8th May 2004

Africa / Americas and the Caribbean / Asia and the Pacific / Europe / Middle East and North Africa

The following pages will be regularly updated as and when reports come in from National Societies across the world



AFRICA

East Africa

Burundi Red Cross
The Burundi Red Cross combined an active public information campaign with practical assistance to the community to mark May 8th. In the capital, Bujumbura, Red Cross volunteers mobilised their courage and their municipal services colleagues to clean the "Avenue de la Croix-Rouge", which was blocked by refuse. In primary schools, 100 selected children were shown first aid techniques to treat victims of accidents in the school context. With support from national media, the Red Cross also produced a series of programmes on their health centres as well as their assistance activities for street children. The day concluded with a press conference given by the president of the Burundi Red Cross, Dr. François Buyoya, who informed journalists about Red Cross assistance to people living with HIV/AIDS.

Comoros Red Crescent
The Comoros Red Crescent invited representatives from many sectors of society to celebrate May 8, including political and religious leaders. Celebrations were organized by the three regional committees and the national headquarters. Under the theme "Respect for human dignity, no to discrimination", the national ceremonies began on the evening of 7 May in the village of Jimlimé, on the island of Anjouan. The origins of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement as well the seven fundamental principles were festively evoked, through songs and story-telling, around a campfire. On the day itself, many different types of events had been organized on the islands, including parades and various cultural activities as well as simulations of home and field accidents. Lectures on nutrition, health and hygiene, family planning and road safety were also given and distributions of clothes to orphans organized. With backing from radio and television, the role of the Red Crescent in helping victims of natural disasters, conflict and epidemics was explained to the population. The final event was a football game which pitted the Red Crescent volunteers against a local team from Djomani.

Ethiopian Red Cross
May 8 was celebrated colourfully in all 36 Ethiopian Red Cross Society branches. They used the day disseminate the principles of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement and to advocate the respect and power of humanity. On the eve of May 8, the Ethiopian President, Girma Wolde-Girogis, who is also the Patron of the ERCS, delivered a message in support. He called on all government organizations, NGOs and society at large to continue their financial support for the Red Cross. He also lent his support to the campaign against discrimination. At a press conference organized on the same day, Ato Getachew Ta'a, Secretary General of the National Society said: "May 8 is a gesture of humanity which is the cardinal principle of The Red Cross. The ERCS works not only to stop discrimination but also to ascertain respect for all humanity."
On May 8 itself, with Red Cross banners and flags much in evidence, ERCS branches organized theatre and musical performances to disseminate the Fundamental Principles. They also carried out recruitment and education and advocacy work on HIV/AIDS. In cooperation with Central Postal Service, the theme was stamped on each letter, thus delivering a vital message to thousands of customers.

Kenya Red Cross
Using this year’s global theme, “Stop Discrimination”, the Kenya Red Cross Society marked World Red Cross Day on 8 May with a music concert and family fun day. Those attending included representatives of the corporate world, the Red Cross Movement, Schools, Universities, Red Cross Youth clubs and other organisations representing the less fortunate and members of the public. To show the KRCS’s solidarity with those who suffer from discrimination - whether because of race, gender, ability, colour, orientation, age or health – the Society invited those who suffer from discrimination or are suffering from discrimination. The Family Fun Day gave an opportunity to Kenyan public in its diversity to interact and share fun time together, with activities for children at the heart of the day’s entertainment. Among the highlights was an Henry Dunant Treasure Hunt.

Rwandan Red Cross
The Stop Discrimination message was particularly fitting in Rwanda, as it marked the 10th anniversary of the genocide, after which, the Rwandan Red Cross (CRR) says, there were few that emerged blameless, even from within the National Society. In a press release, Alphonse Kalinganire, secretary general of the CRR recalled the Red Cross mission to serve every human being in need without distinction. “Given the recent history of our country, it’s a worthwhile struggle, even if it seems hopeless.” Kalinganire said the CRR had decided not to mark the 8 May with festive celebrations, as was normally the case. Instead it conducted clean-up activities in Kigali and the collection of aid for the vulnerable and genocide survivors. “This will certainly be a special way of celebrating, an occasion to as questions of ourselves individually and collectively, so as to better serve in the future,” the secretary general said.

