August 31, 2020 (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) launched the EU-IGAD COVID-19 Initiative to address the health crisis and severe socio-economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative aims to mitigate these impacts through coordinated and comprehensive actions across the IGAD Member States. With a focus on strengthening health systems and establishing sustainable emergency response mechanisms, this program has already made a significant difference for millions of people.
Funded by the European Union, the €60 million program, managed by UNOPS and supported by partners such as UNICEF, IGAD, IOM, and Trade Mark East Africa, prioritizes critical cross-border areas. The program improves health services, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), combats gender-based violence, and enhances community engagement. It focuses on frontline workers and vulnerable groups, including migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, and cross-border communities.
To date, the initiative has reached over seven million people, achieving significant milestones such as delivering 6.2 million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE), over 177,000 COVID-19 test kits, and 22 ambulances. UNICEF, as a key partner, has provided essential water and sanitation services through mobile water tanks and supported COVID-19 testing at critical border points. Additionally, the program has rehabilitated hospitals and re-established trade corridors to address food and medicine insecurity.
In some of the region’s most remote areas, the initiative has established cross-border health committees, ensuring health services reach those who need them most. By promoting digital health solutions and collaborating with stakeholders to develop a regional health data-sharing policy, the program is laying the foundation for long-term, sustainable health improvements in the Horn of Africa.
The combined efforts of UNICEF, UNOPS, and other partners have made a tangible impact on public health in the region. The initiative has helped vulnerable communities survive and recover from the devastating effects of the pandemic while building a more resilient health system for the future.
