Virtual Project Visit

On 26th October we hosted our first ITL virtual project visit. Together with a small group of supporters, and using the power of Zoom, we ‘journeyed’ to rural Ethiopia to meet the Christian Aid staff, partners and wider team involved in delivering the ITL project. A condensed version of this session is provided below. We hope you enjoy watching it!

Progress from Year 1 of the project

As you will have heard from the video above, over the last 5 years, the project locations have had to deal with repeated outbreaks of communicable diseases such as malaria, measles, cholera, and diarrhoea, which have contributed to significant loss of life. Health institutions are faced with multiple challenges such as poor access to basic drugs stocks and supplies of personal protective equipment. Ways of identifying and managing new cases are weak and there is an absence of emergency preparedness plans.

Impact statements

In the first year of implementation, this project has created a positive change within the health facilities, and communities that we serve. In July 2022, about 15,000 pastoral community members in 12 Kebeles of the eastern lowland part of the district (Woyto Cluster) were identified as being at high risk from a major outbreak of measles.  

Community members who are at risk of contracting measles have been provided emergency drugs and personal protective equipment. With timely information, health workers and community members proactively curtailed the spread of the disease and with training delivered through the project, health workers are managing measles cases much more effectively.  

Rapid Response Team Member

Agmuas Bayile is currently serving as an Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) Focal Person at Bena Tsemai woreda, Alduba Health Center. He has seen outbreaks of diseases including meningitis and cholera outbreaks related to the ever-increasing climate change in the area. He is one of the Rapid Response Team members who are receiving training and capacity building through the ITL project.

Campaigns through mass media and public centres have contributed to a better understanding of key public health emergency messages for approximately 170,000 community members. 

This project is also addressing gaps in public health emergency management by providing technical and logistical support which has made reporting simpler and easier meaning government support can be accessed in a timely manner. 

The project is strengthening service delivery and encouraging changes in community resilience. Health emergency facilities and participants are now starting to take action to protect themselves from disease outbreaks.

While there is much work still to do, these are very positive steps forward which we aim to build on in year 2 of the project with your support.