Zambia - Improving water and sanitation services for refugees from DR Congo and host communities in Zambia

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The project is financed from funds from the BMZ special initiative on refugees and implemented by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). The aim of the project is to improve water and sanitation supplies (WuSV) in refugee camps and the host communities. It is intended to help refugees create new prospects for a self-determined life. At the same time, the host communities are to be supported in building and maintaining water and sanitation infrastructure and in strengthening public administration processes and capacities. The module thus makes a contribution to the integration of refugees and the stabilization of the host regions. Appropriate water and sanitation supplies will improve the health situation of refugees and the adjacent, predominantly poor, rural (host) communities in three intervention areas around the refugee settlements of Mantapala/Kenani (Luapula Province), Mayukwayukwa (Western Province) and Meheba (Northwest Province). Access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities combined with adequate hygiene are key factors in reducing malnutrition, child morbidity (especially gastrointestinal infections) and contribute overall to the prevention of water-induced diseases. In addition to its importance for achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 (availability and sustainable water and sanitation management for all), the project makes a general contribution to poverty reduction, gender equality and food security. To prevent and combat the Covid-19 pandemic, the project was supplemented with a Covid-19 component.