When the system fails, the community steps in

Danish People's Aid works to ensure that people in crises can get the help they need and build a better future for themselves.

humanitarian aid in the world

We provide emergency aid and create development

between crisis and development

Since the 1940s, Danish People's Aid has built up experience, networks and programs to work internationally. We work in some of the world's most vulnerable and crisis-stricken societies based on a fundamental belief that lasting change is created by people and communities. We collaborate in long-term and trust-based partnerships with local organizations that are closely rooted in their communities. In this way, we strengthen the power of people and communities to act and their ability to stand up for each other.

Our international work is based on three interconnected focus areas: access to basic services, strengthening local communities resilience and preparedness and rapid and dignified humanitarian support to people affected by crises. Together, they contribute to people and communities becoming better able to handle challenges, respond to crises and create their own development.

1. access to basic services

We create access to basic services such as education, water and improved sanitation. Together with local communities and authorities, we build and rehabilitate infrastructure that not only works, but is owned and maintained locally.

2. resilience and preparedness

When crises arise, it is the local community that responds first. Danish People's Aid strengthens the social infrastructure through first aid networks, WASH committees and local preparedness – anchored in a shared culture of stepping in.

3. rapid humanitarian response

When crises strike, it is crucial to respond quickly. Danish People's Aid delivers fast, flexible and locally led humanitarian support – often within a few days – with a focus on cash, emergency aid and solutions that strengthen people's own ability to act..

here we work

Afghanistan

Since 2003, Danish People's Aid has ensured that thousands of girls and boys have access to education and emergency assistance in the most vulnerable areas of Afghanistan:

  • Access to education
  • Shelter and emergency aid
  • Development of sector standards and quality assurance of infrastructure solutions

Kenya

Danish People's Aid works in Kenya together with local partners to ensure: 

  • Access to clean water and hygiene in vulnerable communities 
  • Strengthened local ownership and citizen involvement in service delivery 
  • Humanitarian aid for families affected by floods and crises
  • Psychosocial support and protection for vulnerable groups 

Mozambique

Danish People's Aid works in Mozambique together with local partners to ensure: : 

  • Access to clean water and hygiene in crisis situations  
  • Food aid for displaced people and host communities   
  • Humanitarian relief through cash transfers and basic necessities 
  • Rapid response to climate disasters such as floods and cyclones   

Myanmar

Danish People's Aid works in Myanmar together with local partners to ensure: 

  • Access to basic healthcare in crisis-affected areas 
  • Improved hygiene and sanitation (WASH) conditions  
  • Humanitarian relief through mobile health services and emergency support
  • Strengthened local capacities through health workers and volunteers  

Somalia

Danish People's Aid works in Somalia together with local partners to ensure: 

  • Access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene 
  • Strengthened resilience in local communities affected by climate and crisis 
  • Humanitarian aid for families affected by drought, conflict and floods 
  • Improved access to food and nutrition through cash-transfer support and local solutions 

Tanzania

Danish People's Aid works in Tanzania together with local partners to ensure: 

  • Access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene 
  • Strengthening the role of civil society in the WASH sector 
  • Better planning and accountability in public services 
  • Increased local engagement in sustainable solutions 

Uganda

Danish People's Aid has been present in Uganda for several decades. Together with local partners, we work to ensure: 

  • Access to clean water and hygiene  
  • Strengthened resilience through first aid networks for vulnerable children and young people in refugee camps.  
  • Humanitarian aid to vulnerable communities 
  • Increased safety and living conditions through organizing and training marginalized bodaboda drivers in first aid and traffic safety 

Ukraine

Danish People's Aid has been present in Ukraine since the beginning of the war. We ensure:

  • Access to schools, water and energy
  • Access for vulnerable people with disabilities to public institutions  
  • Rapid cash and winter assistance in crisis areas 

Zambia

Danish People's Aid works in Zambia together with local partners to ensure:

  • Access to clean water and sanitation for vulnerable groups 
  • Strengthened civil society and monitoring of service delivery 
  • Responsible management of resources in the WASH sector 
  • Increased cooperation between citizens and authorities