This initiative seeks to empower community health workers in fight against COVID-19

The COVID-19 Action Fund for Africa, also known as CAF Africa, is making significant strides in supporting the fight against COVID-19 by providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to community health workers across the continent. Tapiwa Mukwashi, Director of the Supply Chain at VillageReach and the Lead for the Supplies Working Group of the COVID-19 Action Fund for Africa, highlighted the importance of community health workers in the health system during a recent interview with CNBC Africa. Mukwashi emphasized that community health workers play a crucial role in providing essential services in communities, especially in hard-to-reach areas where resources are limited. The initiative aims to address the shortage of PPE for community health workers, ensuring their safety and ability to continue delivering vital services. With a collaborative effort involving over 30 organizations in more than 20 African countries, the COVID-19 Action Fund for Africa has already delivered over 57 million pieces of PPE across the continent. However, the challenges remain widespread, with countries like Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Kenya facing shortages in PPE. The initiative is focused on mobilizing resources and partnerships to reach community health workers in even the most remote locations, such as the DRC, where challenging terrains and logistics present significant hurdles. Despite the progress made, the initiative is committed to ensuring the sustainability of PPE supply beyond the initial phase, with plans to continue supporting community health workers in the long term. Funding remains a critical aspect of the operations, with a target of raising $100 million to provide PPE to community health workers over the next 12 months. While approximately $20 million has been raised so far, efforts are ongoing to secure additional funding from donors and the private sector. Mukwashi emphasized the significance of protecting community health workers, highlighting that their safety is crucial to safeguarding communities against the spread of COVID-19. As the initiative strives to achieve its ambitious goal and expand its impact, collaboration and support from various stakeholders will be essential in empowering community health workers and strengthening the healthcare system in Africa.