The Qatar Relief Alliance for Somalia and the Philippines has completed several early recovery projects for those affected by a cyclone that hit Puntland in northeast Somalia at the end of last year, according to a statement.
The alliance, which comprises Qatar Charity, Qatar Red Crescent, Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Foundation for Humanitarian Services (RAF), Sheikh Eid bin Mohamed al-Thani Charity Association and Al Asmakh Charity, distributed 4,000 sheep to 200 families affected by the cyclone - 20 per family.
It made a significant difference to the quality of life of these families as around 50% of the population of the state of Puntland is dependent on grazing, which was seriously affected by the cyclone and associated flooding, the statement added.
Before the sheep distribution, the alliance co-ordinated with the official authorities and local community to organise programmes for the beneficiaries, who were selected based on the criteria of the project with the aim of raising public awareness of how to maximise the use of the sheep, including how to protect them from pests and diseases that often infect livestock in Somalia.
In the health field, the alliance has provided comprehensive services, including the diagnosis and distribution of medicines and laboratory analysis among 3,798 people in areas affected by the cyclone, through four health centres in Dangrnillo, Bosasso, Gripen and Bargal.
The health centres also implemented awareness programmes on maternal and child heath that involved the participation of 1,080 local women.
These health projects were also expanded through medical convoys to remote areas in the provinces of Madgh, Naghal and Berri.
The alliance also rehabilitated basic facilities, such as those pertaining to education and health, which were severely affected by the cyclone.
The team was formed after a joint assessment carried out by key partners from the relevant ministries and officials of the local community. The team then conducted an evaluation of affected health centres and schools in Naghal province, determining the extent of the damage. Four schools were identified as well as a number of health centres and clinics before implementation began.
The fishing industry was one of the sectors most affected by the cyclone, which began from a point located between the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, an area that depends heavily on the fishing industry. A large number of families lost their livelihoods and homes and the early recovery project focused on the distribution of fishing boats to these coastal families in order to enable them to resume their activities.
The organisers of the project chose the families who would benefit from the distribution of fishing boats according to criteria designed to ensure justice and equal opportunity, and in co-ordination with the ministry of fishing and marine resources of Puntland state and local administrations.
