International news

Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya Toolkit: Adaptation for Latin America and the Caribbean

An interactive toolkit and teaching guides for Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya Prevention to the regional context

IFRC databank offers comprehensive look at Red Cross Red Crescent reach worldwide

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched a new digital platform that shares information and data on the humanitarian work of its 190 member National Societies around the world.

Emergency teams on the ground as freezing temperatures grip Europe

Cold weather has affected people across Europe.Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers are on the ground from Turkey to Italy proving assistance.

‘Essential to bring other donors on board’, Geneva platform on forecast-based financing told

The German government – a major backer of forecast-based financing (FbF) pilots around the world – has called for more support for this innovative humanitarian programme.

In Pictures - IFRC Secretary General visit to South America

The Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Elhadj As Sy, and the Americas Regional Director of the IFRC, Walter Cotte, made a visit from November 26 to 1 December to three countries in the Americas region. First, they attended the Meeting of Presidents of the Red Cross of South America, in the city of Cordoba, Argentina, where president...

IFRC strengthens its presence in the Americas

Agreements were signed with the idea of deepening the action of the Red Cross in the region

Central America recovers after Hurricane Otto

After the passage of Hurricane Otto that hit the border zone between Costa Rica and Nicaragua

Breaking the silence: IFRC launches 16 Days campaign against sexual and gender-based violence

For far too long, sexual and gender-based violence has been causing immense suffering worldwide – unseen, and unheard.

Train of Humanity targeting health of labourers rolls across Central Asia

Red Crescent in Central Asia board the train to talk to Moscow to talk to men and women of working age travelling for work about HIV and TB prevention.

Escape to Europe: the final fragile hope of reaching safety

“I hope Europe will wipe away my tears,” says 24-year-old Juliet from Nigeria.

Newborn saved in the Mediterranean

He was only two days old, when his mother Fatima took him on a rubber boat in the Southern Mediterranean Sea.

Hurricane Matthew continues its path through the Caribbean

Matthew has strengthened into a category 2 hurricane

Migrants in Central America

Since November 2015, Panama and Costa Rica have experienced a phenomenon that was completely unusual for both countries.

Britain honours Stephen McAndrew, former head of Red Cross Ebola operations in Sierra Leone, for humanitarian service

Stephen McAndrew has been presented with a Member of the Order of the British Empire award for his outstanding humanitarian service as head of the IFRC' Ebola response in Sierra ...

On the Mediterranean in search of safety and enough to eat

Every person saved by the Responder search and rescue boat in the Mediterranean Ocean has a different story.

IFRC and Save the Children unite to address the Zika Virus Outbreak

The international organizations articulate efforts to address the most affected populations in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Are global crises diverting donor support away from drought-stricken southern Africa?

The impact of global crises on the southern Africa drought

Red Cross teams in rooftop rescues as floods devastate swathes of Europe

Red Cross volunteers in Germany and France assist with saving hundreds of residents from rising waters as flash-flooding hit parts of Germany and France.

Migration crisis: border closures, changing routes and thousands stranded demand change in Red Cross response

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) shifts its response to meet the changing needs of ...

SC Johnson and IFRC join efforts to protect families from the Zika virus

Family company donates nearly $1.5 million to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) for vulnerable families in Latin America and the Caribbean

UN and Red Cross Partnering for a Stronger Caribbean

UNDP and IFRC formalize joint work on Early Warning Systems in the Caribbean

World Water Day: Keeping communities safe from drought and Zika

Red Cross volunteers in the Americas are working hard to ensure that household water tanks – which are used to help communities cope with droughts related to El Niño – do not become breeding grounds for the mosquito that spreads the Zika virus.

The Association of Caribbean States meets with UNISDR and IFRC to discuss Regional Cooperation

Caribbean communities are under the constant threat of natural hazards...

Border closures creating ‘worst case scenario’ for people fleeing war and persecution

Thousands of people are stranded in Greece and hundreds more in the former Yugolsav Republic of Macedonia after fresh border controls have seen Afghan migrants denied access.

IFRC President advocates for integration of Red Cross volunteers into Ebola recovery efforts

The President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Mr Tadateru Konoé, has ended his first visit to Ebola-affected countries.

Preparing for the growth in need following failed rains and El Niño

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an emergency appeal worth $2.2 million US dollars to enable the Ethiopian Red Cross Society to support more than 35,000 people in Afar and Somali Regions

A journey to the end of Ebola

Liberia was declared free of Ebola transmission on 14 January. To mark this event, the IFRC is republishing some of the remarkable stories from our Ebola response ...

Disability matters: growing an inclusive and resilient Movement

Since 1992, the United Nations General Assembly has observed the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December.

Red Cross photographer honoured for Ebola work

A self-described technophile, Red Cross photographer Victor Lacken has, for years, been advocating on behalf of those most vulnerable through the lens of his camera. When the Ebola outbreak struck West Africa in 2014, Victor was deployed to capture the devastating impact of this unknown enemy, and profile the work of the Red Cross in response.  Victor was recently recognized for his work in the Ebol...

In Pictures - Red Cross response to migration across countries on the Western Balkan route

On the shores of Lesvos, volunteers from the Hellenic Red Cross rescue team help newly arrived migrants to get off the boat. Thousands of migrants arrive on Greek shores on daily basis despite the increasingly cold weather. This year more than 3,000 migrants lost their lives at sea in their attempt to reach Europe. Charlotte Hyest, IFRC Elhadj As Sy, the Secretary General of the IFRC, travelled to...

A new vision for the Americas

“Part of our duty is to bring happiness to the people based on our own happiness and positive attitude”

Health workers struggle to cope as Dengue cases rise to record levels across Asia

In recent months Red Cross health workers and community volunteers across Asia have been playing a vital role supporting health services in many countries across the region struggling to cope with major outbreaks of dengue fever.

The European Union maintains its support to Disaster Risk Reduction in the Caribbean

The impact of disasters caused by extreme natural phenomena in the Caribbean region is constantly on the rise...

Red Cross volunteers provide continuous support at border crossing to people-on-the-move

Red Cross volunteers on both sides of the border assisted migrants who started their procession from Keleti to Austria on Friday. Hungarian Red Cross deployed volunteers on M1 highway. Austrian Red Cross volunteers assisted the migrants on the other side

National Society Presidents from the Americas focus on Blood Banks

The specific purpose of this meeting was to discuss Red Cross blood bank services in the region

Storm Erika weakens in its passage by the Caribbean

Tropical Storm Erika is moving away from La Española island and is expected in the coming hours touch the southern part of Cuba

Erika storm continues its path through the Caribbean

The center of Erika will move over the Dominican Republic and Haiti during the next few hours

American Red Cross joins partnership to support climate resilience in vulnerable countries

The American Red Cross joins with the US government and eight organizations in a partnership to promote resilience in developing countries affected by climate change.

Food shortages in the Sahel: millions of people at risk of extended hunger

Red Cross responds with special emphasis on vulnerable women and children

Red Cross looks toward recovery while continuing to respond to Ebola emergency

IFRC moves quickly to put Ebola recovery programme in place before rainy season hits West Africa.

Concludes the XX Inter-American Conference

The conference did come to an end, but our strong commitment, the important reflections on how to move forward...

IFRC Secretary General calls for partnerships and community action at World Humanitarian Summit consultation

Meaningful joint participation of IFRC, National Societies and ICRC to the WHS consultation held in Budapest.

Collaboration leads to improved humanitarian action in Africa

Under the symbol of continuous and effective cooperation, the Ninth General Assembly of the Association of French, Spanish and Portuguese speaking African Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (ACROFA) currently being held in Libreville.

IFRC mobilizes in southern Africa to help nations hit by disastrous seasonal floods

Tens of thousands of people have been forced out of their homes in Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe by flooding, caused by a deep low-pressure system that crawled across southern Africa, dumping weeks’ worth of rain in a few hours in places.

Remembering the tsunami: ten years on

On December 26 2004, a massive earthquake of the coast of Indonesia shook the sea bed for ten minutes. Within three hours, more than 226,000 people across 14 countries were ...

Google Research Award given to IFRC Healthy lifestyle community

A Google Research Award was recently presented to IFRC’s Healthy lifestyle community, an online platform for users to help their friends, family and communities reduce their risks of developing noncommunicable diseases by changing risky habits.

In pictures – World Toilet Day

Globally, over one-third of humanity has no basic toilet facility.

Developers and thinkers needed to change volunteering, and the world

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has once more partnered with the World Economic Forum and the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship to inspire volunteers and promote innovation in the humanitarian sector.

The way forward for community resilience

4th Global Community Resilience Forum gets underway in Cali, Colombia.

Young Survivors of Japan triple disaster visit Geneva to express thanks

On Tuesday, a group of young people from Fukushima, Sendai and surrounding areas in Japan visited Geneva and addressed a group of humanitarian workers at the IFRC, sharing their thanks for the organization's support following the 2011 triple disaster.

