Doctors of the World Canada

Published purpose

March 2017 - A peace agreement was signed between the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), ending over 50 years of conflict, which had a significant impact on the country and displaced an estimated 7.5 million people. Nonetheless, populations continue to suffer the consequences of conflict and other acts of violence by other armed groups, such as displacement, sexual violence and restricted access to basic services. In 2016, over 2.5 million people were affected by mobility restrictions and constraints to access assistance and basic services. Close to 4.9 million people remain in need of humanitarian assistance as a result of violence, conflict and natural disasters. Main humanitarian needs include access to safe water, adequate sanitation and hygiene systems, health care services in rural areas as well as protection services. With GAC’s support, Doctors of the World Canada helps improve access to basic health care, psychosocial support services, safe drinking water and treatment for malnutrition for up to 8,000 vulnerable people. Project activities include: (1) establishing mobile health clinics to provide primary health care services, including psychosocial support, in remote communities; (2) providing nutritional screening and follow-up for up to 1,350 children and 150 pregnant or breastfeeding women; (3) distributing up to 200 water filters and 700 mosquito nets to communities most affected by waterborne diseases; and (4) improving access to medical, psychological and legal care for up to 500 survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.