Semi-Annual Progress Report: Preparing for and Responding to the COVID-19 Outbreak with a Focus on Vulnerable Populations of South Kordofan and North Darfur, Sudan

The semi-annual progress report for the period of 1st October 2020 to 31st March 2021 highlights the efforts of the organization to prepare for and respond to the outbreak. The program is focused on key activities within the Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), support for Case Investigation (Rapid Response Teams), and Case Management (inputs for Isolation Centers) pillars of the Sudan's Country COVID 19 Preparedness and Response Plan. The organization supports the Government of Sudan's Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) to prepare for and prevent the spread of COVID-19 as well as lessen the impact on the target population. During the reporting period, a total of 238,212 people were reached with risk communication and community engagement activities, including completion of the rollout of the Community-Led Action approach. Additionally, 18 new health staff were trained on the IPC Mentorship approach, and previously-trained staff were supported and monitored. Thirty-seven health and nutrition facilities were continuously supported through provision of PPE and supervision and monitoring visits to ensure continued safe provision of lifesaving PHC services. The program also targeted a total of 448,005 individuals, including 228,483 females and 219,522 males, with a focus on vulnerable populations such as internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and refugees. The organization also provided support to the Sudanese government in its efforts to inoculate people over the age of 60, as well as high-risk frontline healthcare and humanitarian workers. The incidence of COVID-19 in Sudan fluctuated during the reporting period, with a second wave of cases occurring in January and a third wave beginning in mid-March. The program responded to the increasing cases by scaling up its activities, including the distribution of soap and hygiene kits, and the provision of PPE to health facilities. The economic crisis in Sudan, exacerbated by COVID-19, has resulted in high levels of food insecurity and severely curtailed livelihoods. The program has been working to address these issues by providing support to vulnerable populations, including IDPs, returnees, and refugees. The program's goal is to contribute towards preparing for and responding to a COVID-19 outbreak, with a focus on vulnerable populations in South Kordofan and North Darfur states, Sudan. The organization has made significant progress in achieving this goal, including the training of community mobilizers, the distribution of soap and hygiene kits, and the provision of PPE to health facilities. The program has also been working to address the root causes of the crisis, including the economic crisis and the breakdown of protection mechanisms. The organization has been providing support to vulnerable populations, including IDPs, returnees, and refugees, and has been working to strengthen the capacity of the Sudanese government to respond to the crisis. Overall, the program has made significant progress in preparing for and responding to the COVID-19 outbreak in Sudan, and has been working to address the root causes of the crisis. The organization will continue to work with the Sudanese government and other stakeholders to ensure that the most vulnerable populations are protected and that the crisis is addressed in a comprehensive and sustainable manner.