The Balkan Youth practice become the change they want to see

Can two boxes, 200 drinking straws and blindfolds made from old curtains empower the youth of our Movement to promote a future of non-violence and peace? If you ask all the participants to the latest Youth as Agents of Behavioural Change-training in the B

IFRC and Nestlé renew partnership to support water and sanitation programmes

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Nestlé have renewed their long-standing partnership to increase access to safe water and sanitation in rural communities.

IFRC Secretary General reinforces Red Cross and Red Crescent role in preserving dignity and calls for support in Ebola outbreak at UN General Assembly

Global efforts to fight the worsening Ebola outbreak have fallen short, Secretary General of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Elhadj As Sy reiterated to world leaders at a special session convened by the UN Secretary

Tragedies at sea highlight the dangers of migration and the need for action

If reports are confirmed, this past week is the deadliest period for the sea migrants in recent years, as more than 750 people from the Middle East and Africa are feared to have drowned in the Mediterranean Sea attempting to reach Europe.

Preparing for the frontlines: training for a high pressure Ebola mission in Sierra Leone

Twenty-six Red Cross Red Crescent workers from seven countries underwent a rigorous two-day training in Geneva this week. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Society’s most recent response phase, they will operate a treatment centre...

In pictures - Floods in South Asia

In recent days and weeks, severe monsoon rains have led to landslides and flash floods causing death and destruction across large swathes of South Asia. In Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan - millions of people have been affected and massive damage has been caused to homes and local infrastructure. Across India, the south-west monsoon has triggered floods affecting more than 3 million peopl...

Relief efforts gather pace as monsoon floods ravage South Asia

In recent days and weeks, severe monsoon rains have led to landslides and flash floods causing death and destruction across large swathes of South Asia. In Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan - millions of people have been affected and massive damage ha

Interview with Elhadj As Sy, Secretary General, IFRC

Elhadj As Sy is the Secretary General of the IFRC. He began this leadership role on 1 August, 2014 and is based at the IFRC secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland.

Italy: Migrants at sea highlight need for humanitarian assistance and legal protection

In Sicily, dozens of Italian Red Cross (ItRC) vehicles and ambulances as well as volunteers receive migrants who land on a daily basis on the southern shores of Italy exhausted and traumatized after a perilous journey at sea.

UNDP and IFRC warn of legal gaps in disaster risk management

There is an urgent need for governments to establish stronger laws that protect at-risk communities from the threats posed by disasters

Neighbouring Red Cross societies come together to help each other after Balkan floods

It didn’t take long after the flooding began for Lea Kujudnzic’s phone to start ringing off the hook. The Head of International Affairs for the Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina was receiving offers of assistance from many Red Cross and Red Cres

Strengthening Red Cross Red Crescent responses in water and sanitation during emergencies

Deploying trained specialists to support neighbouring countries in emergency response

Better communication leads to safer communities in Rwanda and Burundi

The power of cinema and radio to improve health and resilience in vulnerable communities.

Highlighting the importance of promoting environmental values and practices within communities

Most often it is the world’s most vulnerable who feel the brunt of environmental degradation and climate change.

The Balkans: Red Cross launches appeals for recovery stage funds

The IFRC has launched two appeals to support National Societies in their response to floods in Serbia and Bosnia.

Thank you, but no ball gowns needed

IFRC, African Union and African partners discuss insititutional and legal frameworks for launching an international emergency response

In pictures - Floods in the Balkans

Serbia is being affected by the worst floods in a century and a state of emergency has been declared for the entire country. Schools have been closed for 2 days in Belgrade and more than 25,000 people have been evacuated. Red Cross of Serbia   More than 120,000 households are currently without electricity and many local roads are cut off, bridges are destroyed preventing traffic at the main...

The Balkans: Worst floods in Century continue to cause havoc

Although the water has receded in some areas, the worst floods in more than a century continue to create havoc in large parts of both Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Red Cross supports response in the Balkans during catastrophic floods

The worst flood was reported in the capital Sarajevo and Tuzla regions, in the central parts of the country, as well as in the cities of Gorazde and Bijeljina. More flooding continues to threaten other parts of the country blocking the road access to some

My Red Cross story - Ban Ki-moon

My Red Cross story starts in the dusty rural village where I grew up in war-torn Korea.

My Red Cross story - Tadateru Konoé

As a small child I was evacuated to the countryside. This was in World War 2 when the atomic bomb would soon be dropped on Hiroshima.

My Red Cross story - Bekele Geleta

My friends and I donated blood in university. That is my first direct memory of the Red Cross.

Harnessing the power of social media for malaria in Southeast Asia

Malaria affects an estimated 207 million people worldwide and kills up to 627,000 each year.

The 102nd Empress Shôken Fund awards supports innovation in local action

Created to promote relief work in times of peace, the Empress Shôken Fund received many applications this year from Red Cross Red Crescent National Societies and is pleased to announce its support for six projects around the world which address local vuln

In pictures - Dengue: Turning up the volume on a silent disaster

Dengue is a major public health issue. Forty per cent of the world’s population is at risk from dengue. The overall disease burden varies from region to region, with Asia-Pacific housing 75 per cent of those at risk. It is estimated that every year dengue costs Americas 2.1 billion US dollars and the South-East Asia economies could lose 2.36 billion US dollars due to the disease. National Red...

Disaster relief and emergency fund enables dengue outbreak response

Over 90 per cent of disasters around the world go unnoticed – in silence. These are too small, too inconvenient or too easily overshadowed by other events. But for the millions of people they affect, these disasters are not ...

IFRC and UNAIDS join forces to reach 15 million people with HIV treatment by 2015

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding committing to a closer partnership to support the implementation of UNA

National Red Cross Societies help hundreds of Korean families briefly reunite

For the first time in more than three years, hundreds of family members separated since the Korean War, many of them elderly and frail, have met each other in brief reunions, supported by Red Cross Societies on both sides of the divided Korean ...

Central African Republic and South Sudan: same story?

Over the last couple of months, the Central African Republic and South Sudan have seen their populations suffering due to the eruption of violence.

At close of UN climate talks, Ban Ki-moon calls for bold announcements and action

As the UN-led climate talks in Warsaw – COP 19 – ended on Friday, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for bold announcements and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen adaptation and resilience.

Extraordinary humanitarians awarded for their efforts in promoting the Red Cross Red Crescent mission

Four remarkable people were awarded the Henry Dunant Medal at the Statutory Meetings of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement in Sydney, Australia, recognizing the amazing contributions they have made to its humanitarian mission. The Medal, which is awarded every two years at the Statutory Meetings of the Red Cross Red Crescent, is the highest honour the Movement can bestow, and recognizes...

Young teams shortlisted for app development award

The shortlist has been announced for an IFRC technology awards aimed at young development teams.

Henry Davison Award-winners recognized for commitment

Humanitarians awarded for their work at home and abroad.

Bridging the sanitation divide in Africa

Access to good sanitation facilities is a life saver in many communities, and so i

Young people can make a difference – but leaders need to “let go”

Young people from Red Cross Red Crescent National Societies in China, Iran, Kenya, Georgia, Pakistan, Uganda and Chile all received prestigious Youth Awards and commendations at the 19th IFRC General Assembly.

Red Cross Red Crescent National Societies awarded for excellence in volunteer development

Amid the buzz of a colourful awards ceremony, the Red Cross Red Crescent National Societies of Spain, Iran and Hong Kong were announced as the recipients of the 2013 Volunteering Development Awards.

Humanitarians awarded at the IFRC 19th General Assembly

The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has paid tribute to exceptional humanitarians and Red Cross and Red Crescent figures during the 19th General Assembly in Sydney, Australia.

IFRC Elects President, Vice Presidents and Governing Board during its General Assembly

Mr Tadateru Konoé was re-elected to a second term as president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies at the organization's biennial General Assembly.

The future of humanitarian action

During the formal opening of the General Assembly and Council of Delegates, a panel of thought leaders examined the readiness of the movement to be the future face of humanitarian action.

Peace Prize awarded to Syrian Arab Red Crescent

In a moving ceremony yesterday, the entire General Assembly of more than 1000 delegates rose to their feet to pay tribute to Dr. Abdul Rahman Attar when he accepted the Red Cross Red Crescent Peace Prize on behalf of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.

Two new members join IFRC family

The Cyprus Red Cross Society and the South Sudan Red Cross today became the 188th and 189th members, respectively, of the International Federation or Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

IFRC co-hosting side events at COP 19, Warsaw ahead of ‘critical year’ for climate

This year’s session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the 19th, opened today at the National Stadium venue in the Polish capital, ...

Movement leaders meet to discuss the future of humanitarian action in Sydney

Delegates from the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (the Movement) are gathering from 11 to 18 November in Sydney, Australia, to take part in the bi-annual statutory meetings.

Global Youth Conference: Youth on the front lines

From the front lines to the front office, young volunteers call for greater role in humanitarian decision-making.

Self-sufficiency is key to building stronger Pacific Island communities

Twelve Red Cross National Societies from the Pacific Islands convened today in Sydney, Australia. The discussions focused on developing resilient National Societies and local communities, as well as a ...

IFRC receives grant to scale up menstrual hygiene management in emergencies

The issue of menstrual hygiene management in post-conflict and post-disaster settings has increasingly drawn the attention of the international humanitarian community. Despite this, menstrual hygiene continues to be overlooked.

Educating the next generation of hygiene promoters and life savers

Lack of access to water and sanitation and poor hygiene is one of the principal causes of death and disease worldwide. Children are the most often affected as they suffer disproportionately from diarrhoeal and respiratory diseases.

IFRC and African Development Bank: Joint task force will implement plan of action

The IFRC and the African Development Bank sign a cooperation and partnership agreement and agree to establish a joint implementation task force to concretize a plan of action and key deliverables.

Innovation contest will provide support and funding for app development

Call for innovative ideas that will make a difference to communities and individuals.

Flooding in the Sahel leaves thousands of families facing uncertain futures

Already vulnerable communities are facing disaster after serious floods across the Sahel region of Africa.

The monsoon season brings floods and storms across Southeast Asia

At least eight people were killed and 35 injured after Typhoon Wutip made landfall in central Viet Nam on 30 September. This is the tenth tropical storm to strike the country this year and the strongest storm since Typhoon Xangsane in 2006.

China bears the brunt after Typhoon Usagi leaves the Philippines

Over the past four days, Typhoon Usagi, one of the most powerful typhoons to strike the Asia Pacific this year, has brought heavy rains, flash floods and landslides to the Philippines and China, claiming the lives of over 50 people.

The struggle for safer roads in Myanmar and Singapore

Myanmar is a country dealing with rapid growth and change. As interest in business grows, traffic on the motorway between the major cities of Yangon and Naypyidaw has been increasing rapidly, making it one of the country’s most dangerous roads.

Red Cross recognized for environmental leadership at Green Star Awards

The Kenya Red Cross Society’s response to an oil pipeline explosion and the American Red Cross’ contribution to a Green Recovery and Reconstruction Toolkit were recognized with Green Star Awards today.

Making African cities more resilient to risk through collaboration

Flooding, fires, buildings constructed not to code, people flocking to cities in search of work, and congested slums. These are just some of the urban risks facing a number of growing African cities.

Special Olympics International and IFRC celebrate new partnership

“The IFRC is our vehicle to awaken the world of development to the needs and potential of people with disabilities,” said Special Olympics International Chairman Dr. Timothy Shriver at the official signing of the partnership between the two organizations.

Land rights and secure tenure fundamental to humanitarian shelter operations

Shelter is one of the first priorities in any humanitarian intervention. Yet humanitarian organizations often struggle to provide shelter to communities affected by conflict or disasters without secure land tenure.

Red Cross societies in Canada, Mexico and the United States to cooperate further during major disasters

The American Red Cross, Canadian Red Cross and Mexican Red Cross have established protocols for cooperation in order to streamline any additional humanitarian assistance that may be required during a major operation.

Tackling climate risks: the IFRC and World Meteorological Organization sign agreement

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) will work together to reduce the risk of climate-related hazards facing vulnerable communities around the world.

World Bank report says climate change will keep millions trapped in poverty

A new report from the World Bank concluding that a warmer world will ‘keep millions of people trapped in poverty’ provides a further wake-up call to the international community which is still not doing enough to confront now-inevitable humanitarian impact

Red Cross leaders gather in Central America Costa Rica to discuss pressing issues of the movement

Between 17-19 June, representatives from Red Cross National Societies in Central America came together to discuss a range of issues surrounding humanitarian work and the role of the Red Cross in disaster management in partnership with government agencies. The meeting was held in the province of San José, Costa Rica with the participation of delegates from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Panam...

Societies in Central Europe respond to worst flooding in 50 years

Torrential rains have cause massive floods in Czech Republic, Germany and Austria. Other countries in the region are on high alert.

Risk reduction education in schools – and beyond – helps to build resilience

How can educators engage with children and young adults to promote disaster risk reduction?

Building resilience in response to climate change and other challenges

Both communities and governments have an important role to play in disaster risk reduction.

IDAHO 2013: Championing humanity in the margins

In many areas of the world, lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people are still living in the margins of society, shunned by their families and communities with little or no access to the rights they are entitled to.

Volunteering: At the heart of the movement

“I started as a volunteer for the Red Cross youth in 1969”, remembers Oscar Zuluaga who first encountered the Red Cross in his hometown Cali in Colombia. “We did first aid courses and community work in poor quarters.  While interacting with children and young people, working together in drug and violence prevention I have learned a lot about leadership, working in a team, solidarity, generosity and...

From Victorian London to the Global Water and Sanitation Initiative

Ask a public health specialist about their hero and they might tell you about the exploits of Dr John Snow. In 1854 Dr Snow carried out an ingenious exercise which would forever change the way we saw the world. On a map of the London’s Soho – which was then in the throes of a cholera outbreak – he overlaid the locations of cholera patients, demonstrating an indisputable link between their illne...

Building community resilience in a changing climate

Sudden flooding kills at least 46 people in Argentina. 70,000 people affected by unusual cold wave in Serbia. Famine – a visible result of climate change in Eastern Africa. Typhoon Bopha forced 250,000 people to flee. In 2012 extreme weather events became a common story and affected millions of people around the world. Red Cross Red Crescent volunteers are always on the scene to respond. But th...

Helping draft laws that serve the needs of those affected by disaster

At its origin, the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement was established to reduce the horrors of war, both by directly caring for those affected and by supporting the development and implementation of international humanitarian law (IHL). As early as the 2nd International Conference of the Red Cross in 1869, however, National Societies pledged to extend their help to people affected by other kinds o...

Beneficiary Communication: Arming people with life-saving information

‘People need information as much as water, food, medicine or shelter’, states the 2005 World Disasters Report. Communicating with communities and affected populations is vital before, during and after a disaster. It allows National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to provide communities with life-saving information. Beneficiary communication – the process of providing information and...

The healthy future of the Movement depends on listening to its youth members

By Dr Massimo Barra*, Vice President of the Standing Commission of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent The expression ‘Red Cross Red Crescent Youth’ has always had two correlated significance: what youngsters can do for the Movement on one hand and what the Movement can do for youngsters on the other. In the ideal National Society this two-way relationship should always receive the sam...

The right response at the right time - logistics is the key

Global Logistics Service (GLS) has been the logistics backbone supporting the core work of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for more than 90 years.

First aid: a life-saving legacy for all

The first recorded successful resuscitation dates back to 896BC. The mouth-to-mouth technique was described in Mayan hieroglyphics. Fast forward and 150 years ago, a battle in northern Italy sparked an idea that has since changed the world. On 24 June 1859, Henry Dunant, a young businessman from Geneva, witnessed horrifying suffering and agony following the battle of Solferino. He organized the...

Empress Shôken Fund grants to promote peace, community awareness and humanitarian values

Created to promote relief work in times of peace, the Empress Shôken Fund received many applications this year from Red Cross Red Crescent National Societies and is pleased to announce its support for five Red Cross Red Crescent projects around the world which address local vulnerabilities, namely in Belarus, Bolivia, Eritrea, Iran, and Kiribati. The total amount of the grant allocations is...

Disasters preparedness saves lives and saves money

One of the ways in which communities can prepare for a disaster is to set up drills and simulations of how a disaster unfolds – be it flooding, earthquake or extreme weather conditions.

Aid 2.0: mobile relief application expanding into a global market

Mobile-enabled early warning systems are transforming the way humanitarian organizations deliver aid.

Taking the humanitarian mission to the World Economic Forum

Each year, leaders from government, business, civil society and the arts gather in Davos, Switzerland to discuss the issues currently dominating the news agenda, including the violence in Syria and its potential impact on the region, and the crisis of youth unemployment. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies will be represented at the Forum by Secretary General...

Volunteers deal with the effects of freezing temperature across the Middle East

Several countries in the Middle East continue to experience severe winter weather that has so far caused casualties across the region and increased the suffering of Syrians fleeing violence to neighbouring countries.

Make volunteering in disasters safer and easier

Today is International Volunteer Day, where we celebrate and mark the amazing work that volunteers – both within and beyond the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement – do to improve the lives of their local and not so local communities. But for many, such as those dealing with the aftermath of Typhoon Bopha in the Philippines, volunteers from the Syrian Arab Red Crescent providing first aid and other...

World toilet day

Today is World Toilet Day. While toilets are not the easiest topic to discuss, 2.5 billion people worldwide – invariably the poor, underprivileged and disenfranchised – lack access to adequate sanitation, making this something we need to talk about. To mark World Toilet Day, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) asked people involved in sanitation projects...

We’ve all had a problem finding a toilet at some time, but many face this challenge every day

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), in partnership with Swedish Red Cross and the World Food Programme, is convening a seminar today at Stockholm World Water Week.

