Delivering and Maintaining Emergency Humanitarian Assistance to the Conflict Affected Population of Kutum province, North Darfur

The project, funded by USAID/Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, aimed to deliver essential services to the affected population. A total of 168,671 beneficiaries were reached during the reporting period, with 52,302 identified as internally displaced persons (IDPs). The health sector provided 26,193 consultations, with 16,057 adults and 10,136 children under 5 receiving medical attention. Morbidity patterns were consistent with the context, and clinic utilization rates remained high, indicating good uptake of the GOAL/OFDA-supported service. The nutrition sector continued to support outpatient therapeutic programs (OTP) in eight facilities, with a cure rate of 91% and a default rate of 3%. Mass screening was conducted in April, identifying 261 children under 5 with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) who were enrolled in OTP. The WASH sector rehabilitated the existing mini water yard in Kassab camp, including the rehabilitation of the existing water source, addition of a 700-meter pipeline, and provision of a new submersible pump. Collaboration between GOAL and the Water Environment and Sanitation Department (WES) has been ongoing for the operation and maintenance of two mini water yards in Kassab IDP camp. GOAL continues to liaise and lobby for the locality at the state and federal levels, representing NGOs in the Health Strategic Advisory Group at Khartoum level and engaging with the MAM TWG. The project has successfully recruited an Area Coordinator for North Darfur and an Assistant Country Director-Programs, who have joined the team. Key activities for the past quarter included extending the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with WES/SWC, conducting biological water testing, and supporting water committees in the management of water points. The project has made significant progress in delivering essential services to the conflict-affected population of Kutum province. However, security incidents and concerns have limited access to some extent, and GOAL has adapted to changing circumstances to remain operational in the area. Decisions to restrict movement in North Kutum will be revised after the Ramadan holiday. The project has also made notable achievements in the health sector, including the provision of 26,193 consultations and the support of OTP in eight facilities. The nutrition sector has continued to provide essential services, including mass screening and the enrollment of 261 children under 5 with SAM in OTP. The WASH sector has rehabilitated the existing mini water yard in Kassab camp, ensuring access to clean water for the IDP population. Overall, the project has made significant progress in delivering essential services to the conflict-affected population of Kutum province, despite the challenges posed by security incidents and concerns. GOAL continues to adapt to changing circumstances and work closely with local partners to ensure the effective delivery of services.