During the previous month of March IBC intensified its operations in Somalia. Restocking Programme was carried out in parts of Lower Shabelle particularly Kunturwarey by Islamic Relief Somalia, the main implementing partner for IBC. 1,000 goats were distributed to Agro-pastoralists in the area. 100 families benefited from the project each receiving 10 goats. The program was intended to reintegrating families into a pastoral way of life. It has also indicated that restocking program contributed to the food security and a balanced diet as well as improving economic and social standings of these families.
Also within the same month IRS rehabilitated 14 boreholes for IBC in different locations in Lower Shabelle particularly Ceel Cirfiit and Baqtiile. It will benefit both agro-pastoralists and local community in the area. The area where the boreholes were rehabilitated was a drought prone area in Lower Shabelle. It is expected that the project will going to be a life-saving assistance to people affected by the previous famine and humanitarian emergency in Somalia and to reduce and prevent further displacement. The project will also prevent deterioration of livelihoods for populations affected by the famine.
As IBC was engaged in food distributions projects in Bay, Bakool and Banadir regions, this month a ship loaded with food, nutritious food for malnourished children and medicine arrived at the port of Mogadishu. The shipment was taken to IRS warehouse in Mogadishu.
The food distribution will continue starting from next week up to next month as stated by our local implementing partner, IRS. This project was part of the Emergency Drought Response Program launched last year. They have given cereals such as rice, maize, sorghum, and wheat flour, sugar, cooking oil and pulses to IDPs in those areas. The project increased access to food for women, pregnant and lactating mothers, children and men. It also saved lives and livelihoods and protected assets.
IBC also intensified the support of healthcare centers in Somalia. This month Banadir Hospital received 3,300 serum dextroses together with IV sets and 10,000 nutritious Hero Baby Foods from IBC. The Baby food was intended for the malnourished children that were admitted to the Hospital as this time of the year it is very prone.
The other health centers controlled by IRS also received 6,600 serum dextrose and 10,000 Hero Baby Foods. This will also benefit malnourished children in Bay and Bakool and in Korsan, Siliga, Bondhere and Deyniile Camps. In Deyniile IRS has Health and Nutrition centre whereby the Nutritious Baby Foods will mostly be taken as they told us.