Red Crescent National Societies in action during the month of Ramadan

The month of Ramadan is an important global celebration for over 1.5billion people and, as such, has become an integral part of the work and culture of many national Red Crescent societies.

WHO releases oral cholera vaccine stockpile report

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) welcomes the release of the WHO Technical Working Group on oral cholera vaccine (OCV) ...

IFRC launches appeal to support regional response to population movement from Syria

Since the beginning of 2011, violence in Syria has caused mass displacement within the country and across its borders into Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Turkey.

Red Cross responds to triple typhoons

By Afrhill Rances and Joe Cropp Red Cross societies in the Philippines and China are providing emergency relief to flood affected communities after triple typhoons swept across the region, triggering torrential rain, floods and landslides. In the Philippines, the rains have swamped a large portion of Metro Manila, and killed more than 50 people throughout the country. Typhoons Saola, Damrey and...

Managing an outbreak before, during and after it strikes

A network of more than 20 representative institutions of global outbreak response experts meet in Geneva for two days to discuss how best to exploit the full potential of their institutions to respond to major international outbreaks when they occur.

Red Cross Red Crescent Movement awarded for international humanitarian work

The international Red Cross Red Crescent Movement was yesterday awarded the 2012 Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation. The Prince of Asturias Awards are given to individuals, groups or institution working in scientific, technical, cultural, social and humanitarian fields, and the award for International Cooperation is conferred on those who make a siginificant international...

Mission to Libya and Tunisia promotes auxiliary status with new governments

The Arab Spring was an extraordinary time. Change was the one thing that was constant and the people were at the heart of the story. But behind the scenes, away from the spotlight, Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies – and young volunteers in particular – stayed vigilant in their service to the vulnerable: people who were injured, displaced and overwhelmed. As the region now starts to...

Strengthening the Red Cross Red Crescent auxiliary role: a humanitarian imperative in a fast-changing world.

IFRC Secretary General discusses the auxiliary role's importance to National Societies and governments.

New IFPRI/IFRC report maps out long-term paths to end global hunger

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) have today launched a new report which examines the issues of food security in vulnerable populations.

Active, engaged, passionate: welcome to the future of the Red Cross Red Crescent

“The secret to youth engagement and leadership is to start small and think big,” says Heather Fitzke, a 26-year-old, British Red Cross volunteer. Heather responded to our recent call for ideas about how the Red Cross Red Crescent can effectively reflect and represent the aspirations of young people within the Movement. To coincide with World Red Cross Red Crescent Day and our 8th May RedTalk, w...

Ambassadors and IFRC together for Africa

Africa’s most pressing humanitarian and development challenges were top of the agenda at a high-level Ambassadorial event organized by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) on 4 May.

Over one million Swiss francs to assist Red Cross relief operations in Bolivia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru

The meteorological phenomenon known as La Niña, which brought first droughts to Paraguay, is causing problems in other parts of the region. Heavy rain fall over the past four months continues to cause severe flooding and landslides.

Youth network rethinks its mandate in a rapidly changing Europe

Eighty-one representatives from 41 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies from Europe gathered last week in Lozen, Bulgaria, for the 20th European Youth Cooperation Meeting, the biennial meeting of European Red Cross Red Crescent youth leaders.

Early Warnings pay off after Indian Ocean tsunami alerts

The 8.7 earthquake that struck off the coast of the Indonesian Island of Sumatra on April 11 brought a sense of foreboding that the region might see a repeat of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

IFRC Hosts the 2012 Fleet Forum Annual Conference

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies will host the 2012 Fleet Forum Annual Conference, which will convene during 11-13 April at the IFRC Secretariat in Geneva.

Red Cross Red Crescent leader to co-chair World Economic Forum Africa

From May 9th-11th, Bekele Geleta, Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies will Co-chair the first World Economic Forum to be held in Ethiopia.

Drug users need treatment not incarceration

If we go in search of those left in the shadows, we will find someone somewhere in a basement room with a needle and a spoon, trying to dull their pain.

8,000 mile challenge from Birmingham to Beijing set to raise £1million for IFRC

Land Rover, in partnership with The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), has launched a 50-day, 8,000 mile trek from its factory in Birmingham to Beijing

Race against time and freezing temperatures in Europe - update

The plight of thousands of people continues in Europe where forecasters say that icy conditions are unlikely to improve before the end of this week.

Partners meet to discuss the global challenges in water and sanitation

The global picture about water and sanitation is stark. Today, 2.6 billion people are exposed to a variety of preventable diseases through poor access to basic sanitation, and 880 million lack clean water supplies.

International community must commit to sustainable development in 2012

As world leaders gather in Davos, the Red Cross Red Crescent will be present to promote humanitarian values and the importance of development to the social and economic wealth of nations.

Conflict situation in Somalia - IFRC Statement

In light of a worsening conflict situation in Somalia, including an air attack on a nutritional centre in the southern Somali town of Bardera on December 10th.

Young people taking a leadership role in creating a culture of peace

After three years of development the IFRC has produced a skills-based toolkit designed to help youth become agents of behavioural change

Busan: communities should be at the heart of effective aid programmes

Effective aid must cross the relief-development boundaries and focus on communities as well as countries

Promoting the human rights-based approach to address Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) still kills around 1.4 million people each year, with one third of the world population being infected without necessarily ever falling ill.

IFRC welcomes historic recognition of disaster risk in new global aid agenda

Governments and international organizations have, for the first time, formally recognized that effective development depends on a willingness to mitigate the impact that disasters can have on communities, societies and economies.

Red Cross Red Crescent taking up the challenge of getting to zero

Today is World AIDS Day. A day when individuals, civil society, governments and organisations such as the IFRC aim to do more, do better and reach further, for the eventual eradication of HIV and AIDS.

Commission focuses on bridging the global health gap

Despite enormous progress in global health, there are many remaining gaps in accessing health resources and services.

IFRC and ICRC presidents offer warm welcome to 31st International Conference

Katherine Roux The Presidents of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Tadateru Konoé and Jakob Kellenberger, warmly welcomed almost 1,600 delegates from around the world to the 31st International Conference on Monday. In addressing the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement and 194 State parti...

New report calls for protection and support for volunteers in emergencies

The International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) today launched its first advocacy report on volunteers acting in emergencies.

States urged to develop strong laws for the protection of migrants

National Red Cross and Red Crescent societies must be granted access to the vulnerable migrants they seek to assist, the 31st International Conference has been told.

Burundi volunteer calls on the world to cherish and promote its shared humanity

International Conference the importance of protecting, promoting and recognizing volunteerism.

Volunteers lead by example in the promotion of peace

Every day, 4,200 people die in violent circumstances – a figure that is, annually, equivilent to the population of Vienna.

Awards recognize remarkable humanitarian action by societies and volunteers

A special awards ceremony at the 18th General Assembly of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies honoured a select number of volunteers and National Societies for their remarkable actions in the humanitarian field.

Stronger disaster laws will improve emergency response, General Assembly hears

As disasters become more frequent, governments will need to establish more effective laws to enable action by humanitarian organizations.

New partnership puts global health at the centre of the curriculum

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and The University of Manchester have announced plans to launch a postgraduate teaching programme in the field of global health.

Working together to prepare for future disasters

Magen David Adom in Israel and the Norwegian Red Cross build links with a joint training programme.

South-East Asia feels the force of two typhoons

Flooding caused by two typhoons is affecting hundreds of thousands of people across South-East Asia, including in the Philippines, Viet Nam, Cambodia, Loas and Thailand.

Mobile technology could be vital in east Africa’s fight against hunger

How can technology be used to fight food insecurity in a region as large and diverse as east Africa?

HIV - aiming for zero infections, and zero deaths

The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement was well represented at the recent 10th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP) held in Busan, the Republic of Korea.

World First Aid Day 2010: First aid for all

Each year, National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world observe World First Aid Day.

Palestine Red Crescent Society trains Magen David Adom in Israel on trauma support

On July 24-27, a unique and important event took place in Jerusalem. Six paramedics and supervisors from Magen David Adom in Israel (IMDA) were invited to attend the International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) course, provided by instructors and doctors from the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS). While both organizations cooperate effectively around emergency ambulance services, this was the firs...

Horn of Africa: Red Cross Red Crescent volunteers at the heart of the response

In everyday life, volunteers are the heart of the Red Cross Red Crescent movement. During a crisis, their knowledge and passion are vital

Red Cross responds to flooding in Viet Nam’s north central coast

A Viet Nam Red Cross team has provided relief and financial assistance to more than 400 families affected by flash flooding in Nghe An Province on the country’s north central coast.

east-africa

GAVI Alliance calls for continued committment to equitable access to vaccines

The GAVI CSO Constituency today released the Civil Society Call to Action to Support the GAVI Alliance. The Call to Action – which calls on donors to commit to fully funding the Alliance and reiterates that vaccination is the right of every child –  also sets out five further asks of the International Community and GAVI to ensure maximum impact of pledged resources. More than 120 civil society...

