Description
Background
Fragile settings such as Tana River and Kilifi counties face recurrent droughts and flash floods, causing displacement and overstretching health systems. During crises, non-communicable disease (NCD) management is often deprioritized as facilities prioritize communicable disease outbreaks. To safeguard continuity of care, the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), with Danish Red Cross support, embedded a Crisis Modifier fund within the Continuity in Crisis (CIC) project. Crisis Modifiers allow early response through pre-defined risk assessments, thresholds, and triggers, linked to the KRCS Multi-Hazard Contingency Plan. This study documents their role in sustaining NCD services during disasters.
Methods
From 2022–2025, the CIC project implemented Crisis Modifiers during three disaster events (drought and floods) in Tana River and Kilifi. Twenty health facilities received NCD service training, while 200 community health promoters (CHPs) mapped and followed up 1,128 persons with NCDs (PWNCDs). Twenty-seven patient support groups (PSGs) were established for self-care, psychosocial wellbeing, and socio-economic support. Data were drawn from activation records, health facility reports, and community outreach documentation.
Results
Crisis Modifier activations supported emergency procurement of essential NCD commodities, integrated medical outreaches, and cash assistance. Approximately 4,287 people were reached through outreaches, while 630 vulnerable PWNCDs received food assistance via cash transfers. Mapping and follow-up ensured continuity of care and strengthened referral pathways. PSGs provided resilience through peer support, while health facilities incorporated Crisis Modifier activities into emergency health plans. Reported outcomes included improved drug adherence, reduced treatment interruptions, and enhanced health-seeking behaviors during crises.
Conclusion
Crisis Modifiers proved effective in protecting PWNCDs from service disruption during emergencies. Embedding them within county disaster frameworks, supported by clear activation guidelines and thresholds, ensures early, flexible, and life-saving responses. Scaling this model is critical for sustaining NCD care in disaster-prone humanitarian settings.
Keywords:
Disaster preparedness, Health systems resilience, Humanitarian emergencies, Crisis modifier
| Country | Kenya |
|---|---|
| Organization | Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) |
| Position | Health Program officer |
| Received a Grant? | Yes |
| If yes, give grant details | The project is being funded by Novo Nordisk foundation through Danish Red Cross. |
