The Need Rapid Resettlement Strains Limited Resources The current population displacement in Southern Sudan is estimated at 600,000 refugees and four million IDPs, the largest IDP population in the world. Over 330,000 of these IDPs and refugees were expected to return to Southern Sudan by the end of 2008. This rapidly increasing returnee population limits the government’s capacity to respond to already urgent water and sanitation needs. Southern Sudan is an area afflicted by endemic waterborne diseases such as cholera, guinea worm, and acute watery diarrhoea (AWD). According to a 2006 Sudan Household Health Survey report†, less than four percent of households in Southern Sudan have access to both an improved water source and a sanitary means of excreta disposal. In the past year, hundreds of thousands of displaced people have resettled in the region, compounding the problem of already extremely limited resources. Villages have more than doubled in size since the returnees began arriving, putting pressure on existing resources and services. If not addressed urgently and appropriately, this overcrowding could result in tension and conflict among communities. Our Response Provide Water and Sanitation (WatSan) and Promote Hygiene in High-Risk Areas By end of 2009, our WatSan teams propose to install 3 Surface Water Treatment (SWAT) systems in areas most at-risk of cholera or other waterborne diseases. This intervention will provide safe drinking water for approximately 15,000 people. The SWAT systems are a medium term measure designed to solve the immediate crisis and give time for the government of Southern Sudan to build longer-lasting infrastructure. In addition, Medair will provide water systems in Melut county, one of the most safe-water deprived areas of Upper Nile, and also 20 boreholes in Eastern Equatoria’s Kapoeta county, an area severely afflicted by guinea worm. At the same time, we will also train hygiene promoters and supervisors, who will in turn spread hygiene messages to the community, as well as liaise with Medair staff on latrine campaigns. Our WatSan teams will construct latrines and, to ensure sustainability and ownership, engage the community in all planned activities. With Your Support The World Health Organisation (WHO) has shown that just by improving access and usage of sanitation facilities, disease incidence can be reduced by 50 percent. We will be providing this level of improved sanitation, plus safe drinking water and hygiene promotion, so the impact of our proposed activities should be very significant for reducing the incidence of disease. Furthermore, through our practice of working alongside communities, the affected populations will become partners in implementing these solutions, ensuring the long-term sustainability of safe water, sanitation, and proper hygiene in the region. The total budget for this project is US$ 954,000 Most of this amount has already been granted by governmental humanitarian aid organisations, but we are still seeking private support in the amount of US$ 94,400. This level of private support will enable us to meet our total budget target and undertake this life-saving project.