64th World Health Assembly - Geneva 2011

At the 64th World Health Assembly IFRC and MSF took part in a joint event to highlight the need for a balanced approach to global immunization.

Reducing disaster risk with legislation

By Linda Low in Geneva When most people talk about reducing the risk of disasters in a community, discussions quickly turn to earthquake proof buildings and pre-positioned flood banks. But what about the law? Can legislation help make communities more resilient in times of disaster? Over the past two years, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has been...

Building back better after disaster

By Linda Low in Geneva “In Haiti, the Red Cross Red Crescent network delivered 9,000 housing units enabling the local population to move back into their communities,” said Guiteau Jean-Pierre, Executive Director, Haitian National Red Cross Society. “After a disaster, providing a safe space so populations can move back into their communities and help rebuild them early in the recovery phase is...

Volunteering: the spirit of humanitarian action

A joint statement by the presidents of the IFRC and ICRC

South East Asia: preparedness pays off

After disasters like Mount Merapi in Indonesia or Cyclone Giri in Myanmar, there are all too often many tragic stories of people who were injured or killed, and of communities dealing with the devastation wrought by Mother Nature.

Universal Children’s Day: Red Cross in Europe protecting children, north to south

On 20 November, the day that the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, in 1959, and the Convention of the Rights of the Child, in 1989, the world marks Universal Children’s Day.

Between World AIDS Day and the International Volunteer Day: more volunteers to do more, do better and reach further

Giovanni Zambello     On 1 December, 2010, like every year, thousands of Red Cross Red Crescent volunteers throughout Europe gathered in streets, shopping centres, cinemas, schools, bar and clubs to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS, fight stigma, and promote safer behaviour in their communities. All of them are the same volunteers that the world celebrates on the International Volunteer Day, on 5 December....

Between World AIDS Day and the International Volunteer Day: more volunteers to do more, do better and reach further

On 1 December, 2010, like every year, thousands of Red Cross Red Crescent volunteers throughout Europe gathered in streets, shopping centres, cinemas, schools, bar and clubs to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS, fight stigma, and promote safer behaviour in thei

Red Cross responds to Europe's extreme weather

Red Cross societies across Europe are working flat out to combat the effects of the current severe weather.

Celebrity Jet Li becomes first goodwill ambassador

Chinese-born martial arts movie star and philanthropist Jet Li formally signed an agreement this week in Beijing to become the IFRC's first goodwill ambassador.

IFRC celebrates the International Year of Youth: focus on dialogue and mutual understanding

What roles are young people playing in their National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world? How do young people contribute to the International Federation? The International Federation is made up of tens of millions of active ...

Iceland: volcanic eruption prompts European Red Cross response

European Red Cross Societies mobilized volunteers, staff and other resources to help people affected directly or indirectly by the eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull glacier volcano.

Asia and Pacific: Four disasters, six months on

Six months ago, beginning in the last week of September 2009, four nations across the Asia and Pacific region were devastated by emergencies that affected the lives of nine million people in the Philippines, Viet Nam, Samoa and Indonesia.

Learning from the tsunami – five years on

When the tsunami struck on Dec 26th 2004, millions of people watched in horror as the full extent of the worst natural disaster in living memory unfolded on their television screens.

Asia Pacific: A week unlike any other

One month ago, during a single week in late September, the Asia Pacific region was rocked by four emergencies that disrupted the lives of nearly nine million people across the Philippines, Viet Nam, Samoa and Indonesia.

We need a global strategy to deal with natural disasters

As the world hears news of a mounting death toll in the Asia Pacific region, questions are being asked about why more deaths could not have been prevented.

Red Alert for Red Cross as strong quake and tsunami batters Samoa

A major quake and tsunami in the Pacific tests the resolve of the Red Cross as it strives to respond simultaneously to three major disasters, one in the Pacific and two others in Southeast Asia Pacific Region – Red Cross Societies in Samoa and ...

Red Cross supports search and rescue effort as hundreds remain missing in Taiwan

The search continues for hundreds of people who remain trapped in mountain villages cut off by mudslides and flooding caused by the heavy rains that have deluged central and southern areas of Taiwan in the wake of Typhoon Morakot.

IFRC: Post-disaster psychosocial support an obligation, not an option

Responding to a disaster is not just about treating physical injuries - it is also about healing psychological wounds.

Defending albinos’ rights to life

Superstition has led to the killing of more than 60 albinos in Burundi and Tanzania.

West Africa: 7,000 Red Cross volunteers protect children from polio

More than 7,000 volunteers in 10 West African countries have been involved in major multi-country synchronized vaccination campaigns aimed at immunizing children against polio.

Eastern Europe: Human trafficking “set to rise”

Government officials and international organizations in Eastern Europe are warning of a dramatic increase in human trafficking as the recession begins to bite.

South Asia: Tackling HIV stigma from a regional approach

The South Asia region, home to half the world's poor, hosts an estimated 2.

Red Cross plans kick into action in response to cholera outbreaks

Plans enacted in 2006 have enabled Red Cross societies in Southern Africa to quickly respond to cholera outbreaks.

Severe flooding in Central America: Red Cross brings vital assistance to affected families

Torrential rains carried by a series of depressions and storms have left a wake of devastation in Central America over the last three weeks.

Survivors of Hurricane Mitch have rebuilt their lives

Ten years ago, Hurricane Mitch changed the lives of millions of people.

Red Cross providing help to Hurricane 2008 victims

The American Red Cross has thousands of staff on the ground in Texas and Louisiana, offering shelter, food, and comfort to the millions of people affected by Hurricane Ike.

Americas: Thousands affected by Hurricane Gustav

The Red Cross Red Crescent is helping thousands of people who have been affected by Hurricane Gustav’s path through Haiti and the Dominican Republic – and is gearing up to protect people in Cuba.

South Asia: Building safer communities

Red Cross Red Crescent workshop helps colleagues share their knowledge on how best to protect and support those in disaster-prone areas.

Georgia and North Ossetia: Red Cross responds on the spot to assist displaced people

The Georgian Red Cross Society (GRCS) has mobilized more than 1,000 volunteers across the country to bring emergency assistance to people displaced by the recent fighting.

Fay, the sixth Atlantic storm of the season tears across the Caribbean

The Red Cross remains on high alert as Tropical Storm Fay has dumped torrential rains on the island of Hispaniola, eastern and central Cuba, Jamaica and the northern Cayman Islands.

Conflict in Georgia: International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement brings emergency assistance to displaced and wounded

"Tens of thousands of civilians have been caught up in the armed conflict involving Georgian, South Ossetian and Russian forces.

Moldova and Ukraine Red Cross Societies respond to most severe floods in 200 years

"I've worked with the Red Cross for 40 years and no one I know has ever seen anything like this, nor have their parents nor their grandparents.

Launch of the Red Cross HIV Global Alliance for Latin America and the Caribbean

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) launched its “Global Alliance on HIV” in the Americas just prior to the opening of the XVII International AIDS Conference being held in Mexico City from 3 to 8 August 2008.

West and Central Africa: flood alert confirmed

The rainy season has begun in many countries across West and Central Africa.

Caribbean: planning and partnerships “essential” for disaster recovery

The Solomon Islands Red Cross (SIRC) has been sharing its disaster response and recovery expertise with other Red Cross societies at a recent workshop in the Caribbean.

Red Cross fights cholera in Mozambique and Zimbabwe

Mozambique has been affected by a cholera outbreak that hit several areas.

“We need to act now and invest more in disaster preparedness”, says the secretary general of Mozambique Red Cross

Southern Africa has been severely affected by heavy rains which started last month in parts of Zimbabwe and are now spreading to other countries including Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho, Swaziland and Madagascar.

Red Cross National Societies braced for new Southern Africa flood emergency

National Societies in Southern Africa and the International Federation’s zone office in Johannesburg were Wednesday braced for a new flood emergency involving at many as six countries: Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Red Cross Red Crescent action critical in 91% plunge of measles deaths in Africa

Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies and their volunteers have been significant contributors to the fight against measles throughout the world, especially in Africa.

Eastern Africa: worst floods in decades

More than 650,000 people have lost their homes and some two hundred their lives in the worst floods in the history of Africa affecting large swathes of land all over Eastern, Central and West Africa – and the rains are set to continue into November.

Climate change makes food security situation worse in Eastern Africa

Climate change is likely to be aggravating the chronic food shortages in many parts of Eastern Africa.

Tuvalu: there’s no place like home

Twice a week a plane lands at the airstrip on Tuvalu’s main atoll, Funafuti.

Felix: prayers for missing on Mosquito Coast

This fragile Miskito village at the end of a now barely-passable 25-kilometre gravel road that starts in Puerto Cabezas is almost the exact point – as near as it can be plotted – where the eye of Hurricane Felix came ashore before first light last Tuesday

Preparations underway to face category five Hurricane Felix

As Hurricane Felix tracks towards the Central American coastline, Red Cross Societies along the storm’s path are encouraging residents to find safe shelter and not risk driving through flooded areas.

Red Cross Red Crescent Global Alliance aims to double HIV prevention and care efforts by 2010

As the 8th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (8th ICAAP) draws to a close, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has renewed its pledge to increase the number of people covered by its HIV programmes worl

Caribbean Red Cross Societies start recovery process after Dean

Caribbean Red Cross Societies are supporting thousands of people affected by Hurricane Dean, distributing vital relief items, and helping communities take the first slow steps towards recovery.

Red Cross in Mexico and Belize brace for Hurricane Dean

As Hurricane Dean bears down on the Mexico-Belize border, Red Cross branches in the region are on maximum alert and standing by to provide assistance as needed.

Dean devastates parts of St Lucia and Dominica

The first hurricane of the Atlantic storm season, Dean – which started as a category 2 hurricane – lashed the islands of St Lucia, Martinique and Dominica on Friday causing devastation as it made its way into the Caribbean Sea.

Update: Red Cross Red Crescent boosts aid to millions worldwide as floods rage on

Severe flooding has affected tens of millions of people around the world in recent weeks and months.

Rains and flooding spread to South East Asia

The start of the 2007 typhoon season in South East Asia has been marked by torrential rains and heavy flooding in several countries, including Viet Nam, Indonesia, Cambodia, the Philippines and Myanmar.

Floods wreak havoc and displace tens of millions worldwide

Severe flooding has affected tens of millions of people around the world in recent weeks and months, including Bangladesh, China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan and Sudan.

Changing face of disasters requires new kind of response

The increasing intensity and frequency of severe storms and extreme weather events – like the floods and heat waves currently affecting Africa, Asia and Europe – are forcing humanitarian agencies, like to Red Cross Red Crescent, to respond to more and mor

Eastern, southern and central Europe seared by heat and fires

While parts of northern Europe are devastated by record flooding caused by torrential rains, countries in Central Europe suffocate under the highest temperatures recorded in many years.

Central Asia: on the road to effective regional disaster response

On a recent evening in Almaty, the capital of Kazakhstan, seventeen International Federation staff and disaster management coordinators from the five Red Crescent Societies in the region opened sealed envelopes, as instructed, at precisely 21:15.

Boosting regional partnerships to mitigate the impact of disasters in the Middle East and North Africa

As governments, the United Nations and other organisations met to move forward the disaster risk reduction agenda in the Middle East/North Africa region, the International Federation called for the greater participation of civil society and more focus on

World Red Cross Red Crescent Day: working together to combat youth violence in the Americas

Each year, World Red Cross Red Crescent Day is celebrated across the globe on 8 May.

Tuberculosis: easy to get, difficult to cure

The Russian Red Cross programme to fight tuberculosis (TB) has been running in the town of Belgorod and the region since December 2002.

Giving the elderly back their dignity in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan

The elderly have lost the most in the transition from communism to capitalism.

Dire needs of Central Asia’s street children

Since the fall of communism, state institutions in Central Asia have struggled to cope with the thousands of children neglected and abandoned by their parents.

The Zambezi River threatens thousands of families in five southern African countries

The Zambezi River which stretches from Angola to the Indian Ocean in Mozambique is threatening to displace thousands of families in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi and Namibia following the heavy rains experienced in the last few weeks.

The International Federation boosts mobilization for Africa

The Governing Board of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies meets on a regular basis to take strategic decisions concerning the organization’s main areas of action.

Communities and the private sector could build safer communities in the Americas

That reducing vulnerability and increasing capacities to face the risk of disaster is a responsibility for all was the message given by representatives of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies at the 4th Inter-American Confe

Now is the time to invest in young people

Throughout Asia, the Pacific and the Middle East youth volunteers are working to help other youths, save the environment, prevent the spread of HIV and even give homework advice to fellow students.

First aid – ‘learning by doing’ in Asia and Africa

To the casual passer-by, the first-ever consultative workshop on community-based first aid (CBFA) in Asia-Pacific, held in Nepal in September 2006, may have looked more like the aftermath of an explosion in a paper factory than a gathering of community ba

First Aid Education European network celebrates its 15th anniversary

This was a very special year for European Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, because no less than three anniversaries were celebrated at the annual meeting of first aid leaders, held in October 2006: - the 15th anniversary of the First Aid ...

Gordon, the 7th tropical storm of the 2006 Caribbean Hurricane Season

Gordon, the sevenths tropical storm of the 2006 Caribbean Hurricane Season, developed from a tropical depression and became a tropical storm on September 11 at about 550 miles north-northeast of the Leeward Islands, moving north-northeast.

Hurricane Florence passed close to Bermuda with minimum damage

According to reports from the Bermuda Overseas Branch of the British Red Cross, as preparation measures, the airport, ports, Longbird Bridge (one of the connectors from east to west) and the inlands ferry system, were closed as well as all government offi

World First Aid Day: volunteers selflessly save lives without discrimination

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.

Ernesto, the first hurricane of the season in the Caribbean

Ernesto is the first hurricane of the 2006 Caribbean hurricane season – active from 24 August to 1 September – which became a tropical storm as it headed deeper inland to North Carolina, United States.

Displaced Lebanese in Syria return home

Displaced Lebanese in Syria began packing their belongings as soon as the United Nations-sponsored cessation of hostilities went into effect at 08:00 local time on Monday 14 August 2006.

Death of a Lebanese Red Cross volunteer - the price of humanity

In the evening of 11 August, the UN convoy, followed by hundreds of cars filled with civilians, made its way north, from Marjazoun in southern Lebanon, towards Rashaya.

Syria - stories of solidarity and voluntary service

Since July 12, tens of thousands of people fled hostilities in Lebanon and crossed the border into Syria, where they were sheltered in schools and social centres or taken in by hundreds of host families in Syria.

Middle East violence: Turkish Red Crescent extends helping hand

The Turkish Red Crescent Society, or Kizilay, has dispatched humanitarian aid to Palestinians in order to assist the victims of recent violence in the Middle East and set up two temporary shelters on its southern coastline to host those fleeing from the f

Rwanda: strangers in a strange land

Yvonne Kabagire, Rwanda Red Cro...

Red Cross to scale up approach for hurricane season

Inez Joseph lives in Anse La Raye in St Lucia, a fishing village surrounded by three rivers and the sea.

800,000 people look to Red Cross Red Crescent for desperately needed assistance

One doesn’t have to go far from Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, to see the effects of the drought smothering large parts of East Africa and threatening the lives and well-being of millions of people.

Red Cross supports thousands affected by heavy floods in the Andean Region

“The rice sown is gone because of the rain.

Hurricane Season 2005: ‘Annus horribilis’

With 26 tropical storms and 14 hurricanes, the 2005 hurricane season has been rated one of the most active and destructive in history.

Red Cross works to relieve hurricane Stan’s effect in El Salvador

Hurricane Stan may have physically disappeared but the considerable damage and uncertainty it left behind is still visible.

Tecún Umán, an example of Red Cross support to the community

The plane left at 9.

Red Cross in Central America prepares for “Wilma”

Still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Stan, a number of countries in Central America including Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua and Cuba are bracing themselves for Hurricane Wilma, which could be the strongest hurricane for this year’s Atlantic Hurricane

Death in the mountains in Pakistan

Another can of air freshener is tossed into a growing pile amid broken bricks and bent steel.

The suffering of Shamlai

There is not much left of the village of Shamlai at the end of the road up in the mountains from the town of Batagram in Pakistan.

Jamaica, Haiti and Cayman Islands Red Cross braces for Hurricane Dennis

Still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Ivan which ripped through the Caribbean last year, Jamaica, Haiti and the Cayman Islands have both been put on hurricane watch as “Dennis” the fourth storm of the 2005 Atlantic season makes it way to the islands

From Sweden to Phuket: a delegate’s story

Is this really where I arrived to six months ago? I hesitantly look around the park outside the Townhouse of Phuket.

Federation President visits tsunami-hit families in Aceh

As the world prepares to mark six months since the tsunami devastated many coastal areas of Asia, International Federation President Juan Manuel Suárez del Toro paid a visit on Wednesday 22 June to tsunami-stricken families in one of the worst-hit towns,

Red Cross ready for hurricane season

For five days, representatives from National Red Cross Societies in Central America and the Caribbean, as well as from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, have been meeting in Panama to review and update their contingency

Meeting the HIV/AIDS challenge in South Asia

National Red Cross and Red Crescent societies in South Asia have received a major boost with initial funding confirmed for the biggest International Federation AIDS regional programme outside of southern Africa.

Red Crescent responds to changing environment in Central Asia

Risk reduction and health emergencies, as well as the need to strengthen the position of Central Asia’s national Red Crescent societies in their relationships with partners were at the top of the agenda when Juan Manuel Suárez del Toro, President of the I

The new slave trade

The European Union promises action on trafficking.

Hurricane season arrives early in Central America

Thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala after the first hurricane of the season smashed into Central America late on 19 May.

A regional response to a regional problem

Adesh Tripathee travelled from the highest country in the world to one of the lowest.

