ICHIO recognizes the critical importance of good health for refugees to rebuild their lives after years or even decades of forced displacement. Understanding that the toll of such prolonged instability can be severe, ICHIO collaborates with government and other partners to support refugees and host communities in maintaining their health and wellbeing. This partnership focuses on providing emergency health services through local health facilities, community health workers and enhanced tailored Social Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC). This ensures that refugees and host communities continuously access timely, affordable essential health services. ICHIO helps uphold the right to health for all individuals, irrespective of their refugee status. This approach not only addresses immediate health needs but also lays the foundation for long-term stability and self-sufficiency among refugee populations.
In addition to immediate humanitarian efforts, ICHIO is actively engaged in disaster risk reduction and response initiatives in Uganda. Recognizing the heightened vulnerability of some population subgroups like refugees, slum dwellers, persons with disabilities, the elderly and children to natural and man-made disasters, ICHIO works closely with local governments and partners through community structures to implement comprehensive risk mitigation and response strategies. These initiatives include promoting community resilience through sensitization and ensuring that disaster preparedness plans are inclusive of all vulnerable populations. By prioritizing these proactive measures, ICHIO aims to minimize the impact of potential disasters in communities and ensure that they have the resources and support needed to recover swiftly and effectively. This holistic approach safeguards the health and wellbeing of all, ensuring stability and resilience of communities to emergencies.