Prioritizing Communities We Serve in the Midst of COVID-19

Chip Lyons, EGPAF President and CEO

As the outbreak of COVID-19 spreads, all of us—global leaders, national governments, and health care providers—are rallying to protect the communities we serve. As an organization that brings high-quality HIV services to more than a million vulnerable children, youth, and families, EGPAF is already seeing the impact of COVID-19 in our work. As we face this crisis together, our highest priorities are the health and safety of our staff and continuing to provide quality, uninterrupted care to communities living with HIV.

As the landscape of this pandemic continues to shift, we’ve found our firmest footing by concentrating on the core principles that have helped to guide our programmatic responses since our founding over 30 years ago.

As the landscape of this pandemic continues to shift, we’ve found our firmest footing by concentrating on the core principles that have helped to guide our programmatic responses since our founding over 30 years ago. Chip Lyons, CEO

Here’s what that means to us:

Protect health workers and staff on the frontlines

As the vast majority of EGPAF’s workforce directly engages with country health systems, we are assessing and preparing for the impact and escalation of COVID-19 on the communities we serve and the health workers who serve them. EGPAF is working to implement necessary education and prevention measures for our health facilities, staff, and clients consistent with international guidelines and in consultation with Ministries of Health.

Ensure consistent care for people living with HIV

EGPAF is collaborating closely with staff and local partners to ensure that people living with HIV, TB, and related health issues are able to continue accessing the life-saving services they need. EGPAF has a long history of adapting to the evolving HIV/AIDS epidemic, and this challenge will be no different. As an example, we are encouraging expansion of decentralized services such as community-based care and multi-month medication dispensing to reduce potential client exposure to COVID-19 at health facilities.

Evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on communities living with HIV, TB, and related health issues – in ALL age groups

At this time, it is not clear what COVID-19 means for children and people living with HIV. EGPAF strongly supports efforts to further understand the effects COVID-19 will have on populations at the heart of our mission, including pregnant women, children, and youth affected by HIV, TB, or both. EGPAF stands ready to help in gathering the evidence needed to know the impact of COVID-19 on the populations we serve.

Allow Programs to Adapt and Respond

COVID-19 requires both a rapid response and a long-term strategy. We appreciate PEPFAR and Global Fund’s quick steps to make resources available to address COVID-19 with the urgency it demands. Some of our programs are working with our donor community to shift funds for emergency use, including purchasing personal protective equipment and addressing supply chain issues for critical medications. We will continue to work to adapt to local needs, while ensuring continuity of HIV and TB services.

Now more than ever, EGPAF’s work is essential. We remain steadfast in our determination to protect the health and well-being of children, youth, and families affected by HIV—and to support the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Chip Lyons, CEO

Now more than ever, EGPAF’s work is essential. We remain steadfast in our determination to protect the health and well-being of children, youth, and families affected by HIV—and to support the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. With this in mind, we commit to keeping you informed of our plans and programmatic updates as the situation develops in the days and weeks ahead.