Libya Flood Emergency Response - IBC

The International Blue Crescent Foundation (IBC) continues to embody the spirit of unity and solidarity during Ramadan by extending aid to people in need worldwide. In the face of floods, earthquakes, and conflicts in the 21st century, IBC remains dedicated to providing humanitarian relief without discrimination. This year, the Foundation has focused on delivering essential supplies to Gaza, where malnutrition and deteriorating living conditions have created immense challenges. With support from IDRF Canada, IBC is distributing 3,750 food parcels, 750 hygiene kits, and 750 women’s dignity kits to help alleviate the suffering of the population. Similarly, in Afghanistan, where political upheaval and recent earthquakes have exacerbated food and shelter issues, IBC has distributed food packages to thousands of families, providing hope and support.

IBC also extends its efforts to the African continent, actively working to improve living standards for those in need. In Chad, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Sudan, the Foundation is distributing food packages to hundreds of families during Ramadan, again with the support of IDRF Canada. These efforts aim to bring relief to those facing food insecurity and demonstrate IBC's commitment to helping people in crisis. Throughout its initiatives, IBC strives to make a positive impact and remind communities of the power of solidarity and support during challenging times.

Links:

• IBC CONTINUES ITS RESPONSE TO LIBYA

Completed Projects

In September of last year, Storm Daniel struck Derna and its surrounding areas, resulting in a tragic loss of 4,345 lives with approximately 8,500 individuals reported missing. The storm's impact on the region's infrastructure was profound, with severe flooding causing extensive damage to roads, bridges, and essential communication and power lines. This exacerbated the challenges faced by the affected population, with health facilities also bearing the brunt of the destruction. Primary healthcare centers and vaccination units were damaged or destroyed, increasing the risk of waterborne and vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly among children. The disruption to the health system, with over half of the health facilities ceasing operations, further intensified the humanitarian crisis following Storm Daniel.

In response, the International Benevolence Consortium (IBC), with the generous support of its donors, launched several crucial interventions. Initially, 45,000 hot meals were provided to 1,500 households over a two-month period. This aid was crucial as many affected individuals had lost their homes and belongings, seeking refuge in public facilities such as schools, hospitals, and community halls. Additionally, hygiene kits, non-food items (NFIs), clothes, and ready-to-eat kits were distributed to 2,000 families, providing essential support during the challenging post-storm period.

During the holy month of Ramadan, IBC, in collaboration with the International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF), distributed 750 food parcels, each weighing 35 kg, to needy families. These parcels contained assorted essential and nutritious items, benefiting internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Derna residing in Tripoli, as well as refugees and migrants facing food insecurity in various areas of the city.

Initiatives in the Pipeline

Looking ahead, IBC has designed a comprehensive one-year health project to address critical gaps in medical services and infrastructure in Derna and Kufra Districts. This multifaceted initiative aims to significantly enhance healthcare accessibility and quality in these underserved regions of Libya. Key components of the project include strategic equipping efforts, rehabilitation initiatives, and training programs.

In Derna, the focus will be on improving Al-Wihda Hospital's capabilities by importing specialized ophthalmological equipment, establishing a blood bank, and providing essential medical supplies. Similarly, in Kufra, Yousif Birahel Hospital will undergo a comprehensive upgrade, accompanied by the implementation of an oxygen network in the hospital's intensive care unit (ICU).

Capacity building through training programs will be central to the project, with medical staff at Al-Wihda Hospital undergoing comprehensive training modules to enhance patient care standards. Collaborative efforts with the National Authority for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support aim to train school health workers in trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), addressing mental health needs within the community.

The project targets key weaknesses in existing initiatives, including inadequate infrastructure resilience, insufficient medical equipment and supplies, limited healthcare workforce capacity, and fragmented coordination between healthcare providers and stakeholders. By addressing these gaps, the project aims to reduce disparities in healthcare access, improve the quality of care, and enhance resilience to health emergencies and crises. It is estimated that approximately 425,000 individuals will benefit from this project in both Derna and Kufra regions.

Links:

• HOT MEAL DISTRIBUTION IN LIBYA