The
second Saturday of September traditionally marks World First
Aid Day – an occasion for health professionals and relief
agencies, like the Red Cross and Red Crescent, to highlight
the lifesaving importance of first aid.
This year, Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies in
South Asia will use the occasion to recognise and celebrate
the contribution that volunteers make towards improving the
lives of communities throughout the world.
In addition to delivering lifesaving first aid and essential
health care services during emergencies, armed conflicts and
natural disasters, the Red Cross and Red Crescent’s immense
network of millions of volunteers also makes a valuable contribution
to the every-day health and well being of communities.
“Volunteers are the backbone and power of the national
Red Cross and Red Crescent societies,” says Dr Sultan
Mohammod Homayoun, Health Programme Manager for the International
Federation’s delegation in Afghanistan.
“They play an important role in the community, providing
first aid for basic injuries and illnesses at the village level,
where access to health facilities is limited,” he says,
adding that Afghan Red Crescent Society volunteers also work
to improve the health and well being of isolated and vulnerable
communities, through a variety of activities, such as health
education and community awareness.
“This enhances the knowledge and capacity of remote communities
to protect themselves, and reduce the incidence of common diseases
such as diarrhoea and malaria, while promoting childhood vaccinations
and maternal health.”
Afghan Red Crescent Society volunteers also work with communities
on initiatives to prevent HIV/AIDS and associated stigma and
discrimination, as well as on mine awareness education –
an “extremely important” topic in a country that
has been at war for over 24 years, says Dr Homayoun.
Volunteers also play an active role in promoting the fundamental
principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement –
humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary
service, unity and universality.
Leading by example, through the provision of first aid and other
activities, which relieve the suffering of the most vulnerable,
Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers encourage the communities
in which they live to recognise and value humanity, through
respect for all human beings, regardless of their nationality,
race, religious beliefs, class or political opinion.
Mr Khem Raj is a Programme Manager with the Nepal Red Cross
Society. He proudly states that Nepal Red Cross Society volunteers
carry out activities in their communities to create awareness
regarding the principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
and also provide humanitarian assistance without any selfish
motives.
“During the recent pro-democracy movement in Nepal, volunteers
were mobilised to provide first aid services to the community
and were responsible for saving the lives of many people,”
says Mr Raj.
In recognition of their contribution to humanity, the 2006 World
First Aid Day will highlight how Red Cross and Red Crescent
first aid volunteers save lives without discrimination.
Throughout the South Asia region, five Red Cross and Red Crescent
National Societies will celebrate the contribution of their
volunteers through activities at the national, state, district
and community levels.
The Afghan Red Crescent Society plans to hold an official awards
ceremony in Kabul to recognise the enormous contribution of
their volunteers, and will conduct first aid demonstrations
and competitions and health-related community theatre productions.
In Bangladesh, the Red Crescent Society will celebrate the spirit
of their common mission by joining hands to create a human chain
of volunteers across all 68 of their National Society units
and will conduct public first aid demonstrations and competitions
across the country.
The Nepal Red Cross Society will recognise the tremendous community
contribution of its volunteers by holding gatherings and awards
ceremonies throughout the country at which first aid demonstrations
and competitions will be held and health information material
will be distributed.
In Sri Lanka, the Red Cross plans to celebrate the contribution
of its volunteers by holding events at three major centres,
Colombo, Kurunegala and Gampaha, and will conduct nationwide
first aid training examinations.
And the Pakistan Red Crescent Society is holding a number of
events in conjunction with the International Federation in Banna,
in Allai valley, an area devastated by the earthquake, which
struck northern Pakistan almost a year ago. These activities
will include a public gathering to inform local leaders about
community-based first aid, as well as community theatre productions
and a week-long first aid training course for volunteers.
Every-day, Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers across the
South Asia region work to save lives and relieve suffering through
a commitment to the spirit of humanity, which sees them provide
first aid and contribute to community health and social development.
Their contribution towards building of a better, safer and more
peaceful world should not be undervalued.
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Afghan
Red Crescent community-based first aid volunteers are
an invaluable resource for promoting health messages to
remote communities. (p14621)
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A
young boy, who was hurt during the clashes in Nepal in
April, receives first aid from Red Cross doctors and volunteers.
(p13971) (Khem Aryal)
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Kashmir
earthquake, Pakistan and India, October 8 2005. PRCS blood
donation campaign for earthquake victims. Every evening
between 100 and 150 young blood donors visit the PRCS
center to give blood for the victims of the earthquake.
(Till Mayer / International Federation)
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First
aid volunteers from Nepal Red Cross delivered lifesaving
medical assistance during recent political unrest in the
country. The Nepal Red Cross Society will recognise the
tremendous community contribution of its volunteers by
holding ceremonies throughout the country at which first
aid demonstrations will be held(p14622).
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