IRAQ: COVID-19 Emergency Assistance
As you are also taking care of yourself and your loved ones, I’m so thankful for your commitment to the communities that are most in need. Your generous financial support to Peace Winds shows your compassion to the world’s most vulnerable people.
The more you support Peace Winds’ shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene and protection activities through financial contributions, the more we will be able to prevent or mitigate the direct impact of coronavirus. With your support, we will also be able to help reduce the coronavirus secondary impacts – loss of livelihoods, disrupted learning and potential social instability. Here is an update on our activities this week from Iraq:
Peace Winds Distributes 3,120 Hygiene Kits in Shariya IDP Camp in Duhok, Iraq
Due to the spread of COVID-19, preventative measures have been taken in northern Iraq including one of Peace Winds’ project areas, Duhok, Northern Iraq, where since January 2019 we provide WASH assistance for internally displaced people (IDPs).
As curfews and restrictions on movements have been imposed across the country, Peace Winds’ efforts have been focused on preventing the spread of COVID-19 in camps. This week we distributed hygiene kits including soap, laundry detergent, and sanitary pads to every household in Shariya IDP Camp in Duhok where 3,120 families reside. Sanitary pads were included in the hygiene kits because access to feminine hygiene products may become difficult during lockdowns.
Hygiene kit distribution was conducted with trucks arranged by the camp management to ensure physical distancing and avoiding mass gatherings. In addition to the hygiene kit distribution, PWJ also implemented a COVID-19 awareness seminar taught by a doctor from the Directorate of Health and we are currently conducting routine disinfection of shared WASH facilities in the camp.
Peace Winds’ staff working in the IDP camp along with workers hired from the camp disinfect each communal WASH facility once a week including disinfection of door knobs and faucets. Camp management arranges a vehicle and disinfectant sprayer and Peace Winds provides disinfectant liquid.
These are trying times, but I know the best way to feel better is to help others. Refugees or displaced persons need you to stand with them today. Please consider making an emergency gift now. Thank you for your continuing strong support of Peace Winds’ work across the globe!
With much appreciation,
Wayne Nissly
Chief Executive Officer
Peace Winds America