Our Projects: where hope becomes reality

Inclusive Peace and Development in Africa (IPADA) conducted a reconnaissance and networking mission in Ari Zone, South Ethiopia Region, Ethiopia. Based on the understanding created and the request of the relevant actors during this mission, serious of health campaigns have been launched focusing on the treatment of four neglected diseases free of change. These include maxillofacial deformities, cataract, utero-vaginal prolapse (UVP), and fistula. The partners that have been participating in the campaign include IPADA, Jinka General Hospital, Ari Zone Administration, Ari Zone Health Department, four woreda administrations, two town administrations, the Health Bureau of South Ethiopia Region, and the Allegro Foundation.

Besides addressing the health problems of the unreachable and underserved segments of the population in Ari Zone and the neighboring zones, the purpose of this initiative is to promote collaboration and build the capacity of health professionals. IPADA will continue to work on projects that will make citizens healthy, productive, and independent thereby ensuring inclusion.

The Ari Zone is one of the remote locations in Ethiopia with multiple challenges such as lack of resources and infrastructure to improve livestock production and animal health. Recent reports reveal that child malnourishment is on the rise in Ari, not to mention about multiple other livelihood and health-related problems. These problems were raised during the fact-finding mission of IPADA. The Ari Zone Department of Agriculture reported about its plan to launch synchronization, artificial insemination and deworming to keep animal health, increase milk production, raise household income, and fight child malnourishment.

However, the zone apparently lacked financial resources and shortage of expertise to execute its plan. Therefore, IPADA and Allegro Foundation were requested to supply inputs such as hormones and other inputs for synchronization and deworming, and mobilize qualified veterinary experts who can travel to Ari Zone to work with local experts. Based on this request, a mass synchronization and artificial insemination of cows was conducted. The partners who contributed to this commendable effort include IPADA, Ari Zone Administration, the Department of Agriculture of Ari Zone, Jinka University, and the Allegro Foundation.

IPADA has also been involved in similar intervention in Tigray Region in partnership with Mekelle University, Tigray Bureau of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Innovation and Technology. The synchronization and insemination activities will continue to effectively combat malnutrition and poverty.

South Ari Woreda Administration requested IPADA and Allegro Foundation to help with the maintenance of 31 springs that are out of order. Based on this request, a rapid assessment was undertaken to find out the history of the springs, the causes of spring damage, the maintenance needs of individual springs, the quantity and quality of inputs required for the maintenance, the needs and commitments of the beneficiaries, the presence/absence of water committees, and the added values of the springs maintenance in terms of job creation and/or conflict resolution. Moreover, four non-governmental actors operating in the area were approached, and they expressed strong interest to collaborate with IPADA and the local government. These partners include the World Vision, Action for Development, IRC WASH, and the Red Cross Society. At the moment, the six partners are engaged in the maintenance of the 31 springs.

Other activities that have been undertaken or being planned are briefly discussed under the organizational profile on IPADA. These include the shipment of medical equipment for hospitals in Tigray and computers for Gazer Construction and Industrial College in Ari Zone, and the construction of latrine and the distribution of sanitary pads for internally displaced persons in Tigray Region. Besides, IPADA and its partners have plans to: