The Aga Khan Development Network Eastern Africa Regional COVID-19 Response Program has come to an end with Aga Khan and partners saying the program was a success in impacting and cushioning millions of people against the adverse economic effects of Covid-19.
According to Aga Khan, during the assessment of the impact of the program, the initiative supported 25 public healthcare facilities across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Mozambique by building the capacity of more than 1500 healthcare staff, supplying hospital equipment and PPEs, and improving existing infrastructure, including digital health platforms.
As the program comes to an end, over 10 million people across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Mozambique were impacted by the 9.4 million euros in funding that was pumped into the whole initiative.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare systems were the most affected.
The program intervention to strengthen health systems trained frontline healthcare workers and support government health facilities through the supply of PPEs, COVID-19 testing kits, intensive care equipment, medical goods, and digital healthcare equipment including infrastructure renovation.
It also increased access to adolescent and youth-friendly health services, including improved life skills and livelihood opportunities to over 45,000 young individuals.
The project improved young girls’ access to Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH), Gender Based Violence (GBV), and Mental Health services and information, and supported youth through innovation grants and design sessions to improve livelihood opportunities.
The response program built community resilience by increasing COVID-19 awareness among vulnerable groups and training young journalists to share stories of hope.
The project also partnered with 267 local civil society organizations (CSOs) to reach the most vulnerable community members’ needs through training and rapid deployment of funds.
