Dire Dawa, Ethiopia โ July 8, 2024
The OWS Development Fund (OWS-DF) has launched a vital initiative titled โIntersectoral Response to Reduce Malnutrition in Drought and Conflict-Affected People in Gablalu Woreda, Somali Region,โ funded by the Ethiopia Humanitarian Fund (EHF). This project aims to save lives, reduce mortality rates, and alleviate acute malnutrition and disease burdens through integrated, dignity-focused intersectoral activities.
The launch workshop, held in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, gathered key stakeholders, including representatives from Gablalu Woreda Administration, the regional health bureau, the disaster risk management bureau, and the OWS-DF management team and senior program staff. This underscores the collaborative effort necessary to address the region’s urgent needs.
Aden A. Yusuf, Executive Director of OWS-DF, inaugurated the workshop with a welcoming speech, emphasizing the project’s significance and its expected positive impact on the community. Mr. Mohamud Abdinur Sayid, Director of the Early Warning and Response Directorate of the Disaster Risk Management Bureau (DRMB) of the Somali Regional State, followed with an opening address, expressing the government’s commitment to supporting this initiative and officially launching the workshop.
Participants received an overview of the OWS Development Fund’s vision, mission, and strategic priorities for the next five years, aligning the project with the organization’s long-term goals. Laykun Langana, Director of Programs, and Mr. Mohammed Nur, Somali Region Programs Head, presented detailed insights into the project’s objectives, implementation strategy, and expected outcomes. They highlighted critical gaps identified through a comprehensive needs assessment, including deficiencies in primary healthcare services, availability of medications, medical supplies, trained health professionals, and the need for a robust disease surveillance system.
Scheduled for implementation from June 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, with a total budget of $300,000, the project includes the deployment of Mobile Health and Nutrition Teams (MHNTs) to provide primary healthcare, reproductive healthcare, mental health support, and treatment for malnutrition. Additionally, the project will focus on training health workers on various health management protocols.
The workshop featured a robust discussion on the operational support necessary for the project’s success and potential challenges. Aden Yusuf emphasized OWS-DF’s commitment to the project’s success, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring and evaluation to ensure accountability, transparency, and effective implementation. He expressed gratitude for the government’s support and stressed the need for continued collective effort to improve the health and well-being of the people in Gablalu Woreda.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Mohamud reaffirmed the government’s support at all levels during the project’s implementation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and partnerships with local government, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders to enhance project implementation and sustainability. The workshop concluded on a positive note, with a collective commitment to improving the health and well-being of the people in Gablalu Woreda.
For ongoing updates on this critical initiative, please stay tuned. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by drought and conflict in the Somali Region.
