Loima, 24th September 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
The County Department of Social Protection, in collaboration with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), has concluded a two-day distribution of non-food items to residents of Turkana South and Loima sub-counties.
The program, funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and implemented by the IRC, aims to help communities affected by drought recover from its impacts. These populations were identified through integrated reproductive health and protection outreaches conducted by the IRC through the County Department of Health and Sanitation.
The IRC Protection Officer – Lodwar, John Eregae, explained that the organization’s programming focuses on women of reproductive age, children, the elderly, and adolescents, in order to support flood and drought response strategies. This, he added, would enhance the safety and dignity of vulnerable groups across the two sub-counties.
“Each beneficiary received six items, including a leso, kikoi, blanket, mat, mosquito net, and torch. This program aims to provide life-saving integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health and Gender-Based Violence services in emergency and humanitarian settings,” said Eregae.
He added that the program also included the provision of psychosocial support to help these groups manage stress and cope with the ongoing challenges, as well as identifying those in need of further humanitarian assistance.
Social Welfare Officer, Paul Longorot Long’ole, added that the collaboration with the IRC would help the county identify vulnerable areas, enabling better mitigation of the social effects of drought through the provision of protection and care services to improve the community’s living standards.
Katilu Sub-County Hospital’s Community Health Officer, Michael Ekadeli, expressed optimism about the support provided by partners for outreach programs. He acknowledged that the partnership has helped to extend medical services to remote community units.
“We are happy that medical services have reached Kareman, Kagete, and Lomonyang villages, thanks to the efforts of the county government and its partners,” said Ekadeli.
The IRC team also included Annloise Njoki, Protection Assistant; Patrick Ereng, Protection Volunteer; and local leaders from the respective communities.
