BACKGROUND TO THE PROJECT
In 2020, the novel coronavirus COVID-19 was spreading rapidly across NRW’s partner country Ghana too, hitting poor sections of the population in major urban areas such as Accra particularly hard. Most people here live in very cramped conditions in informal settlements such as Old Fadama near the city’s former scrapyard. They share their small homes made from makeshift materials with several others and usually lack access to clean water and sanitation. Observing hygiene rules such as social distancing and regular handwashing was virtually impossible under these conditions. There was therefore the danger of coronavirus spreading faster in these informal settlements. The problem was exacerbated by a weak health care system. Inadequately equipped, it was at risk of being overwhelmed by a rise in infection rates.
Against this backdrop, various measures were planned to afford better protection against infection for poor sections of the population living in informal settlements near the Old Fadama scrapyard.
PROJECT OBJECTIVE
The project helped to curb the spread of coronavirus in the informal settlements near the Old Fadama scrapyard in Accra and to reduce the negative impacts.
It therefore helped achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3, namely to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
Improving hand hygiene
In 2020, 100 foot-operated hand-washing facilities (known as ‘Veronica buckets’) were purchased and installed in the vicinity of the Old Fadama scrapyard to improve hygiene. The project teamed up with the scrap workers’ association to identify central, highly frequented meeting points for installing the facilities, making sure that they were easily accessible for the people who live and work at the Old Fadama scrapyard and in the neighbouring slum. Supplies of soap, disinfectant and water were subsequently provided for the facilities. The Old Fadama Peace Committee assumed responsibility for maintenance.
By installing the Veronica buckets around the scrapyard in 2020, some 1,500 workers and residents were able to wash their hands regularly, making them less vulnerable to infection and helping to contain the pandemic.
Securing the water supply of Ussher Hospital in Old Fadama
A solar-powered well was installed at Ussher Hospital in the Old Fadama slum. This secured the hospital’s water supply during the pandemic and provided the hospital staff and patients better protection against COVID-19. It helped ensure that basic hygiene standards were met at the hospital.
Brief project description
Title: Emergency COVID-19 Support for Ghana
Term: May 2020 – March 2021
Region: Ghana, Accra
Sector: Health
Supported by: State Chancellery of North Rhine-Westphalia
Partners and actors