ActionAid Palestine Joined the National Efforts in responding to COVID-19
Engaging Youth and Focusing on Women
ActionAid Palestine- AAP, is ultimately concerned by the global outbreak of the novel coronavirus- COVID-19 disease. Consequently, AAP developed a contingency response plan in conjunction with the Palestinian national and governmental efforts, in combating this pandemic.
The response aimed at supporting the infected Palestinian families of coronavirus with the hygiene kits, in cooperation with partners, national and governmental stakeholders in Bethlehem in the south of West Bank where most of coronavirus cases exist.
AAP’s response plan confirmed the importance of promoting young men and women’s leadership in preparedness and response actions, through their engagement in voluntary actions and engagement in humanitarian and national duties, which has been clearly reflected in the current crisis.
AAP designed this response in close cooperation with the Governor of Bethlehem, Mr. Kamil Hamid and the National Emergency Committee and other stakeholders in Bethlehem Governorate.
ActionAid Palestine Emergency Committee has assessed the needs and coordinated an emergency response training that was delivered by Palestinian Medical Relief Society (PMRS) targeting volunteers and AAP’s staff members who were trained on how to respond to community and humanitarian needs under the current emergency conditions.
AAP provided 300 Palestinian families in home quarantine, infected people and neediest families whose economic situation have been affected the most due to loss of their livelihoods, with medical protective equipment and hygiene products. The response focused on the needs of women as they are mostly affected in crisis times and they form the first line of defense for their families and communities.
AAP regularly monitors the situation in Occupied Palestinian Territory (oPt) regarding the developments of the outbreak of corona epidemic in coordination with all relevant Palestinian stakeholders. This measurement is taken to define the upcoming interventions according to available capacities and financial resources. AAP’s contingency plans also ensures the safety of staff members and partners by adopting remote working solutions and providing them with information and updates about best practice of preventive procedures to follow.
This emergency-response plan to coronavirus outbreak was developed as part of Youth-led, evidence-based initiatives within the “Civil and Democratic Participation of Palestinian youth” Programme. Youth-led initiatives aims at raising Palestinian communities’ awareness of the preparedness and response to COVID19. This intervention has also been substantiated through their social media campaigns that shared educational posts about measures to the virus outbreak and also sharing leaflets instructed by WHO in this regard.
AAP Country Director, Ibrahim Ibraigheth said: “AAP decided to be part of this national effort exerted in addressing coronavirus by raising awareness and delivering in-kind assistance that could increase the preparedness of people in challenging this pandemic”.
Background Information
ActionAid
ActionAid is ActionAid is a global federation working for a world free from poverty and injustice. It is a leading international charity working in over 45 countries. We work with the poorest women and children in the world, changing their lives for good. Our local staff provide immediate, hands-on support to women and children living on the margins of survival. Together we demand action at local, national and international level. We don’t walk away until we’ve achieved lasting change.
ActionAid in Palestine (AAP) is a part of that federation which started its work in Palestine in 2007 to strengthen the resilience of Palestinian People as ActionAid believes that they should enjoy their rights to freedom, justice and self-determination. AAP implements a number of programs through its engagement with communities and women and youth groups seeking to empower them and enhance their influential civil and political participation to understand their rights and undertake collective activism to address the protracted rights violations resulting from the prolonged occupation of Palestine. AAP works simultaneously to enhance their leadership capacity and knowledge to practice their citizenship in holding authorities and other duty bearers to account.
For more information, please contact
Riham Jafari
Coordinator of Advocacy and Communication in Gaza Strip and West Bank
Mobile:
+972 (0) 595242890
Office:
+972 (0) (2) 22 13 137
Email: