Published Tue Oct. 3, 2023

The International Cooperation and Development Foundation (TaiwanICDF) is teaming up with Terre des hommes Foundation (Tdh), a Swiss international non-governmental organization, to address the pressing water crisis in Kenya. The collaborative initiative, titled “Improving Access to Basic Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene  in Ten Health Care Facilities for Vulnerable Communities in Garissa County, Kenya,” is set to launch on October 1, 2023.

Since 2020, East Africa has faced the most severe drought since the 1980s, with five consecutive rainy seasons in the area bringing below-average rainfall. In the case of Kenya, the impact of the drought is extensive, with approximately 6.4 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. This marks the largest humanitarian aid demand in the country in nearly a decade. Deficient rainfall has led to food shortages, reduced incomes, and impaired sanitation. Moreover, the persistent water shortages severely impact the region’s healthcare services, exacerbating the challenges faced by health care facilities (HCFs) already grappling with inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure.

In response, this project provides crucial assistance to HCFs in drought-stricken Garissa County, improving water supply, sanitation, hand hygiene, waste management, and environmental cleanliness. As their water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities improve, these HCFs will be better equipped to control or prevent the spread of disease among vulnerable patients. The effort aligns with the international standards established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

The project’s comprehensive approach includes constructing, repairing, or enhancing WASH-related facilities in ten HCFs within Garissa County. The project will also establish operational standards and provision the HCFs with maintenance tools and equipment. Furthermore, healthcare personnel and government health department staff will receive training in WASH protocols, ensuring sustainable practices. 

Notably, this project adheres to the UN’s strategic concept of helping at the Humanitarian-Development Nexus (HDN), where immediate humanitarian needs are met through development aid that addresses the root concern. This is the first time the TaiwanICDF is tackling a long-term humanitarian crisis through the HDN approach, and it reflects the organization’s commitment to helping at-risk communities correct chronic structural problems before their vulnerabilities grow. When TaiwanICDF experts later arrive in Garissa County, their hard work will highlight Taiwan’s expertise as a compassionate humanitarian aid provider, strengthening global relationships and fostering lasting positive change.

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• Update: 2023/10/03
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