Bay is one of the regions most affected by drought and insecurity with famine expected by Oct ’22 in Baidoa and Burhakaba (IPC Sept’22). Drought-affected HHs from inaccessible areas are displacing to urban areas and IDP sites in search of assistance. The Protection Cluster estimates that over 250,000 ppl have been displaced from rural villages to Baidoa since Jan. 80% live in makeshift shelters with inadequate WASH/health environments: conditions that are conducive to the spread of communicable diseases. 61% of IDP sitesin Baidoa do not have a water source on site and only 33% of sites have access to a water source within 20 min. (REACH Aug ’22). Baidoa and Burhakaba have been hotspots for cholera outbreaks. Between 1 Jan – 4 Sep. Baidoa recorded a total of 2274 cholera cases (Min. of Health); Burhakaba reported a cholera spike in Apr ‘22. Heightened physical vulnerabilities among ppl due to long periods of limited access to water and high food insecurity are likely driving the outbreaks. A recent IRC/GREDO assessment showed that 59% ofrespondents had lost income in the past 6-12 months - from farming, livestock, small business, casual labor - forcing HHs to adopt coping mechanisms such as selling assets and displacement. Rural populations and hard-to-access areas such as Burhakaba demonstrate an even higher vulnerability. These populations do not have adequate capacity to cover essential food and non-food needs. The shrinking pool of resources and social disruptions place vulnerable groups (women,children, elderly, PWD) at heightened risk of harm as their usual support systems are no longer intact. Limited security in IDP sites poses risks of GBV to female IDPs. Oxfam/SSWC will provide MPC to the most vulnerable HHs and improve conditions in congested IDP sites by increasing access to clean water and hygiene. Protection is mainstreamed to support HH’s safety <(>&<)> dignity. Oxfam/SSWC coordinated with other DRA members to ensure complementarity and prevent overlap