Many disasters and emergencies don’t make news headlines, but the needs are no less real and the impacts on families are equally devastating. PWS&D continues to respond to disasters around the world, regardless of whether they’re in the news. 

In recent months, the following projects have been supported by PWS&D: 

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

In eastern DRC, fighting between rebel groups and government forces has created mass displacement. According to the International Organization for Migration, 1.65 million people are displaced in North Kivu alone. Escalating tensions has triggered further movement of people who had previously been living in camps for internally displaced people. 

Responding through partners at ACT Alliance, PWS&D is supporting individuals to ensure access to water and sanitation facilities, support for livelihood activities, shelter and household kits, as well as cash for food for the most marginalized. 

Somalia

Somalia’s federal government has declared a state of emergency due to extreme weather conditions. El Nino induced rains, which began in October 2023, created massive flooding, which has displaced almost one million people and affected 2.5 million people altogether. 

ACT Alliance members in Somalia are helping to ensure access to food, water and sanitation, shelter, and livelihoods. Education support for children is also a component of the response—especially important given the large-scale infrastructure damage created by the flooding and the loss of many schools. 

Sudan

Since April 2023, fighting between Sudanese Armed Forces and paramilitary forces has spread across the country, resulting in immense humanitarian needs. More than a year later, more than 34% of the population—or at least 18 million people—are reported to be acutely food insecure, with near 5 million people on the brink of famine. 

Through Canadian Foodgrains Bank, PWS&D is supporting Trócaire to provide an integrated health and nutrition project supporting 14 health facilities. Through the project, therapeutic feeding and nutrition support is being offered, with a particular focus on children under the age of five and pregnant and lactating mothers. 

Myanmar

Cyclone Mocha struck Myanmar in 2023, damaging infrastructure and house, particularly in internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps. With over 5.4 million people affected, ACT Alliance members, with support from PWS&D, are working with IDPs in five camps for Rohingya people who have been displaced due to ongoing persecution. Support include shelter construction, learning kits for children, and cash for work activities to rebuild community infrastructure. 

Syria

Following the devastating earthquake in 2023 and over a decade of civil conflict, PWS&D is supporting a new phase of assistance for food insecure families in the Latakia area of the country. Through our membership in the Foodgrains Bank, 1,005 families will be provided with e-vouchers enabling them to purchase basic food commodities (flour, rice, beans, sugar, oil), as well as fresh fruit and vegetables. 

To support PWS&D’s ongoing relief responses to crises that often don’t make the news, click the button below.