Seychelles Red Cross
To commemorate Red Cross Day, members of the Seychelles Red Cross Youth took to the busy streets of the capital, Victoria, to sell flags, stickers, books and encourage members of the public to join the Red Cross and support the humanitarian movement. Wearing their bibs, the Youth Members moved amongst the throng of shoppers selling stickers saying “I am a friend of Seychelles Red Cross”. Braving the heat and the crowd the cheerful members gave the public information about the society and explained that they were fundraising for their launch in August this year. Activities to commemorate Red Cross Day also included a message from the President of the National Society, Mrs Colette Servina, a special edition of the Red Cross Newsletter, a centre-spread in the Nation newspaper as well as a commemorative radio programme. This year the Red Cross Society of Seychelles is celebrating its 15th anniversary.


Somalia Red Crescent
Among the activities carried out by the Somali Red Crescent was a visit to an intermediate school in Garowe to explain the meaning of 8 May, the history of the National Society and Movement, HIV/AIDS awareness and the campaign against stigma and discrimination. The staff and volunteers then took their prevention and anti-stigma message into the market place. In the evening, a ceremony was held at the SRCS Compound, involving Red Crescent leadership, staff and volunteers, representatives of the ICRC and Federation, local government leaders, women and youth groups and religious groups.

Tanzania Red Cross
The staff, members and volunteers of the Tanzania Red Cross Society put this year’s theme into action by celebrating World Red Cross/Red Crescent day with the children of the Kurasini Orphanage Centre. The event, attended by the Dar Regional Commissioner, Lt. Yusuph Makamba, saw TRCS members distributing clothes, shoes and cartoons of laundry soap to the children. “We commend the Red Cross for taking care of these vulnerable children”, said the Commissioner. Reiterating this year’s theme, the TRCS Secretary General Alhaj Adam Kimbisa called on Tanzanians to stop discriminating against people on the basis of their gender, religion or political affiliation.
Other vulnerable groups that benefited from TRSC donations were elderly people of the Nunge centre for the old, disabled children cared for by the Salvation Army and mentally handicapped children from the Mtoni Maalum Centre. In total, the TRCS donation to the four centres amounted to 1,180,000 Tanzanian Shillings (1,400 Swiss francs).

Uganda Red Cross
The Uganda Red Cross Society marked the International Red Cross week with a series of activities held under the theme: Respect Human Dignity – Save Life. The week began on Friday 30 April, with a call for people to help expectant mothers in war-ravaged northern Uganda by contributing to a “mama bag appeal”. The “Mama Bag” contains assorted items to ensure safe delivery, such as gloves, cord ligatures, surgical razor blades, cotton wool, gauze, a plastic birth sheet, and cotton sheets to receive the newly born baby. This will be complementary to mass mobilization for routine immunization activities, also in northern Uganda. At the launch, the President of Uganda Red Cross, Retired Bishop Edward Baharagate, received items collected for the children in northern Uganda through the “warm bag” appeal of 2003. The items were handed over by the Red Cross fundraising task force, which implemented the appeal in 2003. The warm bag initiative involved collection of items for the children in Putika camp for internally displaced persons, in Pader district. Items in each bag include; a blanket, two items of clothing and soap. Throughout the week, there was blood donation at various centres all over the country, which realized over 5,000 units of blood. Among the guest donors this year were the Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees and the Inspector General of Uganda Police Forces. Other activities included the launch of the road safety campaign in the eastern town of Mbale, which was attended by taxi drivers, motorcyclists and other road users. They were urged to respect road signs and other road users in order to minimize road traffic accidents. The launch of immunization campaigns in Bushenyi and Mbarara, Western Uganda were also part of the celebrations, while the Red Cross youth engaged in dissemination through a fabulous concert at the National Theatre in Kampala. Over 50 members were recruited at the show, including the Minister of State for Youth and Children who became a life member. To crown the week, another sub-branch was launched, at a function officiated by the Vice President of Uganda, Professor Gilbert Bukenya. He hailed Uganda Red Cross for its noble activities and called upon members to join the society. Forty-eight first aiders who had been training all week were also passed out at the same function. The week-long celebrations were very colourful, attracting high profile participants from government departments, humanitarian agencies, members of parliament, and many others.

