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Youth in Europe
The Red Cross Red Crescent European and Central Asia Youth Network (ECAYN) has empowered and connected young people across the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement since 1975.
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Immunization
Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, the IFRC supports our 191 National Societies to reach vulnerable and isolated communities with life-saving vaccines.
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Cash and voucher assistance
Giving cash to people affected by disasters is an effective, efficient and transparent way of providing humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable. It ensures people have the freedom, dignity and independence to decide on their own recovery.
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Guidance for National Society Statutes
To deliver sustained, relevant and principled humanitarian action, National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies need a strong statutory or constitutional base fit for the 21st century.
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Fraudulent emails and websites
The IFRC is well aware of a number of fraudulent schemes using the IFRC, Red Cross or Red Crescent name. This page lists examples of schemes that have come to our attention. Please note that all legitimate IFRC email addresses end in @ifrc.organd the only source of valid information about the IFRC is our official website.If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of any communication regarding the IFRC, please contact us [email protected]
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International Women’s Day: In Cameroon’s Far North region, mothers’ clubs provide a model for building a healthier, more prosperous future
In a region where diseases such as cholera and malaria continue to pose a significant risk to life, mothers’ clubs are providing communities with essential information on health and hygiene, while also looking out for signs of potential health problems or outbreaks."In the past, many women did not understand the importance of vaccination, menstrual hygiene, or prenatal consultations,”says Tchinabi Thérèse, president of the Kodek mothers' club and mother of six children.“Today, thanks to the training provided by the Red Cross, we know how to explain these topics to our community and convince them to adopt good practices."The work of the mothers’ clubs goes beyond issues of health. They work with local parents, for example, to allow young girls to stay in school and they support a wide range of income-generating projects that provide women with their reliable sources of revenue.The projects include a community farm that grows millet and cowpeas, a project in which members produce artisanal oils (sesame, balanites, moringa), a farm that raises sheep and many other initiatives.The activities are supported by something called theProgrammatic Partnership,a multi-year partnership between the IFRC, member National Societies and theEuropean Union to help communities worldwide be better prepared for disasters and health emergencies.Supporting safe and healthy communitiesIn Cameroon’s Far North, the results are tangible: local health authorities report that more women are now regularly visiting their local health centre, hospital births have increased, and proper hygiene practices are becoming widespread.“This initiative has helped a great deal in the Kodek health area,”explains Manasse Kouchakbe, midwife and Interim Head of the Kodek Health Centre. “Mothers’ clubs have been very helpful in raising awareness in households and they also help us to identify diseases with epidemic potential in the communities.“Take malaria – through sensitization, volunteers have increased community members’ use of insecticide-treated bed nets. Now, the number of malaria cases has dropped significant.”In emergency health situations, the mothers’ clubs also mobilize."When a child was bitten by a dog, we immediately alerted the Red Cross and advised the mother on the necessary actions,”says Aïssatou Dahirou, president of the Dougoï mothers' club. “Thanks to this quick intervention, the child received timely medical care."With the support of the Red Cross, these women are not simply recipients of humanitarian aid; they have become public health advocates within their own communities.Promoting equality, education and empowermentBeyond their role in addressing health and hygiene issues, the mothers’ clubs are also helping to empower women – particularly young women and girls – to have more control over their future and well-being.One of the major challenges, for example, is the continued practice of early marriage, in which girls are married before they are able to finish school. To help change these practices, the Red Cross and the mothers' clubs are actively working together to change community attitudes and convince families to let girls finish their education. "In the past, girls were married off at 12 or 13 years old,”explains Aïssatou Dahirou, president of the Dougoï mothers' club. “Today, thanks to awareness efforts, more and more families are allowing their daughters to continue their education."Supported by the Red Cross, the mothers' clubs organize awareness sessions in schools and neighborhoods to encourage parents to keep their daughters in school. Their message: an educated girl can help lift her entire family out of poverty.One of those parents, Soureya, did in fact change her thinking on the issue after visiting with the Kodek mothers' club."I had to drop out of school in my first year of primary middle class,”she says. “Today, I want my daughters to go further than I did. Thanks to the Red Cross, I have understood the importance of education, and I do everything I can to keep my kids in school."Supporting women’s economic empowermentThe Cameroon Red Cross and the mothers’ clubs also supporting the economic empowerment of women through a support program for Income-Generating Activities (IGAs), enabling the mothers' clubs to develop local economic initiatives.In Kodek, women cultivate a community farm, growing millet and cowpeas, ensuring a stable source of income.In Dougoï, they have established a production of artisanal oils (sesame, balanites, moringa).They have also launched a sheep farming project, made possible by 600,000 FCFA in funding provided by the Red Cross."We started with five sheep, and today we have managed to expand our flock. After the Feast of the Sacrifice, we will sell our animals and generate profits," explains Aïssatou Dahirou.However, challenges remain, feeding the animals is costly, and the women still lack sufficient equipment to strengthen their activities. Despite these obstacles, they remain determined to expand their IGAs and ensure their financial autonomy.With Red Cross support, they are not only becoming economically independent but also strengthening their role in decision-making within their households and communities.
