Oxfam humanitarian staff talking to Abdalla Dullow, who was forced to flee his home after a flood, Kenya. Photo: Peter Irungu/Oxfam
Disaster Relief
Our emergency work in disasters and crises
Climate change and armed conflict
As climate-related disasters, protracted conflicts and crises increase in the world, more and more people are forced into vulnerability, poverty and displacement. Their lives are being disrupted through no fault of their own, and those who are already most vulnerable are hit hardest. Oxfam's disaster relief saves lives and is a vital part of the drive for a fairer and more equal world.
During crises, wars and disasters, our experienced disaster response teams save lives and support people to regain their livelihoods. We are are known for our ability to shelter, food and shelter for those affected, and we are world leaders in water and sanitation. When disaster strikes, we are quickly on the ground andthe acute phase is over, we are there to support people, so they can rebuild their lives.
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How we work in disasters
Our disaster response are comprehensive and adapted to the current situation and where we are in the world. We work with local organisations, with local knowledge and expertise. Below are some examples of how we work.
Emergency packages and prevention
We distribute food and hygiene kits so that people can take care of basic needs and avoid the spread of diseases. We also distribute food vouchers and cash grants, so that people can decide for themselves what they need to buy in terms of basic food, hygiene products and medicines.
Together with local authorities and partner organizations, we also develop contingency plans, so that communities can be better prepared for future crises, and work on concrete actions to strengthen local people's own capacity to cope with a disaster.
Choongo Wycliff and Teza Nampa (Oxfam's partner Keepers Zambia Foundation) distribute sanitation products to people in Zambia during a cholera outbreak, February 2024. Photo: Loliwe Phiri/Oxfam
Water and sanitation
Access to clean water is essential for human survival, but in crisis situations, water and sanitation systems often break down. When people are traumatized, hungry, dehydrated and exhausted, they also become more vulnerable to serious diseases such as diarrhoea and cholera. That's why we focus much of our emergency response on ensuring a safe water supply. We also set up hand-washing stations and toilets, for example.
Internationally, we are known for our ability to provide large-scale water supply systems and essential sanitation facilities quickly and efficiently, even in the most difficult circumstances.
Oxfam staff member Pascaline Namegabe demonstrates how a hand washing station works in Mwaka, Congo. Photo: Arlette Bashizi/Oxfam
A voice for people at risk
The needs and rights of women and girls are often neglected and their situation is further complicated in emergencies, which is why they are a priority in our work. We take a feminist approach in everything we do.
We use our influence to ensure that the rights of women, men and children are respected and that they receive the support they need. We draw attention to how political systems and social structures create inequality, poverty and vulnerability - and we put pressure on governments and companies to take responsibility for people and the environment. We are a voice for vulnerable people when needed, but we always work to ensure that their own voices are heard and that they are able to influence their situation and create a good life for themselves.
Oxfam staff talking to Irina, who fled the war in Ukraine. Photo: Tineke D'haese/Oxfam
Acute support and long-term change
Our disaster response work always aims to meet the immediate and long-term needs of people and communities in crises and disasters. We provide support to cope with everyday life and equip communities and people to face the consequences of the climate crisis. But we also work to ensure that people do not have to face this reality; no one should have to choose between feeding themselves or their children. We know that change is possible and that inequality and poverty are not a law of nature. That's why we produce reports on inequality in the world, make concrete proposals for change and present them to politicians and decision-makers - for an equal future without impossible choices.
Jun Ajuk, an Oxfam staff member working to promote public health, is pictured talking to refugees in Sudan about the importance of good hygiene to reduce the risk of spreading disease. Photo: Herison Philip Osfaldo/Oxfam
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Our work in Yemen
More than four million people have been forced to flee their homes and over 18 million people - 53% of Yemen's population - depend on humanitarian aid to survive. Oxfam has been working in Yemen for over 30 years and this is one of our largest operations.
Our work in East Africa
Extreme climatic conditions have caused widespread food and water shortages and more than 45 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. One person currently dies of hunger every 28 seconds and over six million children are facing, or already suffering from, acute malnutrition.
Our work with Ukrainian refugees
Millions of people have fled Ukraine. The war has now been going on for three years. Oxfam has been on the ground since February 2022. Together with our partners, Oxfam has reached over 2 million people with life-saving support.
Our work in Gaza
Over 47,000 people have been killed. 1.9 million people have been forced from their homes and the entire population is at risk of starvation. Oxfam is on the ground and we have reached over 1.2 million people in Gaza so far.
