Background:

In March 2013, renewed fighting between two groups of non state actors resulted in displacement of at least 17,140 families into different parts of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) i.e. Peshawar, Kohat, Hangu, FR Peshawar, FR Kohat and Khyber, Nowshera, Kurram and Orakzai agencies. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and FATA Disaster Management Authority (FDMA) requested the humanitarian community to provide immediate life-saving support for the affected people. From March 29 – May 6, 2013, approximately 17,140 families have been registered by UNHCR and partners, in New Durrani and Jarma (Kohat) registration and assistance hubs. Registration was then closed for the election period. The majority of the displaced population fled to Kurram Agency; Orakzai Agency, Nowshera, Kohat, Hangu, Frontier Region (FR) Peshawar, and Khyber Agency. Six percent of the displaced populations are residing in camps (Jalozai Camp 87 families and New Durrani Camp 1,010 families).

Twenty humanitarian aid workers representing seven NGOs attended the training, “Introduction to & Application of HAP 2010 Standard” in Nathiagali, Murree. The training was technically supported by CWS-P/A with the aim of increasing an understanding on the application of HAP Standard. Participants included partner staff members of Oxfam Novib who developed detailed action plans which incorporated the application of HAP within their organizations and the types of resources required to meet HAP benchmarks. The follow-up to gauge impact of the action plans will be conducted by Oxfam Novib. In May, CWS-P/A will meet with staff of Oxfam Novib and their partners to enquire about additional support. While CWS-P/A will conduct an online impact assessment survey as part of its follow-up after three months.

The organization also extended its technical support in a four-day interactive course, “Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response – Sphere Project” in Islamabad. Twenty-five participants from Concern Worldwide working in their specialized roles as project managers, technical specialists, and monitoring and evaluation officers attended the training.

Research reports in Pakistan show that HIV is not currently a dominant epidemic but the number of cases is growing. Currently, in Pakistan there exists an opportunity to spread awareness on HIV&AIDS to curb new infections. CWS-P/A has been conducting HIV&AIDS sessions with its experienced staff since a decade.