sessions, including improving sanitation and waste management in schools.
Expected Results:
The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased ability of internally displaced people (IDPs), particularly young mothers and pregnant and lactating women, to benefit from proper nutrition practices and services; (2) improved access to safe water for IDPs, particularly for women and people with special needs; and (3) improved knowledge of gender-sensitive health and hygiene practices, including sexual and reproductive health, among IDPs, particularly women and girls.
The expected ultimate outcome is reduced malnutrition among internally displaced people in Helmand province in Afghanistan.