The community-based health programs of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, supported by the Canadian Red Cross, continue to make a significant impact in the lives of residents affected by the tsunami and by conflict.
“Red Cross branches participating in the programme have the poorest health and socio-economic indicators in Sri Lanka,” says Amir Aziz, psychosocial delegate for the Canadian Red Cross in Sri Lanka. “At least 9,000 families will be reached throughout Sri Lanka as part of this programme.”
The programme has five local health promoters, each working with 10 community volunteers, who conduct health promotion activities in support of the health care system run by the Ministry of Health. Community volunteers visit families at home and in this way are available to identify the most vulnerable in the community.
Nearly 100 villagers joined dignitaries and Sri Lanka Red Cross Society representatives to celebrate the April 18 opening of the Pimburatewa branch office in Polonnaruwa district. This centre will serve as a focal point for program activities, including the training of volunteers and community members, as well as for community celebrations.
The Sri Lanka Red Cross branch of Polonnaruwa will run the community-based health programme, with technical assistance from the Canadian Red Cross.
“Our goal is to strengthen the ability of families and individuals to improve their health and living conditions through self-help action, which is facilitated by their community, their local branch of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society and the government,” says Aziz.
At the opening, Mr. H.P. Wijayesena, the Honourable Chairman of the Polonnaruwa branch of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, emphasized the importance of the programme to the community: “We treat this community-based health project as an invaluable resource to the Sri Lanka Red Cross Polonnaruwa branch, as well as to the vulnerable community of the area. We sincerely thank the Canadian Red Cross for extending their helping hand to us so that we are able to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in the area through this humanitarian service."
After the speeches and blessings, the highlight of the opening was the Mahaweli dancers and musicians who performed traditional Sri Lankan pieces. A local youth band also provided entertainment, showing that the centre will be a meeting place for all ages.
Polonnaruwa is the fourth of five such projects planned for 2008, and four more projects are scheduled to open next year in different parts of Sri Lanka.
|
 |
 |
|
|
The Sri Lanka Red Cross branch of Polonnaruwa will run the community-based health programme, with technical assistance from the Canadian Red Cross. (p17909)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
At the opening, Mr. H.P. Wijayesena, the Honourable Chairman of the Polonnaruwa branch of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, emphasized the importance of the programme to the community. (p17908)
|
|
|
 |
|
|
After the speeches and blessings, the highlight of the opening was the Mahaweli dancers and musicians who performed traditional Sri Lankan pieces. (p17907)
|
|
News
