ECHO-funded emergency WASH project

Using community-led action approach to ensure Covid-19 preventive measures are observed at funerals

Gatherings at funerals pose a serious risk of spreading COVID-19 among communities. At the same times, organising massive gatherings for funerals is a tradition deeply rooted in the Malawian culture and in Dedza district funerals continue to take place even during the pandemic.

United Purpose (UP) with the financial support of the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) used Community Led Action (CLA) approach to engage communities and key local stakeholders, including religious leaders, village heads, Group Village Heads, Traditional Authorities and local development structures to ensure funerals continue to take place safely.

Supporting the vaccination process in Dedza

Vaccination is one of the best ways to prevent diseases. Immunization currently prevents 2-3 million deaths every year from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, influenza and measles.

In the face of the unprecedented threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Malawi started the vaccination process in March 2021 using the AstraZeneca vaccine provided by COVAX.