Measles deaths in Africa almost halved in five years

Thanks to an unprecedented partnership involving the Red Cross and Red Crescent, global measles deaths have fallen by 39 per cent since 1999, while the region with the highest burden of the disease, Africa, has witnessed a drop of 46 per cent.

Tsunami prompts African aid recipients to become donors

It took about seven hours for the deadly wave to reach the Somali coast, from the moment it was caused by a massive earthquake under the sea near Indonesia, 5,000 km away.

Caribbean warms up for climate change

In the months of August and September, North America and the Caribbean were pounded by four devastating hurricanes, which killed some 2,500 people and left over 300,000 homeless.

HIV scores on the heroin highway

In Tashkent province, Uzbekistan, a bus travelling from Tajikistan to Russia aroused the suspicion of customs officers and, unhappy with the driver's answers, they searched it.

European Red Cross societies warming up to climate change

Climate predictions indicate that the frequency and severity of extreme weather events will increase in years to come.

Receding floodwaters bring only temporary relief to South Asia

The waterlevel of the swollen rivers in South Asia has returned back to normal, after early monsoon rains in the region caused one of the most devastating floods in years.

Federation earns place on Stop TB Board

The Red Cross Red Crescent’s role in tackling major public health issues has again been recognised, with the Stop TB partnership nominating the International Federation to take a seat on its coordinating board.

Culture of prevention takes hold in South Asia

The Director of the UN’s International Strategy for Disaster Reduction in Geneva recently called for a “culture of prevention” in tackling disasters.

Together, Central America can beat HIV/AIDS

You are at sea, and you see an SOS signal from another boat.

Youth in the spotlight at Mediterranean conference

Youth, the role they play in the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the problems they face was the focus of the 9th Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the Mediterranean.

When East joins West

This year’s enlargement of the European Union (EU) - its biggest ever - is a historic moment and a strategic success.

Flood alert in Southern Africa on World Water Day

As the world marked World Water Day on 22 March, the countries of Southern Africa were bracing themselves for possible floods.

Bahrain meeting addresses new humanitarian challenges

The largest regular meeting of Red Crescent and Red Cross Societies in the Middle East and North Africa started its deliberations in Bahrain on 15 March after being officially opened by the deputy prime minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalid Al-Kahlifah, wh

Watershed reached in efforts to beat measles in Africa

International efforts to dramatically reduce measles deaths in Africa have reached a critical juncture.

Cyclone hits South Pacific

Red Cross staff and volunteers have been active throughout the Pacific this week, responding to the damage wrought by Cyclone Heta.

Poster art: a weapon against stigma

A healthy-looking young man sits surrounded by a serene-looking group; an adult couple have their hands on the young man’s shoulders, while kneeling in front of him, another youth holds his hand.

Uniting against hunger in Central Europe

“What unites 15 million southern Africans, 2 million Polish children, 530,000 Latvian pensioners and a thousand schoolchildren from the Lithuanian district of Kazlu Ruda?” asks the Lithuanian Red Cross.

When donors rise to the occasion

A major dilemma highlighted in this year’s World Disasters Report is the increasing trend for donors to channel humanitarian aid towards emergencies and crises that rank high on the political and media agendas of the day.

Political commitment crucial to successful measles reduction

There is an old African saying that parents should not give their children a name until measles has passed through their village, such was the toll it took.

Red Cross Youth in Central Europe unite efforts against hunger

On World Food Day this year, ten Red Cross Societies in Central Europe are pooling their efforts to bring world attention to the plight of millions of poor and malnourished Europeans, from the Baltic to the Adriatic.

Cape Town meeting aims to build on measles gains

Public health experts gather in Cape Town this week for a landmark meeting aimed at building on the advances made over the past three years in reducing measles mortality.

Governments urged to raise awareness on people trafficking

The International Federation today urged governments to take measures to increase public awareness of the exploitation faced by victims of people trafficking.

Mission aims for greater involvement in HIV/AIDS treatment

When David Mukasa boarded a Geneva-bound plane at Uganda’s Entebbe airport on 29 July, he was very much aware of the seriousness of his mission.

Red Cross assists Europe’s victims of fire and heat

Red Cross volunteers from Portugal, France, Spain, and Italy have been involved in helping their respective authorities in managing the humanitarian crisis arising from the forest fires and heat wave affecting much of Europe.

Southern Africa diary: A week in the lives

Around 30 per cent of Swaziland’s population will need humanitarian aid this year, even more than in 2002 when famine threatened Southern Africa.

Women and children die in severe Peruvian winter

A major Red Cross campaign gets underway today in the high Andes of Peru to bring assistance to communities suffering from a severe cold spell which has led to the deaths of 105 children from pneumonia and has killed at least 25 pregnant women this month.

PADRU shows way forward for regional disaster management

"We lost everything.

Concern grows for homeless as floods hit South Asia

From rescuing stranded people by boat to providing water purification tablets or high protein biscuits, Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers have been among the first to respond to the needs of some of the 6.

E-forum launched to tackle HIV/AIDS stigma

“You can live with HIV, but you can’t live with the stigma that surrounds it,” said one anonymous contributor to the pre-cursor of the global e-forum that is being launched today by the International Federation and Health and Development Networks (HDN).

Pacific region aims to turn Manila Action Plan into reality

A meeting in Brisbane of 14 national Red Cross Societies in the Pacific has taken an important step towards the implementation of an action plan agreed last November at the 6th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Ma

Maputo summit offers opportunities for Movement

African heads of state and government have gathered in the Mozambican capital, Maputo, for the second summit of the African Union (AU), which was launched one year ago in Durban.

Floods and landslides hit South Asia

Over one million people have been affected by monsoon season floods and landslides in Nepal, India and Bangladesh, and Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers have been among the first to respond to the needs of the hundreds of thousands rendered homeless.

Youth takes lead in tackling HIV/AIDS, intolerance

Youth representatives from 44 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have gathered at the Italian Red Cross Training Centre in Jesolo Lido, 40 km from Venice for the biennial European Cooperation Meeting (ECM), a pan-European event that has been go

Red Cross defines role in enlarged Europe

Behind the triumphant parade of ten European countries into the European Union lie many concerns.

Southern Africa operation on target, but challenges lie ahead

More than a million people affected by hunger and HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa will have been helped by the region’s national Red Cross societies when a one-year relief operation makes way for longer-term action in July.

Red Cross in Americas prepares for busy hurricane season

The Atlantic hurricane season officially started on 1 June, and meteorological experts are predicting that the Caribbean and Central America could witness above average levels of activity.

West Africa to benefit from disaster response teams

In a bid to strengthen and support the relief response capacity of Red Cross Societies in the West African region, the International Federation has brought together over 30 Red Cross volunteers and officials in the Ghanaian capital, Accra, to create Regio

Strengthening Disaster preparedness networks in Central Europe

Calamities, as last year’s floods in central Europe proved, can transcend borders.

EU membership offers challenges and opportunities for Red Cross

Red Cross National Societies from Central and Eastern Europe will face new challenges and opportunities when their countries join the European Union (EU) in May 2004, says Luc Henskens, Director of the Red Cross/EU Office in Brussels.

Santiago maps out Red Cross priorities in Americas

A four-day conference aimed at mapping the future direction of the Red Cross movement in the Americas has closed in Santiago de Chile, by approving two documents on achieving equity in health and a more integrated system for the management of disasters.

Red Cross continues response to widening SARS threat

The global SARS outbreak is having an impact on Red Cross and Red Crescent activities in affected countries.

Disaster preparedness pays dividends in Pacific

As the Pacific cyclone season winds down, Red Cross disaster preparedness programmes have again shown their worth in the region.

AIDS in the Americas: keeping promises

The innovative regional response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Americas during the last decade has been based on the active participation of the affected communities.

Volunteers working to prevent spread of atypical pneumonia

To date, at least 98 people have died around the world from the atypical pneumonia called “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) with China and the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong being the worst hit.

Measles initiative "exceeding targets and under budget"

After 18 months of work, the Measles Initiative, an alliance of international public health organizations including the International Federation, says it is on track to meet its target of saving the lives of 1.

Opinion: move the AIDS issue to the top of the Indonesian agenda

OVER the last five years, Indonesia has seen a sharp rise in HIV prevalence.

Agencies warn of apocalypse now in Africa

A bleak and dismal picture of what the future could hold for 60 million people living in southern Africa was outlined this week in a joint statement from the world's major humanitarian agencies, including the International Federation and UNAIDS.

Severe winter claims more lives across South Asia

The coldest winter in South Asia for decades has claimed the lives of more than 1,600 people, most of them poor and homeless, in India, Bangladesh and Nepal.

MDA aids Tel Aviv bomb victims

The Israeli humanitarian organisation, Magen David Adom (MDA), has responded to Sunday evening's double suicide bombing in Tel Aviv, in which 23 people died and more than 100 were injured.

