CSI's COVID-19 Response:
Immediate and Sustainable Responses

Shifting gears to respond

In March 2020, nonprofit organizations such as Childbirth Survival International (CSI) were forced to halt community-based public health programs and direct services benefiting thousands of people. In communities where CSI has worked in for several years, there was an overwhelming need to support pregnant women, postpartum women, families with young children, families with individuals with disabilities, caretakers of orphans, widows with young children, and women caregivers of ill family members (such as HIV/AIDS, malaria). In collaboration with local council leaders, CSI's COVID-19 response has focused on immediate  (food security and maternal-newborn health care) and sustainable actions to economically empower women and girls.

Immediate response

"We need food"
"Our children are starving"
"I have nowhere to go for help"
"We have not eaten in three days"

In-country teams heard several families seeking assistance for food. Through generous donations, CSI in Uganda, Rwanda, Somalia, and Tanzania has distributed food and basic household needs such as soap to more than 500 families benefiting more than 5,000 individuals. While it may be challenging to support noble causes during a pandemic, this is the time when your support is really needed. As little as $50 helps CSI provide 2 families with food to last 40 days. CSI's efforts in safely and efficiently responding to community needs as families navigate living through a pandemic, have been recognized by local and religious leaders. ​

Sustainable response

Click here to read insightful article that amplifies the need to realign investments for women and girls in order to reduce significant reversals in global health. CSI's sustainable impact response to COVID-19 pandemic is to support women and girls in the areas of: education, financial literacy, vocational skills training, safety and security, skills to successfully operate a small business, leadership, and overall improved social status to contribute to household and community decision-making processes. Construction of the CSI Uganda SAFI (Sustainable Actions for Financial Independence) College is underway and the team anticipates to commence lessons and training soon. Economically empowering women is critical to lift families and communities out of poverty.

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