Regional Delegation for East Africa
In a statement by the Head of Delegation, the regional delegation expressed its solidarity with national societies, their staff, volunteers and members of the Rwanda Red Cross who are still mourning those lost in the 1994 genocide.
As part of celebrating the World Red Cross Red Crescent Day, the Regional Delegation's Peer Educators visited the Little Rock Day Care Centre for orphans and children made vulnerable as a result of HIV and AIDS and donated items to the centre. The visit was intended to show solidarity and compassion for the most vulnerable in the society in line with the theme of this year's celebration "Stop Discrimination".
On 8 May, the Regional Delegation also launched a story-telling competition among staff and volunteers of the 14 national societies in the region as well as associations of People Living with HIV and AIDS. The theme of the stories is breaking the silence on stigma directed at women and girls and aims to highlight the stigma experiences of Women and Girls living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. The stories will be published to encourage everybody to do more, compel our leaders to speak out, and stand up and take action to protect the rights of women. This year's competition follows a poster competition launched in 2003 aimed at promoting understanding and compassion, protecting human rights and ensuring the well being of those living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. Several winning posters have since been printed and distributed in large numbers across and beyond the region.
Following the Regional Communications Forum held in March, significant improvements have been noted in information exchange between counterparts in the region. Press releases, especially linked to the World Red Cross Red Crescent day were extensively shared.

Southern Africa

Angola Red Cross
A range of activities were held at national and provincial level under the theme ‘No to Stigma and Discrimination to people living with HIV/AIDS’. These included sporting activities, cultural events and educational lectures aimed at schools, prisons and the military, at which condoms and information about the Red Cross were distributed. The Red Cross message reached a wider public thanks to a popular television programme, broadcast on 7 May. Cultural events included a photographic exhibition about ARC activities, theatre and poetry. These events were representatives of the Federation and ICRC, members of the government, diplomatic corps, UN agencies and NGOs. Among the sporting events was a walking marathon and a football match on 9 May between the national teams of Angola and Namibia. During the half-time interval, some 3,000 condoms and a great deal of educational material were distributed. During the events in Angola, the Red Cross worked closely with the Association of the People Living with HIV/AIDS.

Lesotho Red Cross
The President of the Lesotho Red Cross Society, Mrs Makabelo Mosothoane, said the LRCS is working hard to prevent stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and AIDS in Lesotho. “All kinds of discrimination are bad and we should all fight it because discrimination divides people,” she said as she addressed hundreds of people and schoolchildren who gathered to celebrate the 2004 World Red Cross Day at Qoqolosing, Leribe on 8 May. “Guided by the Seven Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the Society is against all types of discrimination.” The Lesotho Red Cross Society president, indicated that the Society acknowledges the appeal made by the President of the International Federation of the Red Cross on the occasion of May 8, World Red Cross Red Crescent Day where he urged all National Societies to work together with their governments in the fight against stigma and discrimination. She explained that as the Society, they are determined to work together with the Lesotho government to help it to prevent stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and AIDS in the country. Amongst the important people who attended the 2004 Lesotho World Red Cross celebration include the patron of the Society, Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Bereng Seeiso, the Principal Chief of Leribe, Mofumahali ‘Mamosa Mots’oene Molapo, members of the National Executive Committee and other dignitaries who represented their different organisations partnering with the Lesotho Red Cross Society. The celebration was marked by the planting of 250 trees, an eight km marathon and a First Aid Demonstration, given by the Qoqolosing Red Cross Branch. The main activity of the day was the official launching of the Integrated Community Home Base Care Project, which is run by the Society in the Leribe. It was followed by a parade and candle lighting that was done in memory of all Basotho people who died due to HIV and AIDS.

Mozambique Red Cross
With the theme "Human Dignity, Stop the Discrimination", the Mozambique Red Cross Society (CVM) staged a week-long celebration at national and regional level. Activities involved distributing clothes to the elderly, activities with vulnerable children, home visits to chronic patients, talks about the significance of 8 May, cultural and sporting events.
One of the highlights was the handover of 20 waterholes in Matutuine district, Maputo province, at a ceremony presided over by CVM President, Dr. Sinai Nhatitima and attended by members of the government, the CVM provincial commission, Red Cross volunteers and members of the communities that will benefit from the wells. Nhatitima said the CVM's objective was to supply drinkable water to the population and so reduce the impact of waterborne diseases. He said the boreholes were being handed over to benefit everybody without discrimination in the hope that their lives would be improved. He invited people to join the Red Cross, since “anyone can be a member”.
In Maputo, a meeting with the media highlighted the work of the CVM and the issue maintaining human dignity and combating the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.

Namibia Red Cross
On 8 May the Namibia Red Cross and its Home base Care volunteers together with people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) marched through the capital in song and carrying placards with slogans to advocate awareness. Among the speakers were PLWHA, NRCS Secretary General Joan Guriras and South African actor and playwright and Namibia Red Cross goodwill ambassador, John Kani.
“The stigma, discrimination and intolerance associated with HIV/AIDS are mirrors of our nation’s heart and at the moment, our hearts appear hard and cold,” Guriras said. A PLWHA speaker said many people were spreading the disease because they had been silenced by stigma. She called on the Government to create an environment that enables PLWHA to live like any other citizen in the country. The NRCS has committed itself to scaling up its HIV/AIDS work in partnership with PLWHA, who give a human face and voice to the epidemic, and so challenge complacency and denial. In an effort to stop discrimination and cultivate a spirit of unity and humanity, embracing all people as human beings despite their status, NRCS commemorated the day with its local partners, Liranga Eparu and the Catholic Aids Action.
The day’s celebration included activities such as mask painting where adults & children were able to express themselves creatively with the theme "Stop Discrimination". The Edutainment communicated the same message to the public through their puppet show.

South African Red Cross
On May 7 a fundraising dinner was hosted by the Rotarians of Johannesburg, at which the four participants of the “Walk for Humanity” were introduced and the patron of the walk, internationally acclaimed singer Yvonne Chaka–Chaka entertained the audience. The “Walk for Humanity”, which started at the Johannesburg Civic Centre, will end in Stellenbosch on Saturday 12 June. The 1,788 km journey will take the four walkers – Malcolm Johnson, Clifford Beautement and brothers Eddie and Tommy Michael - through some 40 towns. On their trip, they intend to promote humanitarian values, raise funds for the South African Red Cross and encourage people to become members of the Society. The walkers will carry with them a scroll of goodwill that will be signed by the mayors of the cities and towns through which they pass. Hundreds of volunteers in Red Cross T-shirts, as well as ambulances, police vehicles and fire engines accompanied them on the first few kilometers of their journey. The President of the South African Red Cross, Mandisa Kalako-Williams, called the walkers “heroes” and reminded the audience that the essence of the Red Cross was about taking initiative and about protecting human dignity.

