Building Healthy, Safe and Resilient Communities in Azad Jammu & Kashmir

Nasim Welfare Organization (NWO) proposes an integrated Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Project in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK). The project aims to improve access to safe drinking water, promote appropriate sanitation and hygiene practices, and strengthen community preparedness for emergencies. It will prioritize vulnerable and underserved communities, particularly women, children, older persons, persons with disabilities and low-income households.

The project will bring together essential WASH services and community disaster preparedness through a practical, locally led approach. Initial community consultations and assessments will identify water and sanitation needs, potential hazards, existing resources and priority locations. These findings will guide interventions in selected communities, schools and other communal facilities, ensuring that activities respond to local needs and can be maintained over time.

Safe Water, Sanitation and Hygiene

Under its WASH component, NWO will seek to support the rehabilitation and protection of drinking water sources, improvements to water storage and distribution facilities, and water quality testing where feasible. Communities will receive guidance on safe water collection, household treatment and storage, supported by demonstrations suited to local conditions. Sanitation activities will focus on access to safe, dignified and accessible facilities, appropriate waste disposal, and cleanliness around homes, schools and water points.

Hygiene awareness sessions will cover handwashing with soap, food and personal hygiene, menstrual hygiene management, and prevention of water contamination. Schools and community groups will serve as platforms for promoting positive practices. Particular attention will be given to the privacy, safety and accessibility needs of women, girls and persons with disabilities.

Disaster Preparedness and Risk Reduction

The DRR component will help communities identify local hazards, understand their exposure and prepare practical response plans. Proposed activities include participatory risk mapping, formation or strengthening of community disaster management committees, identification of safe evacuation routes and assembly points, and development of local emergency contact and communication arrangements.

Community volunteers will receive basic preparedness and first aid training through qualified facilitators, alongside awareness sessions and evacuation drills. The project will also promote measures to protect water sources and sanitation facilities during emergencies, including safe emergency water storage, hygiene supplies and arrangements for maintaining essential WASH services following a disaster.

Community Ownership and Partnerships

NWO will engage local communities, schools, relevant government departments, disaster management authorities and civil society organizations throughout project planning and implementation. Community committees will support the upkeep of facilities, encourage inclusive participation and help sustain preparedness arrangements. Women and marginalized groups will be meaningfully involved in decisions, while accessible feedback channels will allow participants to raise concerns and suggest improvements.

The project’s intended results include safer water handling, improved sanitation and hygiene practices, stronger community preparedness, and better protection of essential WASH facilities. Progress will be monitored through assessments, facility checks, participation records and community feedback. Through this integrated initiative, NWO seeks to help communities in AJK protect their health, safeguard their dignity and strengthen their resilience to emergencies.