The distressing security situation in North Waziristan Agency displaced approximately 1 million people to the surrounding areas. Nearly half of them settled in Bannu. But the existing health infrastructure of Bannu was weak, lack of Health facilities, qualified medical staff and the unavailability of essential drugs are very common. 75% of these IDPs consisted of women and children, out of which 4% were pregnant women, who faced a high risk of poor nutrition, loss of livelihood and outbreaks of communicable diseases.

To deal with this situation and support the overburdened health services, Prime Foundation in collaboration with Emergency Response Fund (ERF) and World Health Organization (WHO), initiated Emergency Primary Health Care & MNCH Services for IDPs and Affected Communities in three union councils of Bannu District. A project with an overall goal of reduction of diseases among IDPs, with concentration on maternal and child health, and communicable disease control. The initial duration of the project was three months i.e. from 1st Sep 2014 to 30th Nov 2015 but it was extended till 15th Feb 2015.

Approximately 2/3rd of the displaced population consisted of children and women, keeping that in mind both male and female staff was hired. Females were specially hired to deliver MCH services in the reserved areas of Bannu.

The targeted health facilities included BHU (Amandi), BHU (Nizam) and CD (Hinjil). A total of 12509 patients were provided primary health care services. Diarrhea Treatment Centers were set up in the target facilities, where Medical officer examined and treaded more than 1700 children. 227 children were provided vaccination services for viral infections including Polio and Measles. 470 women received Antenatal and Postnatal care services. Demonstration on health, hygiene and education of infant & young child feeding were also delivered. Family planning sessions were held with 62 mothers.

Apart from MNCH services, repairs and renovation of the targeted health facilities were also a part of the project. Various repairs including woodwork, masonry repair and electric work were done. Moreover, electric generators, UPS and refrigerators were also provided to ensure uninterrupted power backup as well as safe storage of vaccines. Furthermore, to determine water quality the project incorporated sampling, testing and monitoring of water in disease prone communities in the catchment of health facilities. A total of 65 visits were made for water quality monitoring.

To educate the general public about common health and hygiene practices and water quality issues, daily health education sessions were held at each health facility. 133 sessions of Health education were held and 1,856 individuals were provided water purification tablets (AquaTabs) and were guided about its usage.

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