blog post

Support to local planning and response against COVID 19 (SAJHEDARI)

The SAJHEDARI project was implemented in the Kailali District of Nepal, specifically in Gauriganga Municipality and Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolis. This initiative aimed to strengthen the institutional preparedness and response capacity of local governments, civil society organizations (CSOs), and community organizations in tackling the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Objectives:

  1. Enhancing institutional preparedness:
    The project supported local governments, CSOs, and community organizations to develop and integrate an integrated Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) into their policy frameworks. This initiative ensured that preparedness and response mechanisms were systematically included in their priorities.

  2. Establishing Inclusive Emergency Response Mechanisms:
    Through collaborative efforts, the project facilitated the setup of inclusive mechanisms and standards for basic service delivery during emergencies. These mechanisms aimed to ensure equitable access to critical services for all members of the community, including vulnerable populations.

  3. Raising Public Awareness:
    The project actively disseminated critical and lifesaving information and promoted public awareness about available services. This included education on preventive measures, access to healthcare, and other vital resources to mitigate the spread and impact of COVID-19.

    This initiative was implemented in Kailali District, specifically in Gauriganga Municipality and Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City, with financial and technical support from Abt. Associates/USAID. The project aimed to strengthen the institutional preparedness capacities of local governments, civil society organizations (CSOs), and community organizations. It focused on assisting these stakeholders in the development and integration of comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) into their policy priorities to enhance emergency response and resilience planning.

    A key component of the initiative was fostering collaboration between local governments and CSOs to establish inclusive mechanisms and standards for delivering basic services during emergencies. This included ensuring equitable access to critical resources and services, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized populations.

    Additionally, the project worked to raise public awareness by disseminating essential, life-saving information and promoting access to critical services. By educating communities on emergency preparedness and response, the initiative aimed to empower individuals with the knowledge needed to safeguard lives and enhance resilience during crises. This comprehensive approach contributed to building a more prepared, informed, and inclusive community in the Kailali District.

    By fostering collaboration between local governments, CSOs, and communities, the SAJHEDARI project contributed to building a more resilient and inclusive response system, equipping stakeholders with the tools and knowledge to address emergencies effectively.