FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Near East Foundation UK to Upgrade Water and Sanitation Infrastructure with UK Aid Direct Grant
Rapid response funding will help mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on health and livelihoods in North Kordofan, Sudan
London, UK – November 10, 2020 – The Near East Foundation UK (NEF UK) today announced a UK Aid Direct grant to directly respond to the impact of COVID-19 in North Kordofan, Sudan.
In Sudan, many households and health facilities are struggling with the impacts of the pandemic. This compounds existing challenges from inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure. Community members largely rely on communal handpumps for access to water and the percentage of houses with latrine facilities is in the single digits. Health facilities are ill-equipped for the extra burden of a pandemic outbreak. Further, COVID-19 control measures in North Kordofan significantly restrict mobility, limiting incomes and driving up the need for assistance. Food security is expected to reach crisis levels, as fuel shortages and high food prices continue.
“Rapid interventions to support COVID-19 prevention and income sustainably in Sudan are urgently needed,” said Rabih Yazbeck, Programme Director at NEF UK. “With UK Aid Direct’s support, we will improve access to clean water and adequate sanitation, while supporting increased food security and incomes.”
In close coordination with the Sudan Ministry of Health, UNICEF and the World Health Organisation, NEF UK will form new, and activate existing, local hygiene committees in 65 communities across North Kordofan over six months. In partnership with the Sudan Water, Environment, and Sanitation Department, NEF UK will also upgrade water and sanitation infrastructure at health facilities. To mitigate disruption of livelihoods and burgeoning food insecurity as a result of COVID-19, NEF will additionally support women to produce vegetables for consumption and sale.
“The UK is leading a strong and coordinated global health response to help stop the spread of the virus and save lives,” said Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Minister Baroness Liz Sugg. “This UK Aid Direct grant will help provide essential clean water and sanitation at health centres and support women to produce vegetables for consumption and sale, helping many vulnerable people in Sudan cope with the impact of COVID-19.”
NEF UK’s programme supports preparedness, mitigation, and response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and is one of UK Aid Direct’s 33 approved interventions to be delivered in 16 countries. The UK Government challenge fund supports civil society organisations (CSOs) to be a force for good in the world. UK Aid Direct supports civil society organisations working in UK Government priority countries and the 50 lowest countries in the Human Development Index (HDI), where support for achieving the Global Goals is most needed.
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About Near East Foundation UK
The Near East Foundation UK (NEF UK) is an international NGO headquartered in London. Operating in nine countries, NEF UK works build more sustainable, prosperous, and inclusive communities in the Middle East and Africa through education, community organizing, and economic development. For more information, visit http://www.neareast.org/who-we-are/nef-uk/.
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