Improving living conditions for refugees and the host community in Al Kufra (Phase II)
General objective
To improve the living conditions and well-being of Sudanese refugees and the host community in Libya.
Specific objective
To improve access to water for the host community and Sudanese refugees, and to strengthen hygiene practices and medical waste management systems for the host community and Sudanese refugees.
Expected results
1. Improved access to water for the ‘Delivery and Maternity Hospital in Al Kufrah’ and for refugee households and the host community (provision of a water desalination system for the Al Kufrah maternity hospital and a solar-powered water pump for agricultural land).
2. The host community and Sudanese refugees have improved their hygiene practices and medical waste management (distribution of consumables and hygiene kits, awareness campaigns, training for health workers, etc.).
About the project
Since the outbreak of conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023, Sudan has been facing one of the most severe population displacement crises ever recorded. A considerable number of Sudanese have been forced to flee their homes to seek refuge both within Sudan and in neighbouring countries, such as Libya, Chad and Egypt.
According to the UNHCR report (August 2025), approximately 258,000 Sudanese refugees have entered Libya via Al Kufra. Women are estimated to account for around 44% of this refugee population, who are housed either in military shelters or in rudimentary dwellings made of bricks and straw.
The overall situation regarding sanitation and access to water in the municipality of Al Kufra remains poor , affecting both the refugees and the host community.
As the refugee population grows, the pressure on the municipality’s already limited resources is increasing. Essential services such as healthcare, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), as well as other basic infrastructure, are operating beyond their capacity.
Following the successful implementation of the WASH intervention in Al Kufra, funded by the Canton of Geneva, it was found that a second phase, focusing on water quality and availability, was now necessary. This was confirmed by a rapid needs assessment carried out in the field in August and September 2025, in coordination with the municipality of Al Kufra, local authorities and the Al Kufra Health Office under the Ministry of Health. The first finding of the assessment concerned the maternal and childbirth health centre and highlighted serious concerns regarding the quality and cleanliness of the water in the facility; the second focused on water availability in an agricultural area home to around 80 Sudanese refugee families. These people have a well and storage tanks, but due to frequent fluctuations and power cuts, access to water is not always guaranteed.
Activities
- Supply and installation of a 15 HP solar-powered water pump for the agricultural land of the Sudanese refugees.
- Supply and installation of a water desalination system for the Al Kufra maternity ward.
- Supply of medical waste management equipment and training for healthcare workers in Al Kufra.
- Distribution of consumables and hygiene supplies to the maternity ward and Alkufra Hospital.
- Provision of hygiene kits to Sudanese refugees.
- Awareness campaign on best hygiene practices and water resource management.
Beneficiaries
- Sudanese refugees: 27,100
- Host community: 38,000 Libyan women.
SDG’s that the project contributes to achieving
Funder(s)
- Canton of Geneva
Partners
- Organisation for Development Pioneers (ODP)
Rossella Semino
Project coordinator Lybia and Tunisia