01/01/2026
MSD Launches UNICEF–FCDO Supported Child Protection and GBV in Emergencies Project in Amhara
Mahibere Hiwot for Social Development has officially launched a new project titled Crisis-Affected Children Are Protected from Violence, Exploitation, Abuse, Neglect, and Harmful Practices, implemented with financial support from UNICEF and FCDO under the Child Protection and GBV in Emergencies program.
The project will run from December 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 and will be implemented in North Gojjam Zone and Awi Zone of the Amhara Region. Target locations include Bahir Dar Zuria and North Mecha woredas and Merawi Town in North Gojjam, as well as Guagusa Shikudad and Zigem woredas and Chagni Town in Awi Zone.
The intervention directly targets 2,857 crisis-affected children and women and girl survivors, with women and girls comprising 63 percent of the direct beneficiaries, through tailored case management services. In addition, 1,101 individuals will benefit from capacity-building trainings, 4,860 participants will be reached through community awareness sessions, and 114 public and community structures will be actively engaged. The total project budget is ETB 126,521,783.10, equivalent to USD 869,804.45. Women and Girls Safe Space equipment will be provided directly by UNICEF across the target areas.
During the launch workshop, Mr. Tilaye Gizachew, Executive Director of Mahibere Hiwot for Social Development, welcomed participants and reaffirmed MSD’s strong commitment to delivering life-saving protection services in hard-to-reach and conflict-affected areas. He emphasized the project’s operational readiness and invited the guest of honor, Mr. Birhanu Zewdu, Director of Disaster Risk Management of the Amhara National Regional State, to officially open the project.
In his remarks, Mr. Birhanu underscored the timeliness of the intervention, its continuity with previous successful responses, and the critical importance of strong coordination among all stakeholders. Mr. Ayenew Melese, Protection Officer from UNICEF Bahir Dar Area Office, also addressed the event, commending the longstanding partnership between UNICEF and MSD and outlining UNICEF’s expectations for the new project’s results.
A detailed project overview, covering the rationale, objectives, strategies, planned activities, and budget, was presented by Mr. Sefiw Birhanu, CP and GBViE Program Coordinator at MSD. The event concluded with closing remarks from Mrs. Birtukan Sisay, Head of Women, Children and Social Affairs of the Amhara National Regional State, who highlighted the region’s complex humanitarian challenges and called for sustained commitment from all partners to ensure effective and timely implementation.
