Annual Review 2023

Political tensions, natural disasters, and the economic situation took a toll on the populations in Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, and Chad in 2023.
Thanks to the tremendous efforts of our partner organizations, we were nonetheless able to support the people and make an impact.

In the fall of 2023, our organization celebrated its 20th anniversary. However, the anniversary year was particularly challenging for our partner countries: In Sudan, the war between the two main factions of the military regime forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee – including to our partner countries Ethiopia and Chad. The sheer number of displaced people increased pressure to healthcare systems; additionally, food and fuel prices rose. National political events, such as the elections in Bangladesh, accompanied by violence, further exacerbated uncertainties. Natural disasters also struck our partner countries: In Afghanistan, for example, several earthquakes shook parts of the country in October 2023, resulting in thousands of deaths. Parts of Ethiopia suffered from the worst drought in forty years. In September 2023, the long-awaited rain finally arrived, but it caused massive flooding.

Due to these multiple crises, the populations in our partner countries are confronted with political instability, rising prices, and increased poverty.

All these factors heighten the vulnerability of girls and women. Despite these challenges, thanks to the tremendous efforts of our partner organizations and budget and project adjustments, we were able to continue all projects in 2023 and further advance our efforts to strengthen the health and rights of girls and women – with encouraging results: The number of births in the health centres supported by us increased to almost 5700 (previous year: 3383). 90 aspiring midwives were able to complete their training thanks to our scholarships (previous year: 72), and 225 midwives received further training (previous year: 34). Additionally, we expanded our efforts against gender-based violence to the Somali region in Ethiopia and saw initial improvements there. For us, it is clear that we are doing our utmost to support the girls and women in our partner countries. Our vision remains a world where all people can live healthy and self-determined lives.

With your donation you invest in the health and rights of girls and women in Africa and Asia. You help to realize our projects in Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Bangladesh and Chad.

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Cover picture: More crisis-resistant thanks to training: trainee midwife in Bangladesh; Photo: Adam Dickens