The International Community for the Relief of Suffering and Starvation (ICROSS) is a prominent non-governmental organization (NGO) with a rich history dedicated to improving the lives of pastoral communities in East Africa. Founded in 1979 by Dr. Michael Elmore-Meegan and Dr. Joseph Barnes, ICROSS initially operated under the name “Community for the Relief of Suffering and Starvation” (CROSS). With headquarters situated in Ngong, Kenya, the organization has since expanded its reach and impact across the region.
A Focus on Long-Term Solutions
ICROSS distinguishes itself by prioritizing long-term, sustainable development programs over solely addressing immediate crisis situations. Their core mission lies in strengthening primary healthcare systems, promoting community-driven solutions, and empowering pastoral communities to take charge of their well-being. This focus on long-term goals sets them apart from some relief organizations that primarily offer emergency aid.
Key Areas of Expertise
ICROSS’s expertise spans a broad spectrum of healthcare and development issues. Here’s a closer look at some of their primary areas of focus:
- Community-Based Primary Healthcare: ICROSS establishes and supports healthcare programs readily accessible to local communities. This includes training traditional birth attendants, reducing maternal mortality rates, and promoting disease prevention strategies.
- Poverty Reduction: The organization tackles poverty through various initiatives such as training healthcare workers in remote areas, controlling trachoma and other blinding diseases, and implementing desertification control projects.
- Children’s Rights and Gender Equality: ICROSS champions children’s health and well-being through programs focused on sanitation and hygiene education, disease control, and promoting girls’ education. They also actively advocate for gender equality within communities.
- Community Strengthening: Building resilient and empowered communities is central to ICROSS’s approach. They achieve this by providing technical support to local organizations, promoting water and sanitation projects, and fostering collaboration and networking among various stakeholders.
- HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria Prevention: ICROSS tackles these widespread diseases through initiatives like homecare for terminally ill patients, disease awareness campaigns, and promoting voluntary counseling and testing.
International Recognition and Innovation
ICROSS has garnered international recognition for its dedication to public health and development work. The organization’s research arm, established over 40 years ago, has collaborated with numerous partners on various research projects. Their work on solar disinfection (SODIS) as a method for purifying drinking water is a notable example.
ICROSS actively seeks innovative solutions for improving healthcare delivery. They maintain an “entirely Africanized” administration since 2000, demonstrating their commitment to local leadership and ownership. In recent years, the organization has implemented a low-cost innovation plan in collaboration with local communities and launched a new five-year strategic plan (2020-2024) focused on results-based management and enhanced awareness campaigns.
Overcoming Challenges
ICROSS, like many NGOs, has faced its share of challenges. Notably, the Irish branch of the organization closed in 2010 due to concerns raised about financial accountability. However, it’s important to distinguish between the Irish branch and the primary Kenyan organization (ICROSS Kenya). The latter remains fully compliant with Kenyan government regulations. Dr. Elmore-Meegan himself successfully addressed these concerns through legal proceedings in Ireland.
Looking Ahead
ICROSS continues to be a vital force for positive change in East Africa. With their unwavering commitment to community-driven development and long-term solutions, they empower pastoral communities to build a healthier and more prosperous future. Their dedication to research, innovation, and transparency further strengthens their impact. While challenges may arise, ICROSS’s proven track record and unwavering dedication to its mission position the organization for continued success in the years to come.
