COVID Safety Measures Enabled by Donors
AMPATH’s GISHE microfinance groups provide a path to health and wealth for thousands of Kenyans working in the informal sector.
Through the generosity of AMPATH supporters, last week AMPATH project officers distributed over 2,000 hand washing containers and soap to group leaders and local chiefs so group members can continue to save and provide for their families’ health in a safe environment.
The savings and loan groups supported by AMPATH have demonstrated the role of wealth in healthcare access and affordability. Additionally, they have provided an excellent platform to provide health services including early screening for chronic diseases as well as promotion of health insurance uptake.
For many group members such as Peris, a 42-year-old widow with four children, being in a GISHE group means she is no longer relying on handouts and well-wishers. She struggled to pay school fees previously and performed low paying casual jobs to be able to provide for her family.
After she joined Asis Women’s group in 2016, she was able to get a little capital to start a grocery stand in Akichelesit in Teso, Busia County. With the annual share out she has been able to pay school fees and takes loans from time to time to expand her business. Asis Women’s group, which literally means the ‘sun’ in the local dialect, has been a much needed ray of light and source of financial freedom for the women members.
However, due to COVID restrictions on social gatherings, microfinance group meetings were stopped earlier this year. This threatened the gains being made in group formation and mentorship, and also weakened the financial ability of many households dependent on the groups for business capital.
The economic toll of COVID-19 has been immense and the ability to resume microfinance group activities to allow families to build wealth is an urgent priority.
A common characteristic of AMPATH’s GISHE groups is the level of discipline evident in the timelines and order during meetings. With the support of our partners, AMPATH has been working with local administration to ensure the safety of groups in adherence to strict government standards.
Group meeting will now have to adhere to additional meeting rules in order to resume. To ensure that group members are able to wash hands and maintain social distancing, group meetings have been restricted to 5 people maintaining 1.5m distancing. They will also be required to provide hand washing points at meeting venues.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced programs everywhere to re-envision delivery of community interventions. “Our GISHE groups have been significantly affected by the ongoing pandemic. Knowing how important it is to keep them going, we are grateful for partners who have swiftly responded to sustain this key program,” said Dr. Jeremiah Laktabai, AMPATH’s population health lead. He added that the leadership of AMPATH continues to monitor the situation adjusting accordingly in line with government directives for the safety of our group members.