Zimbabwe Red Cross
The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society marked World Red Cross Day under the theme “Fighting HIV/Aids through humanitarian volunteer power”. The commemoration was an opportunity to raise awareness of the history and mandate of the Red Cross. A procession of Red Cross volunteers and staff, accompanied by drum majorettes and a military band, escorted by the police, marched from the Red Cross headquarters to the Town House of Harare, where the celebrations took place. The procession raised awareness of the importance of the work being done by volunteers in the fight against HIV/AIDS and encouraged members of the public to join as volunteers. At the event, where entertainment was provided by the Air Force Band, selected volunteers were presented with awards for having contributed to the welfare of vulnerable groups in 2003.
One volunteer and long-standing HIV/AIDS activist, Josephine Chiturumani, gave a testimony of her life with HIV and urged all to support people living with the virus. Two members of a support group from the Chitungwiza home-based care project gave testimonies on how the project had improved their quality of life. They also gave a “thank you” card to the national society in recognition of the partnership between the support group and the ZRCS.
To raise awareness in specific target groups, the national society published newspaper supplements in 2 local newspapers, The Zimbabwe Independent on the 7 May, targeting mostly urban professional groups. A supplement in The Sunday Mail, on the 9 May, targeted a cross section of society, both in urban and rural areas. The supplements shared information on the history of the Red Cross, contributions made by Red Cross volunteers towards vulnerable groups and the fight against stigma for people affected by HIV/Aids and the various activities of the national society.

Southern Africa regional delegation
The Southern Africa Regional Delegation in Harare joined Red Cross Red Crescent Societies around the world in celebrating the World Red Cross Red Crescent Day on 8 May under the global theme: "Stop Discrimination”. The HIV/AIDS department hosted a seminar where national experts in anti-retroviral treatments and two women living with HIV/AIDS, and benefiting from the Zimbabwean ARV programme, spoke on discrimination in relations with the disease, and how ARV treatment can help in the fight against stigma.
Alasan Senghore, the Head of the Regional Delegation in Harare, opened the seminar by saying that Red Cross Societies in the region had especially been focussing on HIV/AIDS in their activities for the past two years - particularly by tackling it in an integrated manner as the vulnerability of the population in Southern Africa has been rapidly been deepening due to HIV/AIDS.
"This calls for a more holistic Red Cross approach. That is why we have integrated all our programmes, as we have realized the importance of providing the most vulnerable population of the region with adequate nutrition, clean water and primary health and care in the community all at the same time," said Senghore. "This way, by combining our HIV/AIDS home based care programmes, water and sanitation programmes, food security operation and health activities, the Red Cross can improve the lives of those most in need - which is one to the most vital mandate of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies around the world."
Dr. C.C. Chakanyuka from Zimbabwe's Ministry of Health, and Dr. E. Sibanda, at the University of Zimbabwe School of Medicine, informed the staff of the Harare Delegation of the national ARV programme and how the drugs can prolong the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS.
"Some 4 million people in Zimbabwe are infected with the virus. We have more than 1 million children orphaned by the pandemic. There is a generation missing in our country, due to HIV/AIDS. If we had adequate access to ARVs, we could delay this process of parents dying and leaving young children behind," said Dr. Sibanda. "And we could make sure that the next generation is free of HIV/AIDS."
Then Florence Mbidzo and Susan Mbiriyakura, both HIV/AIDS actvists, gave moving testimonies on how they have learned to live with the disease, and fight it instead of looking at it as a death sentence. Both underlined that the right diet and positive attitude were the best weapons in the battle with the virus, and both were determined to stay alive to see their children through their adult lives. Both women have been taken seriously ill in recent months, but bounced back to active life - with the aid of ARVs.

West Africa

Liberian Red Cross
The Liberian National Red Cross Society's 8 May celebrations in Monrovia were honoured with the presence of the chairman of the transitional government, Charles Gyude Bryant, who cut the ceremonial ribbon inaugurating the newly rehabilitated national Red Cross headquarters, which had been completely looted during the fighting in the capital in June and July 2003. The ceremony was attended by government ministers, representatives of the United Nations, international organisations and NGOs. The event was flagged at a joint press conference in 1 May given by the LNRCS, the International Federation and ICRC. In a statement, the president of the National Society, Theresa Leigh-Sherman, explained that the "No Discrimination" theme related to all persons affected by conflict, natural disasters, poverty and HIV/AIDS. Other activities planned for the month-long celebrations include clean-up campaigns in various parts of the country, distribution of non-food relief items to the most vulnerable, the provision of hot meals to the elderly and orphans, as well as other special events organised by chapters across the country.

