Red Cross of Chad

The Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society

The Republic of Korea National Red Cross

Statement: IFRC saddened by the deaths of three DRC Red Cross Volunteers in Ituri Province

Kinshasa/Nairobi/Geneva, 23 May 2026: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is deeply saddened by the deaths of three volunteers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo Red Cross (DRC RC) in Mongbwalu branch, Djugu Territory, Ituri Province.We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, loved ones, fellow volunteers and colleagues. We stand in solidarity with the DRC Red Cross during this difficult time.The volunteers — Alikana Udumusi Augustin, Sezabo Katanabo, and Ajiko Chandiru Viviane — are believed to have contracted the Ebola virus on duty, while carrying out dead body management activities on 27 March as part of a humanitarian mission unrelated to Ebola. At the time of the intervention, the community was not aware of the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak, and the outbreak had not yet been identified. They are among the first known victims of the outbreak.The dates of death are as follows:Ajiko Chandiru Viviane – 5 MaySezabo Katanabo – 15 MayAlikana Udumusi Augustin – 16 MayThese volunteers lost their lives while serving their communities with courage and humanity.Their commitment reflects the extraordinary dedication shown every day by Red Cross volunteers working in complex and high-risk environments to support vulnerable people.The IFRC and the DRC Red Cross, together with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), remain committed to supporting affected communities and strengthening efforts to respond to the outbreak.For more information, please contact: [email protected] Nairobi: Susan Mbalu, +254 733 827 654In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa +41 79 708 4367 Paolo Cravero +41 79 894 8396

Lebanon: Complex Emergency

Following an escalation of hostilities in early 2026, the IFRC has revised its emergency appeal to reach 1.2 million people across Lebanon with life-saving services including emergency medical care, food, shelter, and clean water. The Lebanese Red Cross is on the ground around the clock — running ambulances, search and rescue teams, and relief distributions — but needs are growing faster than current resources allow. Donate now to help the Lebanese Red Cross scale up its life-saving response.

IFRC Emergency Operations Centres Guide 2026

This resource page brings together documents, tools, and practical guidance to support Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies in strengthening their emergency coordination, information management, and decision-making capacities through Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs). The resources aim to promote scalable and context-appropriate approaches that enhance situational awareness, operational readiness, anticipatory action, response coordination, and early recovery. Please also see more resources below, including EOC case studies from around the world as well as the IFRC's EOC Implementation and Readiness Assessment Tool.

Time stood still: A humanitarian’s story from ‘Black Wednesday’ in Lebanon

Ebola: IFRC scales up response in eastern DRC as regional risks grow

Kinshasa/Nairobi/Geneva, 21 May 2026 — The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is scaling up Ebola response efforts in Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and neighbouring countries, and has launched a CHF 29 million regional emergency appeal.The Democratic Republic of the Congo Red Cross Society, supported by the IFRC, has deployed 200 volunteers in Bunia and Rwampara health zones to support community engagement and frontline public health activities.Red Cross volunteers are already going door-to-door in affected communities, helping families understand how Ebola spreads, countering misinformation, and encouraging early care-seeking when symptoms appear. A Red Cross radio programme is reinforcing these messages at a broader scale.Families are also being advised not to touch or wash the bodies of suspected Ebola victims, as this remains one of the most common routes of transmission during outbreaks. On the first day of activities, Red Cross volunteers reached 645 families.Ariel Kestens, IFRC Head of Delegation in Kinshasa, said: “The Bundibugyo strain is particularly concerning, as there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of treatments and vaccines developed for the Zaire strain. The outbreak is spreading rapidly in areas where health systems are already fragile and where population movement across borders is frequent. The priority now is to act quickly and work closely with communities, as the coming days are critical. We call on the international community to demonstrate solidarity and support the Red Cross Red Crescent’s lifesaving response.”Gregoire Mateso, National President of the DRC RC Secretary General in Kinshasa, said: “People are afraid, but when Red Cross volunteers provide clear information and offer practical support, communities are more likely to seek treatment promptly and follow preventive measures. This clearly demonstrates that our volunteers have earned the trust of the communities they serve, and this trust is essential to stopping the spread of the Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease.”The outbreak is spreading through areas already affected by insecurity, weak healthcare systems and constant population movement, complicating efforts to contain the virus.Fears of wider regional spread are also growing. Uganda has already confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola cases linked to the ongoing outbreak, while neighbouring countries, including Burundi, Rwanda and South Sudan, are stepping up readiness efforts in high-risk border areas.Robert Kwesiga, Secretary General, Uganda Red Cross Society in Kampala, said: “We have placed our teams and volunteers on high alert and are retraining and preparing them for rapid deployment to support the national Ebola response. As Uganda Red Cross, our role is not only to support emergency health interventions, but also to stand with communities, strengthen public awareness, build trust, and help prevent further spread of the disease. We are working closely with the Ministry of Health and partners to ensure communities in high-risk areas receive timely support, accurate information, and lifesaving humanitarian assistance.”Previous Ebola outbreaks have shown that the chain of transmission can be broken faster when communities trust the response, seek care early and have access to reliable information and support.Urgent funding is needed to expand surveillance, deploy additional burial teams, deliver protective equipment and scale up frontline response efforts in affected communities and high-risk border areas.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Kinshasa: Jean-Michel Ntalemwa, +243 808 804 037In Nairobi: Susan Mbalu, +254 733 827 654  In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa +41 79 708 4367Paolo Cravero +41 79 894 8396

Cameroon: Food Insecurity 2026

Cameroon is facing a deepening food crisis, with 3.3 million people unable to afford enough food as conflict, climate shocks and rising prices push families toward emergency levels of hunger. Food stocks are depleted, leaving children and pregnant women at growing risk of malnutrition. The Cameroon Red Cross Society is scaling up emergency food, cash, nutrition and livelihood support to reach 330,000 of the most vulnerable people. But urgent funding is needed to expand this response. Your donation can make a difference – donate now to help the Cameroon Red Cross provide life-saving assistance.

Iran: Complex Emergency 2026

Since late February 2026, devastating strikes across Iran have killed hundreds, injured thousands, and disrupted essential services for up to 60 million people. The Iranian Red Crescent Society has mobilized thousands of responders to deliver search and rescue, medical aid, and emergency relief across the country — but the scale of need is far beyond what they can meet alone. Donate today to help the Iranian Red Crescent reach 10 million people with life-saving assistance.

South Sudan: Floods

Since May 2024, South Sudan has experienced significant flooding, caused by heavy rainfall and the bursting of the Nile River banks. The floods have affected more than 700,000 people, caused extensive damage to homes and devastated livestock and crops.Through this emergency appeal, the IFRC and its membership aim to address the urgent needs of 300,000 people through health, WASH, shelter and livelihoods interventions.

Ecuadorian Red Cross

Jamaica Red Cross

Venezuelan Red Cross

IFRC mourns the passing of former President Tadateru Konoe

Geneva, 27 May 2026:The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Tadateru Konoe, former President of the IFRC and former President of the Japanese Red Cross Society, who died on 23 May 2026 at the age of 87.With the passing of Mr. Konoe, we have lost one of the most devoted and compassionate leaders — a man whose life was defined by humanity, humility, and service to others.For more than five decades, Mr. Konoe dedicated his entire life to the humanitarian mission of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. Joining the Japanese Red Cross Society at the age of 25, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to alleviating suffering and supporting people affected by disasters, crises, and conflicts around the world. Through decades of service in both the Japanese Red Cross Society and the IFRC, often in the field and close to communities, he developed a profound belief in the power of humanity, solidarity, and compassion.As President of the Japanese Red Cross Society from 2005, Mr. Konoe led the Japanese Red Cross to successfully deliver urgent and effective assistance in several emergencies, including the Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent tsunami and nuclear plant accident in Fukushima in 2011.Elected President of the IFRC in 2009 and again in 2013, Mr. Konoe worked tirelessly to strengthen cooperation across the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, reinforce the resilience and capacity of National Societies, and uphold integrity and accountability in humanitarian action – at all times embodying the “Spirit of Togetherness”. His longstanding advocacy for the elimination of nuclear weapons reflected his deep conviction that humanity must never again endure such suffering.Those who knew and worked alongside Mr. Konoe will remember not only his remarkable leadership but also his kindness, gentleness, and quiet presence.In recognition of his extraordinary service and unwavering commitment to humanity, Mr. Konoe was awarded the Henry Dunant Medal, the highest distinction of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.The IFRC joins the Japanese Red Cross Society, the wider Red Cross Red Crescent family, and countless friends and colleagues around the world in mourning his loss.We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and all those whose lives were touched by his extraordinary humanity.Mr. Konoe’s legacy will endure in the millions of lives reached through the humanitarian work he championed, and in the values of humanity and compassion to which he devoted his life.For more information, please contact:[email protected] Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa +41 79 708 4367