The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) remains committed to our countries and communities of operation during this crisis, says AKDN’s website.
While tracking the pandemic locally and globally in February and March, several AKDN agencies such as the Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS), the Aga Khan University (AKU) and the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) engaged with national Ministries of Health to help raise funds for country-specific COVID-19 preparedness plans. The priority was to bolster government diagnostic and care capacities and secure much needed supplies and test kits.
By mid-March, an AKDN COVID-19 Taskforce was set up to mount a robust response to the pandemic across all agencies and the Imamat. The AKDN response ranged from front-line health workers treating patients and testing suspected cases to construction of additional health facilities to advising national authorities on their country’s response and preparedness.
AKDN's operations and programs were also being adapted to complement those of governments. AKDN put in place contingency plans across all country offices to adapt operational procedures to quarantine measures and other restrictions where necessary; to maintain as much program implementation as possible; to adopt remote-working or remote-delivery models where necessary and feasible; and to prepare for further restrictions on movement, meetings, or activities.
AKDN reportedly also utilized existing country networks to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by serving community needs, including support for public policies on self-isolation and quarantine; developing and introducing a spectrum of protocols for prevention, containment and care; and surveillance and case reporting. Addressing issues of economic wellbeing and social cohesion was a particular focus.
The AKDN COVID-19 Taskforce adopted three pillars for its work: 1) slow and stop transmission, prevent outbreaks, delay and suppress the spread (or “flatten the curve”); 2) provide optimized care for all patients, especially for the severely and critically ill; and 3) minimize impact on communities, the vulnerable, social services and economic activity.
