Somalia
In Somalia, Handicap International will raise the awareness of humanitarian organizations and train them to ensure the needs of the most vulnerable people (people with disabilities, older people, children, pregnant woman and so on) are taken into account in their emergency response. The organization will also prioritize long-term access to water and food.
“After months of severe drought, the rainy season, which is starting now, could spell disaster,” explains Xavier Duvauchelle, the head of the organization’s programs in East and Southern Africa. “A second drought is expected from July onwards. Our aim is therefore to give affected people sustainable access to food and water. This could entail digging wells and cultivating land to grow agricultural products resistant to climate change.”
Handicap International also plans to provide malnourished children with physical therapy care.
“Many malnourished children may need support from a physical therapist to prevent the onset of permanent disabilities,” Duvauchelle adds. “Children affected by famine may have a developmental delay caused by undernutrition. Malnutrition can also lead to respiratory infections and physical therapists can intervene to prevent complications.”
Under these circumstances, Handicap International may also organize awareness sessions to teach parents how to detect problems.
South Sudan
In South Sudan, Handicap International ensures the needs of vulnerable people (e.g. people with disabilities, older people, pregnant women, children) are taken into account in humanitarian programs implemented by international aid organizations.
We plan to distribute food and water, supply rehabilitation care and provide psychological support sessions if needs are not adequately covered by humanitarian organizations already working in the field.
Yemen
In Yemen, two years of fighting have given rise to widespread food insecurity. Handicap International’s teams in the field are currently assessing needs in view of a possible response.
“The war in Yemen has seriously disrupted food imports and considerably reduced the livelihoods and sources of income of households,” says Arnaud Pont, the manager of the organization’s emergency operations in Yemen.
