Due to the spread of COVID-19, preventative measures have been taken in northern Iraq including one of Peace Winds Japan’s (PWJ) project areas, Duhok, where PWJ provides assistance for internally displaced people (IDPs). Curfews and restrictions on movements have been imposed across the country and NGOs have had limited access to camp residents.

Shariya IDP Camp in Duhok

As part of our efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in camps, PWJ distributed hygiene kits including soap, laundry detergent, and sanitary pads to every household in Shariya IDP Camp in Duhok where 3,120 families reside. PWJ has been providing WASH assistance in the camp since January 2019. Sanitary pads were included in the hygiene kits because access to feminine hygiene products may become difficult during lockdowns.

PWJ local staff preparing hygiene kit

Hygiene kit (Soap, laundry detergent, and sanitary pads) s

On April 23, 2020, PWJ handed over 3,120 hygiene kits to the camp management. The camp management then mobilized volunteers from the camp residents and distributed the kits to the IDP families while ensuring physical distancing and avoiding mass gatherings.

Camp residents bringing home the hygiene kits

Hygiene kit distribution was conducted with trucks arranged by the camp management

In Iraq, the first confirmed case of COVID-19 was reported in mid-February. As of April 21, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that there are 1,602 confirmed cases in Iraq.

As a lead actor on WASH assistance in Shariya IDP Camp, the local WASH cluster requested PWJ to take part in the COVID-19 response. In addition to the hygiene kit distribution, PWJ also implemented a COVID-19 awareness seminar and is currently conducting routine disinfection of shared WASH facilities in the camp.

COVID-19 awareness seminar was taught by a doctor from the Directorate of Health on March 11, 2020. PWJ staff working in the IDP camp and WASH service workers hired from the camp participated. The seminar was held outside to ensure physical distancing.

WASH service workers disinfect each communal WASH facility once a week. Camp management arranges a vehicle and disinfectant sprayer and PWJ provides disinfectant liquid.

WASH service workers hired by PWJ added disinfection of door knobs and faucets to their daily cleaning routine.

This activity was funded by Japan Platform and generous donations from our supporters.
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