Puntland – UNICEF Somalia, in collaboration with the Government of the Netherlands, visited Puntland to showcase progress under the Accelerated Sanitation and Water for All (ASWA) program and officially launch the WASH Sustainability Report and Response Plan.
The Netherlands’ Ambassador to Somalia was welcomed by UNICEF officials and Puntland’s Ministry of Water leadership during a joint mission that featured community engagements and high-level discussions on improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.
As part of the mission, the delegation visited Burtinle town and surrounding internally displaced persons (IDP) camps to assess ongoing interventions and community needs. The ASWA program, funded by the Dutch government, focuses on enhancing access to safe water and adequate sanitation in underserved areas, while also promoting sustainable WASH practices.
The newly launched WASH Sustainability Report and Response Plan outlines key strategies to ensure long-term impact of WASH investments. It includes measures to strengthen local institutions, community ownership, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
UNICEF emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to build on the gains made through ASWA, particularly in reaching vulnerable populations affected by displacement, drought, and limited infrastructure.
Puntland officials expressed appreciation for the support from UNICEF and the Netherlands, noting that the joint efforts have contributed to improved health outcomes and resilience in communities facing recurrent humanitarian crises.