Co-ordinated aid approach transforms lives of vulnerable women and children in Africa
Posted on 18 Apr 2024
By Greg Thom, journalist, Institute of Community Directors Australia
An Australian overseas aid organisation, a philanthropic foundation and the federal government have pooled their efforts to help disadvantaged women in Uganda.
World Vision Australia will receive $750,000 in funding from the Judith Neilson Foundation aimed at expanding its Health and Nutrition for All (HANA) program, which supports vulnerable children and women in the African nation.
The cash injection will supplement more than $3.5 million in funding already committed to the project by the Albanese government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
World Vision said Ugandan women, people with disabilities and children face significant barriers to accessing quality and inclusive health and nutrition services.
Northern Uganda has a particularly high prevalence of severely malnourished children under five (4.8%). An estimated 83% of the country’s 38 million strong population are without access to reliable, safe drinking water.
The HANA Uganda project partners with communities across northern Uganda to deliver life-changing healthcare and services for the region's most vulnerable citizens.
World Vision Australia CEO Daniel Wordsworth said his organisation was grateful for the Judith Neilson Foundation’s generosity and trust.
“We applaud Judith and the foundation’s board for her long-term vision and commitment to give priority to communities that are most vulnerable,” said Mr Wordsworth.
“We’re also thankful for the support from the Australian Government, through ANCP funding, for our HANA Uganda program, which ensures sustainable health outcomes in communities and is helping change the lives of women and children in northern Uganda.”
Aligned with World Vision Uganda’s 2020–25 strategy, the overall goal of the HANA project is to end preventable illness, impairment and death among 109,839 adults, young people, and children under five in the northern districts of Oyam, Omoro and Pader by 2025.
“Investing in women’s access to quality health care, clean water and nutrition is not just a matter of equity, it's a catalyst for change.”
Judith Neilson, founder of the Judith Neilson Foundation, welcomed the partnership with World Vision to strengthen maternal and child health care in Uganda.
“Investing in women’s access to quality health care, clean water and nutrition is not just a matter of equity, it's a catalyst for change,” she said.
“By ensuring these critical services reach the most vulnerable in Uganda, World Vision is uplifting women and paving the way for a future where everyone can thrive.”