Bangkok Population Conference offers springboard for broader regional cooperation

The International Federation has used a United Nations conference on population issues in Asia and the Pacific to promote its recently adopted regional priorities as the foundation for closer cooperation with UN agencies and governments.

Côte d'Ivoire crisis: Federation launches emergency appeal for returnees and refugees

The recent upsurge in fighting in Côte d'Ivoire has increased the need for an urgent response to humanitarian needs in neighbouring countries.

Merengue rhythm whips up HIV/AIDS awareness

To the sound of bachata and merengue music, more than 50 youth volunteers from the Dominican Red Cross are cheerfully packing 250,000 condoms donated by the manufacturer, Durex, to the Netherlands Red Cross.

Call to action in Manila

'It is upon action that we are judged.

Red Cross Red Crescent promotes migrant welfare in Asia

The Red Cross and Red Crescent has been calling on governments in the Asia-Pacific region to do more to ratify existing international conventions seeking to protect migrants and refugees, who are too often subjected to racism and discrimination.

Federation President seeks lasting contribution to human dignity

A myriad of colours and music set the tone for the formal opening of the 6th Regional Asia-Pacific Red Cross Red Crescent Conference, which brings together some 150 delegates from 46 National Societies in the region and another 100 representatives from si

HIV/AIDS and Population movements top Manila agenda

Some 250 delegates of 49 National Societies are attending the 6th Regional Asia-Pacific Red Cross Red Crescent Conference, which gets under way in the Philippine capital, Manila, on Monday 25 November.

Asian HIV/AIDS programmes boosted by new partnership

A total of four million dollars has been committed by the International Federation and the OPEC Fund for International Development in what is being seen as the start of a new partnership in combatting HIV/AIDS in Asia Pacific.

Federation backs meningitis stockpile appeal

The International Federation has given its support to an emergency appeal to donors for 10 million euros to replenish a stockpile of vaccines for Africa's "meningitis belt".

Measles Initiative makes inroads in sub-Saharan Africa

Measles is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable death among children in Africa.

Pacific puppet masters hit the road

- What's the matter? Don't you love me? - Of course I love you, my darling, but you promised not to hurt me.

Secretary General in show of support for southern Africa operation

In a show of support for the National Red Cross Societies struggling to cope with a growing food crisis across southern Africa, the secretary general of the International Federation, Didier Cherpitel, has held talks in Johannesburg with the secretaries ge

Children go hungry in Central Europe

Ola is 14.

Why relief must not be a cover up

Federation forges partnership to improve disaster preparedness

The International Federation has joined forces with the United Nations Environment Programme in a bid to reduce the impact of natural disasters on the lives of millions of Africans.

Three years on - Taiwan still feeling effects of earthquake

A full three years after the devastating earthquake that struck Taiwan in the early hours of 21 September 1999 which left 2,368 people dead, nearly 8,000 seriously injured and more than 300,000 homeless, the Taiwan Red Cross Organization (TRCO) is still p

Thirty million African youths united to combat HIV/AIDS

Alarmingly high rates of HIV/AIDS infection in Africa are pushing governments throughout the continent to declare national disasters.

Counting the cost of floods in Bangladesh

On receiving her family kit, 60-year old Aruna looked slightly bemused.

Southeast Asian countries continue to suffer from floods

Two states in Myanmar are experiencing their worst floods in living memory.

Profile: the voice of the NGO in the global vaccination battle

Taking up his appointment to the board of GAVI, 43-year-old Abbas Gullet, Secretary General of the Kenya Red Cross for the past 19 months, says one of his biggest challenges will be in defining the role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in eradicat

Volunteers playing crucial role in sustainable development

Speaking at a side event on Community Involvement and Volunteering in Sustainable Development co-hosted by the International Federation and United Nations Volunteers (UNV), Suárez del Toro said that the participation of volunteers fighting to reduce the i

Mekong River Basin threatened by major floods

Progress in talks between Japan and DPR Korea

Humanitarian issues including tracing missing people and home visits of Japanese spouses living in the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK), were among the key issues being addressed during talks between the Red Cross Societies of Japan and the DPR

Flood havoc spreads in Central Europe and Russia

Red Cross truck fleet leaves for southern Africa

More than 300 Norwegian Red Cross volunteers have worked 5,000 hours in the past two weeks to ensure that trucks donated by the Norwegian defence forces are prepared for their new role.

South Asia struck by floods and drought

Incessant rains and accompanying landslides have claimed some 400 lives so far across the South Asia region with many more people still missing.

Bangui Red Cross volunteers rescue three in air crash

Thanks to their immediate action on site, Central African Red Cross volunteers were able to rescue three people from the wreckage of a cargo plane that crashed at midday in a residential area of the capital of the Central African Republic, Bangui, on July

Volunteering a way of life in Africa

One year into her latest challenge, Esther Okwanga, the first and only African regional delegate for volunteering, says that the most important lesson she has learnt is that "volunteering represents a feeling of solidarity, renewed everyday across Africa.

Youth peer education focus for HIV/AIDS action in south Asia

The first priority for the newly established South Asia Red Cross and Red Crescent Network on HIV/AIDS (SARNHA) will be peer education for youth.

450,000 hungry people to benefit from appeal in southern Africa

Following an assessment of needs in three of the most drought-affected countries in southern Africa, the Federation today launched an appeal for 6.

Ebola and meningitis threaten central Africa

Representatives of the eight central African Red Cross Societies met in Cameroon last week to discuss measures to be taken against outbreaks of Ebola and meningitis.

"El Niño is coming"

Fight against discrimination must top international agenda says President Suarez Del Toro

The international community must redouble its efforts to tackle intolerance and discrimination at both global and local levels, the UN Human Rights Commission was told today by Juan Manuel Suarez del Toro Rivero, President of the International Federation

Federation marks World Water Day

Water is often the most pressing issue on the humanitarian agenda in disaster situations, said the world's largest disaster response network, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, in a statement to mark World Water Day toda

African societies exceed targets after Measles Initiative's first year

At the end of the first year of the Measles Initiative - an inter-agency immunization drive throughout sub-Saharan Africa inspired early last year by the American Red Cross - national societies in West Africa report good coverage, thanks mainly to the str

Humanitarian power and accountability

Agency workers from international and local NGOs as well as UN agencies in the west African countries of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone are reportedly the most frequent exploiters of girls under 18, in a series of as yet unverified allegations catologue

Central America: hands across the Gulf of Fonseca

The Gulf of Fonseca pilot project aims to mobilize volunteers in Red Cross branches to form partnerships with vulnerable communities, strengthen public health capacities and improve both disaster preparedness and response.

Initiative to combat measles in Africa launched

"This is not the end.

Love overcomes shame of HIV in Thailand and Laos

Tay first suspected she was HIV positive when her husband of three years fell ill in 1996 and died a month later.

Tribute to volunteers

The International Federation, the world's largest humanitarian network with some 20 million active volunteers world-wide, marked the end of the first ever UN International Year of Volunteers, on December 5, with a tribute to their work and a renewed commi

Israel-Palestine: humanitarian cooperation continues despite conflict

The tragic loss of life since the outbreak of hostilities in Israel and the Autonomous/Occupied Territories, in September 2000, has now reached more than 1,000 deaths - 851 Palestinians and 208 Israelis have been killed to date.

Time for Action - West Africa marks World Aids Day

The Red Cross and Red Crescent in West Africa laid out their anti-AIDS agenda in no uncertain terms on World AIDS Day, with youth and other volunteers participating in parades, debates and events from Cape Verde to Nigeria.

Drugs and discrimination spread HIV

The enduring disaster in sub-Saharan Africa looms large over another World AIDS Day.

HIV/AIDS - 40 million people now infected

The International Federation has identified the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS as a leading priority.

West Africans rise to polio challenge

Drivers in West Africa are well used to hearing a tap on their door when they stop at traffic lights.

A helping hand for Tibet's flood hit rural communities

The floods that struck one of the major barley producing areas of the Tibetan Plateau in August 2000, were the worst in living memory in the region.

Poverty feeds hunger in Central Europe, warns Red Cross

Poor nutrition among Central European children is of growing concern to the Red Cross.

8 September 2001 - European First Aid Day

To mark European First Aid Day, National Societies organized first aid campaigns to raise public awareness of first aid and to inform the general public about simple actions which can save lives.

Progress report on Red Cross/Red Crescent activities in NIS

Joe Lowry in Ki...

Meningitis sweeps sub-Saharan Africa

At least 3,500 people have died in the worst outbreak of meningoccal meningitis to sweep sub-Saharan Africa in the last decade.

Chernobyl: living in the shadow of radioactive contamination

Nearly a decade and a half after the world's worst nuclear disaster, millions of people in the three affected countries - Belarus, Russia and Ukraine - continue to live in the shadow of radioactive contamination.

Communities fight Tuberculosis in Central Asia

Tuberculosis is increasing in Central Asia at an alarming rate.

Long-term commitment to fight AIDS

"When you see young men and women wasting away to their death, leaving behind traumatized children and desperate grandparents, you know something must be done now.