🌍 Humanitarian Assistance and Emergency Response: Transforming Lives in Crisis

At Strategies for Northern Development (SND), we understand the devastating impact that natural and human-made disasters have on vulnerable communities. Through our holistic and people-centered approach, we strive to address immediate needs, reduce vulnerabilities, and build resilience for families and communities during emergencies.

Delivering Timely and Comprehensive Aid

SND’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian assistance is evident through a range of impactful interventions:

  • Multi-Purpose Cash Transfers (MPCA):
    In 2023, SND disbursed over USD 3 million in cash assistance, reaching 10,737 households and benefiting 64,422 individuals in Marsabit, Isiolo, and Samburu counties. This support helped families meet urgent needs, including food, shelter, and healthcare, while preserving their dignity and agency.
  • Food Security Interventions:
    Collaborations with WFP and USAID-BHA enabled emergency food distributions to 36,721 households, addressing acute hunger and malnutrition during crises. A supplementary feeding program provided lifesaving nutritional support to 444,178 individuals, including children under five and pregnant women.

Addressing Water Scarcity

Water is life, and during times of drought and floods, SND stepped in to ensure access to this essential resource:

  • Water Trucking: Delivered over 800,000 liters of clean water to drought-stricken communities, while additional 200,000 liters were provided to 105 households in Adhadhi and Badanrero through TdH Germany, improving household hygiene and access to drinking water.
  • Sustaining Boreholes: Supplied 12,859 liters of fuel to power six community-managed boreholes in Marsabit, ensuring uninterrupted water access for thousands of families.

Empowering Communities Through Livelihoods

SND’s interventions extend beyond immediate relief to support sustainable livelihoods:

  • Restocking Livestock: Distributed 136 shoats to 68 households and 400 chicks to 40 households, coupled with transitional feeds and hand-powered feed-making machines. These initiatives enabled families to rebuild their income sources after the devastation of drought.
  • Sustainable Food Systems: Reached 9,168 households (55,008 beneficiaries) with a sustainable food system program, enhancing food security and resilience.

Strengthening Health and Nutrition

During crises, health systems are often overwhelmed, leaving vulnerable populations at risk. SND bridged the gap by:

  • Supplying nutrition supplements to 216 health facilities in Marsabit, Isiolo, and Samburu counties.
  • Facilitating blanket supplementary feeding programs, benefiting 44,000 individuals across 175 sites in Marsabit County.
  • Providing medical support, including essential drugs, to address urgent health needs.

COVID-19 Response

During the COVID-19 pandemic, SND worked tirelessly to protect communities by:

  • Distributing essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), handwashing facilities, and awareness materials translated into local languages.
  • Items provided included hand sanitizers, soap, N95 masks, protective goggles, gumboots, face shields, and sterile gloves.
  • Conducting awareness campaigns to educate communities on preventive measures, significantly mitigating the spread of the virus.

Rebuilding Lives in Times of Crisis

SND’s efforts have touched countless lives:

  • Shelters for flood victims and the provision of food vouchers/aid ensured families could rebuild their homes and regain stability.
  • Evacuation support and distribution of 459 water tabs to 478 households in Saku Constituency safeguarded public health during floods.
  • Emergency food distribution targeted 27,553 households, benefiting 165,318 individuals in Marsabit and Samburu Counties.

Our Vision for the Future

Through partnerships with donors, such as WFP, USAID-BHA, and TdH Germany, SND is scaling its efforts to deliver transformative humanitarian aid. By addressing both immediate needs and long-term resilience, SND is paving the way for a future where communities can withstand the shocks of disasters with dignity and strength.

Together, we can continue to save lives, restore hope, and build resilient communities.

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