Global Volunteering Alliance

The Global Volunteering Alliance brings together more than 70 Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to discuss current volunteer trends and the future of volunteerism in a changing world.

Fewer hurricanes do not mean less risk: IFRC ramps up preparedness across the Americas

Panama City, 1 June 2026 — Although forecasts point to a below-average hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) today recalled that high cyclonic activity is expected in the eastern Pacific. The organization called for sustained investment in preparedness, anticipatory action and early warning systems across more than 25 countries1 in Central America, North America and the Caribbean that are exposed to tropical cyclones.For the 2026 season in the Atlantic basin, which runs from 1 June to 30 November, the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts, with a 55 per cent probability, below-average cyclonic activity relative to the historical average of 14 named storms and seven hurricanes.This year, NOAA notes, there would be between eight and 14 named storms. Of these, three to six would become hurricanes, including one to three major hurricanes — that is, Category 3 or higher. By contrast, the agency forecasts, with a 70 per cent probability, a more active season in the eastern Pacific Ocean, where it predicts between 15 and 22 named storms, of which nine to 14 would become hurricanes and five to nine of those would reach major hurricane strength."We will say it again and again: a single storm is enough to destroy communities, overwhelm public services, and displace and endanger hundreds of thousands of people," said Cristian Torres, Deputy Regional Director of the IFRC for the Americas. "Forecasts are critical so that we can act before disasters strike, but beyond knowing how many storms there will be, it is essential to reduce people's vulnerability, expand the coverage of early warning systems, and develop, fund and test inter-agency protocols that protect them from the multiple hazards they face," he added.As part of its commitment to preparedness, the IFRC has already prepositioned in Panama, Santo Domingo and other strategic locations across the region enough relief supplies to provide immediate assistance to up to 60,000 people affected by a large-scale emergency. The stock includes hygiene and kitchen kits, mosquito nets, tarpaulins, cleaning and construction tools, solar lamps, water treatment units and water purification supplies, among other items.Aware that mobilizing humanitarian aid in record time requires the participation, knowledge and collaboration of multiple actors, the IFRC also relies on simulation exercises as a critical tool to test crisis and disaster response mechanisms and protocols.The most recent, held this past May, aimed to measure and improve mobilization times, customs procedures and the inter-agency response capacity of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras in the face of potential flooding caused by hurricanes.The exercise involved mobilizing Red Cross water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) specialist teams and equipment across these three countries. The initiative brought together civil protection, customs and foreign affairs authorities, along with the National Red Cross Societies. It was supported by European Union humanitarian funding and the German Red Cross, and was carried out within the framework of the Regional Mechanism for International Humanitarian Assistance, the instrument of the Central American Integration System (SICA) for organizing, facilitating and coordinating humanitarian assistance among its member countries.Another of the preparedness measures driven by the IFRC ahead of the hurricane season is the adoption of early action protocols. These protocols bring together measures agreed in advance among communities, authorities, and the Red Cross, which are triggered when certain risk thresholds are reached. Depending on the context, these actions may include cash transfers ahead of an emergency to protect homes and livelihoods, the relocation of essential goods, the reinforcement of critical infrastructure, or the evacuation of people in situations of greater vulnerability.When these systems work, communities receive timely alerts, authorities have more time to coordinate evacuations, and humanitarian teams can mobilize aid before the impact occurs. In Central America alone, the IFRC currently has five early action protocols for floods and tropical storms, financially supported by its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF)."Prepositioning relief items, simulation exercises and early action protocols make it possible to protect lives, reduce economic losses and speed up recovery after a disaster," Torres explained. "But rules can also save lives and build community resilience, which is why we call on all countries in the region to advance the international treaty for the protection of persons in disaster situations, currently under consultation at the United Nations."This treaty seeks to ensure that the protection of people exposed to or affected by disasters does not depend on chance, but on clear commitments and coordinated action. Its adoption, expected in 2027, would facilitate international cooperation and reduce the obstacles that can delay the arrival of aid. It would also improve the conditions for Red Cross Societies, as auxiliary to the public powers, to continue assisting the most vulnerable people: women, girls, older people, people on the move or with disabilities, and communities affected by violence and poverty.This season, shaped by the influence of the coming El Niño phenomenon, illustrates how risk can shift and take different forms across the continent. While Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic continue to recover from hurricanes Beryl, Oscar, Rafael and Melissa, other areas face different threats. The Central American Dry Corridor, parts of Chile and areas of the Andean region are bracing for possible droughts, while Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay anticipate heavy rains and flooding.In all of them, Red Cross teams are already working with communities to get ready.Against this backdrop, where climate, health and social risks accumulate and overlap with growing frequency, the IFRC calls for investing without delay in measures that enable States, communities and the Red Cross itself to better protect people in the face of multi-hazard scenarios. Because, as underscored at IFRC's recent XXXIII Pre-Hurricane and Recurrent Hazards Conference, when risks pile up, the difference between a hazard and a humanitarian crisis is usually decided before the impact — in the level of preparedness already in place, and in the capacity to act before the disaster occurs.For more information: [email protected] Panama: Susana Arroyo +50769993199In Geneva: Paolo Cravero +41 79 894 83 96

IFRC strengthens disaster readiness across Asia Pacific, delivering better value from humanitarian investment

Kuala Lumpur / Geneva, 7 May 2026 — As humanitarian needs grow faster than available resources, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is strengthening disaster preparedness across Asia Pacific to ensure earlier action, faster response, and better use of humanitarian funding.Between July 2025 and April 2026, the “Becoming Disaster Ready” Asia Pacific National Society Preparedness and Readiness Programme accelerated the shift from reactive crisis response to a preparedness-led, regionally coordinated readiness system. The programme aligns with the Asia Pacific National Society Preparedness (NSP) Strategic Plan 2025–2028 and supports National Societies to anticipate risks, mobilise faster, and respond at scale when disasters strike.“Every Swiss franc invested in preparedness is a choice to save more lives with fewer resources,” said Alexander Matheou, IFRC Regional Director for Asia Pacific. “By strengthening systems, coordination and readiness before disasters strike, National Societies are able to respond faster, avoid costly delays, and scale up effectively when needs are highest. In an era of growing risks and constrained humanitarian funding, preparedness is one of the most responsible and impactful investments we can make.”Stronger systems, lower response costsA central achievement of the programme has been the establishment of a regional management and coordination structure for preparedness, bringing IFRC and Partner National Societies together through an Asia Pacific NSP Core Working Group. The structure improves alignment of technical support, reduces duplication, and lays the foundation for a future Asia Pacific Preparedness Hub to enable peer-to-peer exchange and adaptation of preparedness tools across contexts.In 2025, IFRC also completed a regionwide capacity mapping of preparedness and response assets—including Emergency Operations Centres, National Disaster Response Teams, surge capacity and Emergency Response Units. Combined with a donor support mapping, this provides a clear evidence base for directing investments where they deliver the greatest preparedness return, helping ensure funding is used strategically and efficiently.Readiness that delivers faster resultsOperational readiness has been strengthened through the Surge Ready tool, developed in Asia Pacific and now adopted globally. The tool provides a common framework to assess and improve emergency readiness across National Societies, Emergency Response Units and IFRC delegations, in line with minimum quality and safeguarding standards approved in 2025. Better surge readiness translates into faster deployment, improved coordination, and reduced delays during emergencies.The region has also advanced Emergency Response Unit readiness, with several National Societies strengthening certification and peer‑to‑peer cooperation, contributing to both regional and global surge capacity. In Southeast Asia, discussions to establish a regional WASH Emergency Response Unit would further increase collective readiness and reduce reliance on ad‑hoc arrangements during major crises.Preparedness beyond response assetsInvestments under the programme extend beyond hardware and teams. National Societies have strengthened preparedness across health and pandemic readiness, WASH, anticipatory action, cash and voucher assistance preparedness, disaster law and auxiliary role, logistics, protection, gender and inclusion, and community engagement and accountability - all critical enablers of effective, accountable response.Capacity data shows that while most National Societies are operationally ready to respond, preparedness remains uneven in areas such as contingency planning, early action and enabling systems. Addressing these gaps before disasters strike reduces operational risk and helps avoid higher response costs later.Tracking impact and guiding future investmentProgramme impact is measured through annual capacity mapping and PER cycle progress, consolidated in a regional dashboard that tracks year‑on‑year maturity gains and remaining gaps. This enables IFRC and partners to demonstrate results, prioritise investment and maximise preparedness outcomes.By strengthening readiness before crises occur, IFRC’s Asia Pacific preparedness investments are delivering greater humanitarian impact per franc invested, helping National Societies respond faster, better coordinated and at scale in an increasingly complex risk environment.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] In Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances, +60 19 271 3641 In Geneva: Scott Craig, +41 76 370 3575About IFRC       IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 191 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies working to save lives and promote dignity around the world.  ifrc.org | X (Formerly Twitter) | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Threads | LinkedIn 

Disaster law: saving lives before, during and after crises

Disasters can cause enormous human suffering and loss. But the right laws and policies help keep communities safe, save lives, and ensure assistance reaches people when they need it most. IFRC Disaster Law works with governments, National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and partners to strengthen legal frameworks that protect people and reduce risk around the world.

When the rivers rose: Despite mud, washed-out roads and blackouts, Indonesia Red Cross volunteers delivered clean water, health and a ray of hope

Community Health Module: Community Assessment

This module guides volunteers and staff through the process of understanding community health, safety and resilience priorities. It covers assessment planning, ethical considerations, community engagement and the use of participatory tools such as community mapping, transect walks, focus group discussions, interviews and seasonal calendars. Participants learn how to collect, analyse and validate information with communities, transform findings into practical action plans, and use assessment results to inform programming and monitor progress. The module promotes community ownership, evidence-based decision-making and ongoing learning.

IFRC continues delivering operational materials for the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Bunia/Nairobi/Geneva, 22 June 2026– The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies(IFRC)continues to deliveressentialmaterialstoareas affected by the Bundibugyo Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is prepositioningsuppliesin neighboring countries(Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda,andSouth Sudan)as part of a2.9million CHFsupply chainoperation.Since the declaration of the outbreak, the IFRC has delivered 23 Safe and Dignified Burial(SDB)kits, which can support over450 burials, and over 300 body bags,in addition tothe essentialsuppliesprepositioned in the area.These early deliveriesfaced the complexities of testing new supply chain corridors,given the remote geography of the area,security challenges,theclosure of localairports,and thecomplexstatus of the road network.As needs are growing, the supply chain operation is scaling up. Bythe first half of July,the IFRCestimatesthe delivery ofa total of 181 SDBkits(supporting over 3,600 burials),16,450 body bags, 550 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits, and24vehiclesin DRC and neighboring countries.These shipments willarrive in phasesin EntebbeInternationalairport, in Uganda,and inJomoKenyattaInternationalairport in Nairobiand will then be transported via land to Bunia,Ituriprovince; a trip that can lastoverseven days.Safe andDignifiedBurialand PPEkits, as well as bodybags,are not justoperationalgoods,butfrontline public healthtools that protect health experts,Red Crossvolunteers, and communities from the spreading of the virus.Importantly, they are alsoan act of respect for families in their most painful moments. Getting these supplies toRed Crossteams in eastern DRCiscritical to allow them tosafelyand respectfully serve their communities.The IFRC calls on the international community, donors and partners to support theregional emergency appealto ensure that communities in DRC and across the region receive the full scope of life-saving assistance they urgently need.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected]  In Bunia: Alex Lock, +243 859 795 302 In Nairobi:  Susan Mbalu, +254 733 827 654    In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa +41 79 708 4367 | Paolo Cravero +41 79 894 8396 

Red Cross activates Early Action Protocols at the first signs of drought in El Salvador, Guatemala and Colombia

Panama City, 11 June 2026 — The Red Cross Societies of El Salvador, Guatemala and Colombia have activated their Early Action Protocols to protect more than 22,000 people at the first signs of drought. In all three countries, the lack of rainfall could worsen as a result of the El Niño phenomenon, which, according to the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), entered its active phase on 11 June.Early Action Protocols are instruments that bring together measures agreed in advance among communities, public authorities and the Red Cross, and are triggered when certain risk thresholds are reached, so that aid can be mobilized before damage occurs."Drought is a slow-motion disaster: it does not arrive in a single night and it rarely makes the headlines, which is why aid runs the risk of arriving too late," explained Loyce Pace, IFRC Regional Director for the Americas. "The difference between a hazard and a humanitarian crisis is almost always decided before the impact. This time, thanks to weather forecasts, pre-agreed joint action and anticipatory financing, we know that the moment to protect people is now."In Colombia, El Salvador and Guatemala, the activation of the drought Early Action Protocols is based on data gathered by the three countries' meteorological services, which point to the same forecast: rainfall well below normal for the June-to-August quarter, just as the agricultural cycle begins.In El Salvador, the General Directorate of the Environmental Observatory warned of a rainfall deficit between May and July. In Guatemala, the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH) forecasts El Niño-related conditions with a 70 per cent probability, along with below-normal rainfall. In Colombia, a cartographic analysis by the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM) estimates a more than 50 per cent probability of below-normal rainfall and a moderate drought index by August.National Red Cross teams had been waiting for this scientific data to launch the readiness activities funded by the IFRC's Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF). In total, this fund has 1.2 million Swiss francs (CHF) — around 1.5 million US dollars — available for early action against drought in the three countries. This funding is not allocated all at once: it is released in stages, as forecasts reach the risk thresholds agreed in advance among communities, public authorities and the Red Cross, so that each tranche of aid is mobilized just before the impact, not after.IFRC-DREF resources will make it possible to assist 10,000 people in the departments of Morazán and La Unión, in El Salvador; another 10,000 in municipalities of Guatemala's Dry Corridor, such as Chiquimula, Jalapa and Quetzaltenango; and 2,400 in the Colombian departments of Tolima and Cesar.Although each context is different, the measures follow the same logic: to act before the disaster strikes and to protect, at the same time, the food security, livelihoods, health and water access of affected communities — areas that droughts tend to hit simultaneously.The Red Cross will support families in the most vulnerable situations through cash transfers to safeguard food, obtain fuel and cover basic needs without depleting their assets. Teams will also provide safe drinking water as sources begin to run low, supplies to protect crops and livestock, and training in adaptive farming practices, hygiene and the prevention of heat-related illnesses.Worldwide, only one in every 10 dollars allocated to humanitarian action is invested in reducing or mitigating disaster risk. "It is critical that governments, cooperation agencies, financial institutions and international organizations invest in anticipatory action, early warning systems and forecast-based humanitarian action as essential mechanisms to protect lives, reduce economic losses and strengthen resilience," said Pace.For more information, contact: [email protected] Panama: Susana Arroyo Barrantes +50769993199

Statement: IFRC appalled by the killing of Sudanese Red Crescent volunteer in North Kordofan

Khartoum/Nairobi/Geneva,13June2026 –The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) isappalled by thedeathof Sudanese Red Crescent Society volunteer AhmedYaqoubOthman, on 10 June 2026, in the outskirts of ElObiedCity, in NorthKordofan.Ahmed was killed while he was providing first aid to injured people following earlierattacks. Hewas a volunteer of the Sudanese Red Crescent Society's NorthKordofanBranch. He was serving his community and supporting humanitarian activities when the incident occurred.The IFRC extends its deepest condolences to Ahmed's family, friends, fellowvolunteersand staff of the Sudanese Red Crescent Society during thisdifficult time.Ahmed's death is a painful reminder of the risks faced by humanitarian workers and volunteers who dedicate themselves to helping others, often under challenging and dangerous circumstances. His commitment to serving vulnerable people embodied the humanitarian values of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.The IFRC reiterates that humanitarian personnel and volunteers must be able to carry out their work safely. Their dedication strengthens communities and provides vital support to people affected by crises.Our network mourns the loss of a colleague who served with compassion,commitment,and humanity. Ahmed's contribution to his community will not be forgotten.For more information,please contact:[email protected]:EzaldeenSuliman, +249 90 570 6473 InNairobi:    SusanMbalu, +254 733 827 654In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa +41 79 708 4367

Community Health Module: Understanding and supporting healthy behaviour in the community

This module provides a practical introduction to behaviour change for community health programmes. It explains how behaviours are shaped, how to identify barriers and motivators, and how to design interventions that support people to adopt healthier practices. Using evidence-based approaches such as the COM-B model and behaviour change techniques, participants learn to analyse behaviours, select appropriate interventions, and monitor progress. The module emphasizes community engagement, inclusivity and continuous learning to support lasting improvements in health, well-being and resilience.

Reference centres

Reference centres provide specialized knowledge and services to members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. There are many based all around the world, each offering expertise on specific humanitarian and development issues.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross

Building trust is key to stopping the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the IFRC says

Bunia/Nairobi/Geneva,18June 2026 -Building trust with communities is the most powerful tool to stop the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according toa new community feedback report conductedbythe International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).As Red Cross volunteers work with health authorities tocontainthe outbreak caused by the Bundibugyospeciesof Ebola virus disease, community feedback reveals that fear, misinformation and mistrust remain major obstacles to saving lives."There is no shortcut to ending an Ebola outbreak," said Bruno Michon, Operations Manager for the Ebola outbreak. "Communities need trusted information, opportunities to ask questions and genuine engagement. People are more likely to seek care, report symptoms and accept public health measures when they feel heard and respected." Through community feedback collected during door-to-door visits, focus group discussions and community engagement activities, local Red Cross teams listen to concerns and adapt their response accordingly.Community feedback from affected areas shows many people still question the disease's existence or view the response with suspicion. Rumours on social media claim herbal remedies can prevent Ebola, while others say the outbreak is a business designed to attract international funding.In some communities, treatment centres are perceived as places "where people go to die", fuelling resistance to referrals and, in some cases, violence against responders. Red Cross volunteers have reported verbal abuse, physical attacks and growing stigma linked to their work. The feedback also highlights concerns about safe and dignified burials, with some families refusing burial protocols because they conflict with traditional practices or because they do not fully understand the risks posed by Ebola after death. "We cannot dismiss these concerns," added Bruno Michon. "When people question the response, it is our responsibility to listen and explain. Every rumour is an opportunity for dialogue." Listening to communities is already helping shape the response. When residents reported fears that chlorine and disinfectants were being used to poison people, volunteers begandemonstratinghow these products are prepared and explaining their role in infection prevention. The response is also working with Ebola survivors and trusted community leaders to share first-hand experiences and provide credible information about the disease. Survivors are helpingdemonstratethat seeking care early can significantly improve the chances of survival. The lesson from every Ebola outbreak is clear. Communities are not beneficiaries of theresponse;they are partners in it. The only sustainable way to stop Ebola is by building trust, listening topeopleand ensuring that communities help shape the decisions that affect their lives. The IFRC Network continues to support community engagement, risk communication, surveillance, infection prevention and control, and safe and dignified burials as part of the broader effort tocontainthe outbreak and protect lives.For more information or to request an interview, please contact:[email protected] Bunia:Alex Lock,+243 859 795 302In Nairobi: Cate Kamatu, +254728 815266 In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa+41 79 708 4367 | Paolo Cravero+41 79 894 8396

Extreme heat is a matter of life and death, the IFRC warns

Budapest/Geneva,24June 2026–Asan intense heatwave sweeps acrossEurope, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is warning that extreme heat, without action, can quickly become a matter of life and death — and is urging everyone to take this threat seriously and check in with those most at risk.Health authorities across the continent have issued heat alerts as the coming days pose serious health riskswith temperaturesreaching 40°C acrossWesternand Central Europe. For millions living in cities, there is little relief even overnight-a dangerous reality formany."We are urging people to stay connected to heat alerts and act on guidance from their local authority,"says Birgitte Ebbesen, IFRC Regional Director for Europe."Take a moment to check in on aneighbour, a family member, or anyone you know who could be more vulnerable. That simple act can savea life."Whois most at risk?While prolonged heat can affect us all, the IFRC warns that the most extreme impacts fall onolder people,children,pregnant women,people living with chronic illnesses,outdoor workers,people experiencing homelessness,migrants,people in housing prone to overheating, without access to cool spaces.Indoor heatisa hidden but deadly threat — especially for people with limited mobility who cannot easily seek cooler environments.Early heat action saves livesAcross Europe, the IFRC Network hasmobilisedstaff and volunteers to help communities beat the heat.This includesdistributing water and setting up cooling spaces incities andconductingdoor-to-door visits andsafe and well calls to people staying at home.Volunteers are also providing first aid andsharing practical, life-saving advice to help people protect themselves and those around them.In Italy, theItalian Red Crossis running a public awareness campaign andmobilizingvolunteers toprioritizehouse visits with housebound older people and those in migration or informal settlements.In Spain, theSpanish Red Crossis sharing simple actions that save lives, supporting coolingcentres, and providing welfare calls. Last year alone, it reached over 62,000 people — primarily those over 65 — through welfare calls and home visits during extreme heat.In France, theFrench Red Crosshas opened coolingcentresin local branches,increasing door-to-door visits, and working with local health services to coordinate efforts. It has also launched a nationwide campaign sharing simple advice on staying safe during heat.In Switzerland, theSwiss Red Crossis partnering with cantonal municipalities to focus support on people over 75, through safe and well calls and home visits.Inthe UK,British Red Crossvolunteers are providing water, fans and other supplies to 10 local community hubs in London that are opening as 'cool spaces'.Emergency response teams are on standby to support people across the affected areas in the coming days.A definingchallenge“Extreme heat is now one of the defining humanitarian challenges of our time,amajor public health risk that demands action from people, institutions, and governments alike,”addsMary Friel, IFRC Climate Policy Senior Officer.Making cities and homes more resilient to rising temperatures requires sustained investment and genuine partnership. The IFRC Network stands ready to support governments and communities before, during, and after extreme heat events.Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers are trusted members of the communities they serve,reaching people who might otherwise remain isolated and unseen.Notes to editors:The IFRC haspublished aHeat Waves guidancethatoutlines how to prepare foraheatwaveand how to respondto it.For more information or to request an interview, please contact:[email protected]:Nora Peter, +36 70953 7709In Geneva:Paolo Cravero,+41 79 894 83 96

Community Health Module: Community mobilization and effective communication

This module equips volunteers and staff with practical skills to engage communities, build trust and inspire collective action. It covers effective communication, active listening, community sensitization, identification of local resources and strengthening community participation. Participants learn how to support inclusive decision-making, establish partnerships, mobilize communities around shared priorities and strengthen resilience to health, social and environmental challenges. Through practical exercises and real-world examples, the module helps volunteers facilitate community-led solutions that are sustainable, inclusive and locally owned.