Introduction
Access to safe and inclusive sanitation services and facilities is a basic need, without which health, hygiene, privacy, safety, and dignity are undermined. Contaminated water, poor sanitation and hygiene practices, and lack of sanitation infrastructure are some of Somalia’s leading contributors to acute watery diseases. These contribute to the spread of infectious diseases and directly impact the health and well-being of communities, particularly affecting children and women. According to a study by UNICEF, diarrheal diseases are a significant contributor to child mortality, with one in nine child deaths globally attributed to them. The weekly Cholera/AWD WHO situation report states that Somalia has had uninterrupted cholera transmission in 29 drought-affected districts since 2022, 11 of which were also affected by El-Nino-induced floods during the rainy season from October to December. Given the continuation of poor access to safe water and sanitation, it is feared that the outbreak of AWDs/Cholera will continue to rise if urgent actions are not undertaken.
Mama Halima Farah standing outside one of the Latrines constructed in Kaharey IDP camp.
Mama Halima Farah, a 65-year-old mother from Kaharey IDP camp, is a woman who has faced the challenges brought about by the lack of adequate sanitation infrastructure. In the IDP camp, she reported that with the limited access to latrines, she used to struggle every time she needed to relieve herself. Mama Halima went on to say that she used to practice open defecation, walking a long distance to the open fields to find small shrubs of bushes to make sure other people, especially men, would not see her. Halima was keenly aware of the danger this was exposing her to, but the only way to minimize the risks was to do this once a day or when fewer people were likely to be around. The few existing latrines in the IDP camp were not only filled up but were also dilapidated, necessitating rehabilitation. This situation compelled many in this community, particularly children, to engage in open defecation as a practical solution.
Encouraging the Use of Emergency Latrines in Dollow District
To provide access to lifesaving WASH facilities for vulnerable IDPs, affected and at risk of Cholera and AWDs living in Dollow, Nomadic Assistance for Peace and Development(NAPAD) with funding from Somalia Humanitarian Fund (SHF) has constructed 50 temporary pit latrines in Qurdubey, Kaharey, Ladan, Kabasa, and Qansahley IDP camps complete with handwashing stations. These latrines are designed to be age, gender, disability, and elderly-friendly.
Furthermore, these latrines are structured to provide a dignified environment for women and girls to access and use the facilities comfortably. Recognizing potential protection risks, especially during the night or early morning hours, 1600 households have been provided with portable solar lamps as an additional measure to mitigate these concerns.
It has been close to three months now since the construction of the latrines. Mama Halima expresses her joy as she reports that her family can now access the latrines at any time, eliminating the need to wait for nighttime or early mornings. While these latrines have significantly improved sanitation conditions for Halima and her community, it’s noteworthy that they also cater to two neighbouring settlements. The constant flow of visitors attests to the evident relief these facilities have brought to the broader community.
The provision of portable solar lamps as an additional measure to mitigate potential protection risks for women and girls visiting the latrine at night.
While Mama Halima appreciates this lifesaving intervention, she highlights a significant challenge related to water access, especially when implementing the knowledge acquired from the hygiene and sanitation awareness campaigns. She expressed, “We understand exactly what needs to be done to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation, but much of it relies on clean water, which we often prioritize for drinking and cooking. But we are also now prioritizing handwashing, one of the best ways to prevent cholera.”
Addressing Water Scarcity and Hygiene Challenges: A Call for Partnership
The long-standing problem of water scarcity, exacerbated by climate-induced vulnerabilities, forces families to travel great distances from shallow wells or reservoirs in search of water. This struggle often results in insufficient clean water, compromising sanitation practices and associated health risks.
 NAPAD invites partners to join efforts to provide clean water and establish dignified hygiene and sanitation facilities in IDP camps and host communities. For more information, visit our website, www.napad-int.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin.