In collaboration with UNHCR, WFP, UNICEF and other NGO’s, GHDF has been working in refugee camps since 2012. Our humanitarian work began in Kigeme Refugee Camp which hosts refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Initially distributing food and non-food items and organizing educational and recreational activities for the youth, our activities slowly shifted to taking on the responsibility of the water supply, construction and maintenance of sanitation facilities, hygiene promotion, HIV and Gender-based Violence (GBV) prevention, and livelihoods programs. Close to 19 000 refugees still live in the camp today and although the situation is stabilized, our staff is permanently on the ground to monitor the activities, ensure the maintenance of our facilities and provide assistance to this large population.

Thanks to the experience we gained over the years working in Kigeme Refugee Camp, we were ready to offer our services when the influx of Burundian refugees crossed Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Democratic Republic of Congo  borders starting in April 2015. With the support of UNHCR, Global Humanitarian and Development Foundation has been responsible of WASH programs in reception/transit centers since the first arrivals and in Mahama Refugee Camp since January 2016. GHDF has been building new and improved dischargeable latrines throughout the camp, conducting hygiene promotion campaigns, and constructing durable shelters. Working closely with UNICEF, GHDF makes sure the refugees are aware of the key family practices to avoid contracting diseases (malaria, cholera, typhoid, diarrhea), how to prevent from HIV and GBV, and where to access health services in case of symptoms or need of assistance.

Since Mahama Refugee Camp is very large, and the population is approximately 50 000 people, GHDF has trained community mobilizers, community health workers, and hygiene promoters to sensitize the refugees during events, but more

importantly to conduct daily household visits and form hygiene clubs in every village to follow up on the adoption of the key family practices and bring attention to any issues they might be facing.