Nigerian Red Cross
The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) began its World Red Cross Red Crescent Day celebrations during the 4th National HIV/AIDS Conference, held in Abuja from 2- 5 May and attended by around 5,000 people. The conference aimed to look at research, achievements and future challenges in HIV/AIDS in the country. Some 50 NRCS volunteers from the Abuja branch supported the event, assisting with dissemination of information on Red Cross HIV/AIDS activities, including 5,000 leaflets promoting World Red Cross Red Crescent Day and promoting the “Stop Discrimination” theme. NRCS President Emmanuel Ijewere presented a paper outlining the difficulties in promoting programmes for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Nigeria. Ojei, a NRCS HIV Coordinator for Plateau State presented a moving paper entitled “Voices of our young cry” which highlighted the difficulties faced by young people and opportunities to be involved in HIV/AIDS activities. World Red Cross Day itself was celebrated in Oru refugee camp in Osun state. The event was attended by key partner organisations representing PLWHA, and UNHCR. In the camp, plays and songs were performed, followed by a march through the nearby town. Like the earlier HIV/AIDS conference, the event was covered by national TV and media networks.

Togo Red Cross
The Togo Red Cross Society (TRCS) held various events to celebrate World Red Cross Day. On Friday 7 May a ceremony was held in Lomé at TRCS headquarters with the President, Norbert Paniah, highlighting the significance of the day and principles of the Red Cross movement to partners, volunteers and local dignitaries. The event was well publicised by the media. This was followed by a lunch on 8 May with PLWHA and beneficiaries of the TRCS HIV/AIDS programme. Young children from the kindergarten performed two plays, firstly highlighting the plight of people living with HIV/AIDS including a demonstration to “STOP DISCRIMINATOIN”. The second play highlighted the Red Cross role in conflict with budding young volunteers enthusiastically demonstrating first aid skills.


Back to top


AMERICAS AND THE CARIBBEAN


Anguilla Red Cross activities
The Anguilla Red Cross planned its week of activities for World Red Cross Red Crescent Day around this year’s theme of “Stop Discrimination.” They focused on the elderly this year, because they are “just laid aside with little or no attention,” according to Doreen James, President of the Anguilla Red Cross. They launched their “Elderly Project” by commissioning a new 15-seat minivan, custom-made with stretcher and wheelchair space. The bus was donated by the British Red Cross. Other activities included church services, radio shows, blood-testing drive and messages of support from government ministers.

Antigua Red Cross
During this week, Sir James B Carlisle, Patron of the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross broadcast a message on the occasion of World Red Cross Red Crescent Day message on behalf of this National Society. Meanwhile, Judie A. Labdie, President of the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross led several activities to commemorate 8 May. Special events included the distribution and sale of Red Cross flags and buttons, a visit to Red Cross school links and to all elderly Red Cross members.

Bahamas Red Cross
The Bahamas Red Cross celebrated World Red Cross Day with a message to the Bahamian people and the joint enrollment of 300 Junior Red Cross members. Red Cross Youth took part in the National Youth activities with a march and rally on Sunday May 2nd at 3pm.The Bahamas Red Cross also sponsored a First Aid demonstration among its various youth members throughout the month.

Barbados Red Cross
The Barbados Red Cross’s World Red Cross Red Crescent Day celebrations began with a church service in St. Michael on 2 May. It was attended by ambassadors and high commissioners, heads of International Organisations, representatives of the Defence Force, Police, St. John’s Ambulance Brigade, Prisons, Nurses, Scouts, Guides and others, who joined with Red Cross directors, members and volunteers in their celebrations. On Tuesday May 4th, the National Society’s Director General, Edmond Bradshaw highlighted the work of the Red Cross on the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation’s television live morning show, while on 8 May itself, the televised message of the Red Cross President was shown on national television. The Red Cross also took part in an annual health lifestyles festival. It displayed its work, providing blood pressure readings for the public, first aid and other displays. It also distributed hand-outs on HIV/AIDS awareness, disaster prevention tips, and promotional materials on its work, principles, and volunteering with the Red Cross.

