Yemen: Emergency Response & Recovery

The ongoing conflict have devastated people’s lives in Yemen. Already poor infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed and left basic services almost non- functional, from schools, hospitals and clinics, to the water or sewage networks, and electricity networks. Access to water is problematic in the majority of areas in Lahj governorate, due to water systems damaged as a consequence of conflict. Moreover, water access and hygiene conditions in schools are very poor.  
 
PIN has entered its second year of actively contributing to the improvement of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) as well as nutrition needs in the targeted areas. The project continues to rehabilitate and construct boreholes with a solar powered pumping system, install adequate distribution network and water points to ensure access to safe water and healthier living environment in the particular areas. To ensure efficient operation, we train local staff to maintain these systems. In the second phase of the project, more schools and health facilities are selected for renovation or building of latrines and hand washing stations for students, school staff, patient and staff. At the same time, PIN also carry out the public health and hygiene awareness raising campaigns, enhance good hygiene practices and distribute the hygiene kits (including f.e. toothbrush, sanitary napkins, soap).  

Recognizing the urgent needs to address malnutrition, we have been conducting screenings for malnutrition of children using MUAC tapes. By accurately measuring their arm circumference, we can assess their nutritional status and provide support. To ensure appropriate treatment, we have been transporting therapeutic and supplementary food to key hospitals in the region, and have organized awareness-raising campaigns with aim to educate the local population about the causes, consequences, and prevention of malnutrition. 

In 2023, people in Yemen continue to face one of the most severe humanitarian crisis on the planet as it is ninth year since the escalation of the conflict in 2015. According to the 2023 Humanitarian Needs Overview more than 21 million of people (66% of the country‘s population) will require urgent assistance in 2023, including almost 16 million people requiring urgent WASH assistance. In some areas of Al Khoka District, the water of the public network is not drinkable, and widespread fuel and electricity shortages complicate water access, as electricity is needed to pump water. On top of it, operational water sources often suffer from over-use from serving large numbers of people.  

Thanks to this project we are able to provide access to safe drinking water within accessible distance (less than 1km) to IDPS (Internally Displaced Persons) in the area. Project also aim to minimize the risk of future scheme failure, so water management committee will be established to provide maintenance and water system operation. People will be trained to improve basic hygiene practices and to cholera/Covid preparedness. Furthermore, people will receive hygiene kits to be able to keep this healthy hygiene habits for 6 months. To ensure a healthy environment and sustainability, PIN focuses on desludging of latrine pits and management of solid waste to reduce the epicenter of diseases. 

More than seven years of conflict have devastated people’s lives in Yemen. Years of destructive conflict have damaged or destroyed an already poor infrastructure, and left basic services almost non- functional, from schools, hospitals and clinics, to the water or sewage networks, and electricity networks. The situation in Lahj governorate is worrying and vulnerable communities are the hardest hit, as humanitarian assistance is the main source of living for the population. Access to water is problematic in the majority of areas, due to water systems damaged as a consequence of conflict. Moreover, water access and hygiene conditions in schools are very poor. 

Therefore, PIN contributes to water, sanitation and hygiene needs of conflict affected population in Lajh Governorate, Al Hawta and Radfan district. The project constructs boreholes with a solar powered pumping system, installs adequate distribution network and water points to ensure access to safe water and healthier living environment in the particular areas. Selected schools are supported by rehabilitation of new permanent school latrines and hand washing stations for students and school staff, that help to reduce the health risks they are exposed. PIN also carry out the public health and hygiene awareness raising campaigns, enhance good hygiene practices and distribute the hygiene kits (including f.e. toothbrush, sanitary napkins, soap).