People across East Africa are on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic. Communities hampered by under-resourced healthcare systems, poor infrastructure and insecure livelihoods are struggling to prevent the spread of this disease and protect lives. Tens of thousands of people are faced with risks posed by a lack of access to health facilities combined with difficulty in securing adequate food, shelter and clean water. Health Poverty Action is working in these communities to safeguard lives.
Throughout East Africa, coronavirus (COVID-19) is spreading at an alarming rate. Already, the pandemic and the resulting disruption are having a devastating impact. As more people become infected and die, scarce resources are being diverted from treating other serious ailments and families are finding it harder to meet their basic daily needs and stay safe. Health workers and officials are often unable to secure protective equipment, medical supplies and hand-washing facilities.
We will support local health workers and officials in the self-declared republic of Somaliland and across the border with Ethiopia and Djibouti to meet the urgent health needs of these communities and help people to stay safe. We will conduct testing, screen people at borders, provide essential medical and sanitary supplies, and undertake outreach visits to rural communities; sharing vital preventative messages and ensuring people can access treatment for COVID-19 and other ailments.
Local people will be supported to maintain good health and prevent the spread of COVID-19 within and beyond their communities. We will test people at borders and within the communities, raise awareness through community meetings and public information messages, and equip local health workers and officials. We will also help people to access treatment and strengthen links between healthcare facilities and remote communities. Giving this support now will help to protect lives and long-term health.
