Abstract:
Older adults (60 years+) were more likely to be severely impacted by the COVID-19 virus and the government-mandated public health measures. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), such as Reach One Touch One Ministries (ROTOM), played essential roles in supporting those affected. The specific objectives of this study include 1) to explore the experiences of ROTOM staff and volunteers that supported older adults in Uganda and Ethiopia during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2) documenting the strategies employed by ROTOM, and 3) to investigate the recovery efforts implemented to build back. Drawing from 28 interviews conducted with staff and volunteers from ROTOM, an underlying theme was the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and government-mandated public health measures on older adults. However, ROTOM utilized unique strategies to provide quality services to its beneficiaries. The knowledge of ROTOM can be shared with other countries and NGOs to help prepare for future public health crises. Drawing from 28 interviews conducted with staff and volunteers from ROTOM, an underlying theme was the negative impacts of the pandemic and public health mandates on older adults. However, ROTOM, utilized unique strategies, such as implementing Village Health Teams, to provide quality services to its beneficiaries. The knowledge and successes of ROTOM can be shared with other countries and NGOs to help build a coordinated roadmap for COVID-19 recovery and prepare for future public health crises.