Humanitarian response for conflict affected populations in West and South Kordofan States and building their resilience to future shocks and stresses

This report covers the implementation progress from October 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023. During this reporting period, 110,876 beneficiaries were reached, bringing the total reached with lifesaving, integrated health, nutrition, food security, ERMS, and WASH interventions in West and South Kordofan states throughout the lifetime of the award to 313,275. The overall humanitarian needs in the region increased as a result of the deteriorating economic situation and security problems experienced in the states of West and South Kordofan. The economic situation in Sudan continued to worsen, with drastic inflation and price rises for project-related commodities and services. Ethnic conflict in Lagawa locality began on October 18, 2022, and led to increased humanitarian needs. Additionally, the South Kordofan Ministry of Health declared a work strike in October 2022 to demand a salary increase for their employees, impacting Concern's Health activities. Concern suspended activities temporarily in Al Leri, Ghadeer, and Abassiya in South Kordofan in January 2023 due to security incidents, which led to the declaration of a state of emergency. Despite the unrest during the reporting period, Concern continued to implement integrated, life-saving services in the targeted areas of West and South Kordofan. Health and nutrition sector activities are progressing well against intended outcomes, with 20 integrated health and nutrition facilities providing primary health care services across the two states with an integrated CMAM nutrition programming targeting PLWs and CU5. A total number of 78,185 beneficiaries were reached specifically with health interventions provided within the integrated service package. Further, 19,961 individuals were reached with nutrition assistance, spanning from malnutrition treatment to community outreach, including sensitization, mass MUAC screening, and distribution of therapeutic food. The project's implementation focused on lifesaving, integrated health, nutrition, food security, ERMS, and WASH interventions. Concern's activities aimed to address the humanitarian needs of the conflict-affected populations in West and South Kordofan states, with a focus on the most vulnerable populations, including pregnant and lactating women, children under 5, and internally displaced persons. Concern's humanitarian response in West and South Kordofan states included the provision of primary health care services, nutrition assistance, and WASH interventions. The project's activities were implemented in partnership with local authorities, community groups, and other humanitarian organizations to ensure a coordinated and effective response to the humanitarian needs of the affected populations. The project's progress was monitored and evaluated through regular reporting and monitoring of key indicators, including the number of beneficiaries reached, the quality of services provided, and the impact of the project on the humanitarian needs of the affected populations. The project's findings and lessons learned will inform future humanitarian responses in the region and contribute to the development of more effective and sustainable humanitarian programs.