African Red Cross & Red Crescent Health Initiative 2001

In late 1998, the International Federation initiated the African Red Cross/Red Crescent Health Initiative 2010 (ARCHI 2010). This ten year effort of the 53 African Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies (RC/RC) aims to build capacities to address priority public health problems^* across the continent in a more focused and more effective manner.

Introduction and Vision

By 2010, acting under the Red Cross/Red Crescent (RC/RC) principles, National Societies (NS) will be recognised for their "niche" relating to public health priorities including emergencies in each of their countries. Government authorities and beneficiaries will recognise RC/RCs for their contributions to health promotion. National Societies will identify their most vulnerable groups on an ongoing basis and will prioritise among multiple competing problems. National Societies will focus on priority problems and link closely with government authorities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international health partners in order to maximise their impact on selected health interventions.

National Societies will efficiently plan, implement, monitor and evaluate priority health interventions including emergency responses with and for the most vulnerable groups.

Country-wide networks of volunteers will effectively be the major vehicle for addressing community health problems at the district level and beyond. These networks will strengthen the outreach capacities of national health systems and insure that members of communities address their priority health problems. RC/RCs will strengthen the systematic gathering of relevant information and thus contribute to the early warning system with respect to epidemics. Donors will recognize National Societies as credible players and reliable partners in both health related development programmes and in emergencies.

To enable this:

By 2010, the Federation Secretariat will facilitate and strengthen the organisational and technical capacities of member National Societies. The Secretariat will focus its efforts to advise, coordinate, and technically support the core activities and interventions which are outlined in the RC/RC health strategy in Africa.

Global Agenda Goal

Better health for Africa's vulnerable individuals and groups served by the Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies (RC/RC) in Africa by mobilizing the power of humanity.

* The WHO definition of health implies physical, psychological and social well being