Bermuda Red Cross
Bermuda Red Cross volunteers set up tables around the capital city, Hamilton, on World Red Cross Red Crescent Day, to collect donations hand out and sell Red Cross pins, brochures, raffle tickets, First Aid Kits and other supplies.

Cayman Islands Red Cross
The Cayman Islands Red Cross used the occasion of Red Cross Week to raise public awareness and funds for the organization. Among the events it organised, were three evening courses on the theme "Ideals in Action", where a guest speaker from Montserrat talked about the Fundamental Principles and the worldwide work of the Red Cross. The Cayman Islands Red Cross was also active in schools, giving talks about the Fundamental Principles and introducing its schools disaster preparedness programme, “Masters of Disasters”. It also took part in the Batabano carnival parade.

Haitian Red Cross

Haitian Red Cross volunteer, Esther Boussicault, speaks out against the discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS during the May 8 celebrations in Port-au-Prince. Esther is one of the first people to publically declare herself HIV-positive in Haiti. Behind, Red Cross volunteers use the stamp campaign translated in Creole to show support for people living with HIV/AIDS.




Central America

Costa Rica Red Cross
In Costa Rica, the graduation of first aid workers in San Jose highlighted the ceremonies to mark World Red Cross Red Crescent Day. They had successfully completed courses in subjects such as cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, rescue, telecommunications as well as Red Cross and humanitarian principles. For its part, the youth section of the Costa Rican Red Cross carried out several activities to bring attention to their HIV/AIDS prevention programme which aims to inform the public about this disease.

Honduran Red Cross
In downtown Tegucigalpa, decorated by colourful banners, the Honduran Red Cross invited the public to follow a marked itinerary, called Vía Cruz Roja, which led people from one information stand to the next, in an interactive exhibition. This original activity, developed by Red Cross volunteers, allowed the public to receive all kinds of information, from the origin and history of the Red Cross to the work the Honduran Red Cross carries out to improve the lives of the most vulnerable. Meanwhile, many Honduran Red Cross leaders gave interviews on the significance of 8 May to newspapers as well as on radio and television stations.

Mexican Red Cross
To mark the 176th anniversary of the birth of Henry Dunant, the Mexican Red Cross organized a series of events which included flying the flags of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, placing flowers at the foot of Dunant’s statue and official speeches on the theme of protecting human dignity. A classical music concert, which included the solemn reading of the Movement’s Fundamental Principles was also held. The Mexican Red Cross Youth chose 8 May to launch their campaign "All different but all equal" which is an educational programme designed to fight discrimination.

Nicaraguan Red Cross
The 8 May in Managua, the capital, was marked by a parade of Nicaraguan Red Cross vehicles down the main streets and avenues of the city. An official ceremony bringing together many guests was held in the headquarters, followed, in the afternoon, by a cultural show that included a play written around the theme of fighting discrimination linked to HIV/AIDS. Similar activities were organized by different branches around the country, and these events were widely publicized in the national newspapers, television and radio.

Panamanian Red Cross
The Panamanian Red Cross focused its activities around public information. Not only did the volunteers set up exhibitions and distribute materials relating to Red Cross principles to passers-by in the streets, but they also organized first aid demonstrations. Promoted by interviews in the mass media, the Red Cross department of social welfare organized a round table with people who live with HIV/AIDS, their friends and relatives as well as Red Cross volunteers and staff. Furthermore, the volunteers also carried out distributions of hygiene articles as well as food parcels in an indigenous community. Patients in the physiotherapy ward of the Santo Tomás Hospital received folding chairs as did residents at the Panamanian Red Cross home for older persons.