As COVID-19 has spread, so too has misinformation. Together with our partners in Kenya, Aidlink is working to sensitise communities, bringing trustworthy guidance to families and promoting facts over fear. In partnership with the Ministry of Health, the National Drought Management Authority and the Turkana Task Force on COVID-19, we’re promoting preventative measures across local airwaves and through community dialogues.

For schoolchildren in Turkana, Kenya the classroom is often the only place a meal is guaranteed. That’s why we’re moving our school feeding programme into the community, and bringing nutritious food to families’ doorsteps.

Washing our hands has never been more important: Aidlink and our partners are working to deliver clean water, soap and hand washing stations to some of those most vulnerable to the virus. So that families can be equipped to keep their loved-ones safe.

Aidlink is mobilisaing and training community facilitators – once charged with child rights and protection duties – to support the Ministry of Health in monitoring the spread of the coronavirus and to be on hand to react to instances of violence in households during this difficult time.

Around the world, women report that access to clean and safe sanitary products is a key concern during emergencies. With movements restricted and incomes curtailed, sanitary pads are harder to come by. Aidlink is responding by committing to distribute sanitary products and underwear at regular intervals over the coming months. Periods don’t stop in a crisis.

We’re partnering with front-line responders to make sure health centres have stocks of personal protective equipment, sanitiser and working to improve best practices in cleanliness in these same centres.

In Uganda, our partners are going into communities; megaphone in hand, to deliver key messaging in local languages and disseminating posters with visual cues, to make sure no one is left behind.