In response of COVID-19 IOM distributed 10,000 face masks to internally displaced persons (IDPs) residing in the villages of Western Georgia. The masks were produced by eight IDP women, with IOM Georgia's support.

The material for the masks was provided to the NGO “Imedi” - IDP Women’s Movement for Peace by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA). IOM ensured distribution of the masks among vulnerable IDP families living in 5 villages of Zugdidi Municipality - Anaklia, Orsantia, Koki, Shamgona, Rukhi. The masks were also provided to village ambulatories and administrative units. The NGO will also distribute the face masks among the population in Georgia's Russian occupied Abkhazia region.  

Up to 14,371 socially vulnerable IDP families reside in Zugdidi settlements. Majority of them live below the poverty line and their main income is financial assistance issued by the Social Service Agency of Georgia.