A total of 1,500 internally displaced households in four communities across Tangaza and Sokoto South Local Government Areas of Sokoto State have received Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) dignity kits to support hygiene and access to essential supplies.
The intervention was implemented by the Sokoto State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), with technical support from UNICEF and funding support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), as part of ongoing humanitarian WASH interventions for displaced and vulnerable communities.
The distribution covered Sabon Gari and Shiyar Hakimi communities in Tangaza LGA, where 469 kits were distributed, and Gagi and Tudun Wada communities in Sokoto South LGA, which received 1,031 kits.
The intervention also included the construction of four new water schemes at four IDP locations, providing improved access to safe water for more than 12,000 people.
In addition, more than 12,000 people were reached through hygiene promotion sessions focused on key practices, including personal hygiene and maintaining clean and healthy environments.
The WASH dignity kits contain essential personal and household hygiene items, including sanitary pads, soap, detergent, panties, towels, buckets with covers, water containers, cups, toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Speaking on the intervention, UNICEF Sokoto Chief of Field Office, Dr Michael Juma, said access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene was a fundamental right and critical to health, dignity and resilience, particularly for children, women and families affected by displacement.
“Through this partnership with RUWASSA and with the generous support of Sida, we are strengthening life-saving WASH services while helping communities move from emergency response towards more sustainable and resilient solutions,” Juma said.
He added that UNICEF remained committed to supporting the Sokoto State Government to ensure equitable access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene services for children and families, including those affected by displacement.
The intervention is aimed at reducing exposure to hygiene-related risks, improving access to safe water and strengthening WASH services for displaced populations and their host communities.
