Humanitarian Assistance
USAID's Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) and its implementing partners are continuing to prioritize humanitarian assistance for internally displaced persons (IDPs) throughout Iraq. In 2005, fighting between Coalition/Iraqi Forces and insurgents continues to lead to the internal displacement of Iraqis, particularly in the Euphrates River Valley. In response, USAID/OFDA's non-governmental organization (NGO) and international organization (IO) provide rapid assistance to IDPs in the areas of livelihoods, shelter, emergency relief supplies, health, and water and sanitation.
Iraq Program Summary - April 2007
Since 2003, USAID/OFDA has contributed more than $196 million to provide humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations in Iraq. To date in FY 2006 and 2007, USAID/OFDA has committed more than $13.2 million to support humanitarian needs, including establishing emergency health services, promoting livelihoods, providing relief supplies to displaced families and host communities, and rehabilitating water treatment and sewage plants, clinics, hospitals, and schools. In order to best assist vulnerable populations, USAID/OFDA partners adapt humanitarian activities as insecurity forces IDP populations to move or as additional needs arise.
WATER AND SANITATION
USAID/OFDA is funding four implementing partners to improve IDPs' access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities. One USAID/OFDA partners in Kirkuk Governorate is constructing water storage tanks, installing water pumps, laying pipe systems, and connecting existing wells with electric generators, benefiting nearly 440,000 people. In Diyala Governorate, another partner has completed water piping activities, providing safe drinking water to more than 23,000 beneficiaries. Other water and sanitation activities are ongoing in Al Anbar, Baghdad, Karbala, Muthanna, Najaf, Ninawa, Salah ad Din, and Ta'mim governorates.
HEALTH
With funding from USAID/OFDA, four partners are implementing programs to improve IDPs' health. Health services in Iraq have deteriorated due to a lack of medical supplies, and insecurity has hindered access to clinics. In addition, an increasing number of health professionals have moved abroad or to safer areas of the country. USAID/OFDA has funded programs to increase IDP and returnee access to primary health care through both stationary and mobile medical units. In addition, three USAID/OFDA partners are implementing health and hygiene promotion campaigns. In Babylon Governorate, one partner is training medical staff to manage childhood illnesses and provide basic health care. In Ninawa Governorate, another partner is providing medical equipment and rehabilitating health facilities for vulnerable orphans. USAID/OFDA health activities are implemented throughout the country, including in Al Anbar, Babylon, Baghdad, Diyala, Karbala, Missan, Muthanna, Najaf, Ninawa, Qadissiya, Salah ad Din, Ta'mim, Thi-Qar, and Wassit governorates.
LIVELIHOODS
Three USAID/OFDA partners are overseeing programs targeting livelihoods and income generation. With USAID/OFDA funding, implementing partners are conducting vocational trainings for IDPs to increase skills and income generation opportunities. Activities include training in plastering, electrical wiring, and painting, which will assist displaced individuals in obtaining employment. In Muthanna Governorate, one partner is establishing a center for women to produce school uniforms in exchange for cash. In Najaf Governorate, another partner is working with local authorities to implement cash-for-work activities, such as clean-up projects and public infrastructure rehabilitation. Livelihood activities across Iraq are targeting approximately 100,000 beneficiaries.
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