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‘I know what it takes to experience that level of vulnerability’ – IFRC’s new regional director for Africa talks about the challenges ahead
What does it take to manage humanitarian crisis response for a massive continent dealing with a wide range of challenges – conflict, mass population movements, epidemics, tropical storms, drought and a widespread hunger crisis. Find out how IFRC’s new regional director for Africa, Charles Businge, plans to tackle these challenges and how his upbringing in Uganda shaped him for the task ahead. “I have seen war and fighting between different armed groups and I have worked in similar contexts,” he tells us. “So, I am committed to supporting people who faced these kinds of vulnerabilities, because I know what it takes to experience that level of vulnerability.”
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International Women's Day: Patricia’s path from exclusion to ‘a profound sense of belonging’
Born in a rural, farming area insouthern Zambia,Patricia Choongo Moolo was onlythree years old when she woke one day with a very high temperature. She was also unable to walk or talk.Her mother took her to the nearest clinic, five kilometers away, where she was diagnosed with polio. From that time on, she lost the use of both of her legs.As a result, Patricia has had to face and overcome many significant challenges: discrimination, financial hardships,limited access to education, and the social exclusion caused by deeply ingrained social stigma.Her parents’ friends and family, for example, discouraged them from sending Patricia to school, saying that she could never be good at anything. Fortunately, Patricia’s parents refused to take this advice. They stood up for their daughter and ensured she finished her schooling.Now, many years later, 49-year old Patricia is a widely respected member of the community, known as a courageous advocate for women's empowerment.In fact, she has emerged as a leading voice in her community, playing and active and important role in shoring up her community’s preparedness and resilience to natural disasters and health emergencies.Her journey from social exclusion to the heart of community life, she says, was given a significant boost in recent years by a project that ensures marginalized people – including people with disabilities – have a voice and role in crisis preparedness."Due to my disability and low self-esteem, I was previously unable to participate in community meetings,” she says.“With the introduction of this project, I experienced a profound sense of belonging and empowerment.”The project she refers to is part of a larger, global collaboration (known asThe Programmatic Partnership) between the IFRC, many of its member National Societies, and the European Union.According to Patricia, the initiative enabled her to actively engage in local development efforts and contribute meaningfully to decisions being made in her community. For example, she serves as representative for individuals living with disabilities to her local disaster management committee.In that role, she participates in disaster management training sessions and in community sensitization activities. During the End Cholera Now campaign, she went door-to-door with hygiene and prevention information and she goes through neighbourhoods regularly to spread awareness about early warning systems, and reducing flood risks.‘A disability does not mean an in-ability’At the same time, Patricia also works to supports herself and her family. She works in the fields picking and selling produce on local roadsides. She also sells stones for building projects that she breaks up herself by hand.To do her daily work, Patricia has two wheelchairs, the standard one and a tricycle wheelchair that can go over rough terrain. She uses that one for field work.On a day-to-day basis, Patricia often interacts with many people, including some that have a disabilities, and she encourages by saying that “a disability does not mean an in-ability”."My disability enables me to reach out to many people, and especially to those with a disability,”she says. “They get encouraged after seeing me, and appreciate that when you are determined, you can accomplish anything”.About the partnership project: Beyond participationThe partnership in Zambia includes the European Union, the Zambia Red Cross Society, the IFRC and the Netherlands Red Cross. Much of its work is done through Satellite Disaster Management Committees, which function as part of Zambia’s Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit.A key element of the initiative centers around involving local voices in every step of the planning and implementation of disaster-preparedness and risk-reduction actions. This ensures that any actions taken address the specific needs of the community.This also ensures the community is connecting with the national government. Committee members include community leaders, ex-government representatives, local stakeholders, and people from vulnerable groups. Special attention is paid to women, children and people with disabilities.But the programme goes a step further. Inclusion efforts involve concrete actions to remove physical, social, and economic barriers that hinder people with disabilities from fully participating. This is done through community discussions, storytelling, awareness raising, and by involving people with disabilities in all aspects of the work.Overcoming stigmas and doubtsAt first, Patricia faced resistance from some community members who doubted her ability to take on this role. But Patricia persevered. By engaging with her community, she was able to successfully challenge misconceptions and stigmas.But taking on these issues is not an easy challenge. In many parts of Zambia, women and girls – especially those with disabilities – face compounded challenges. These include greater risks of gender-based violence, economic marginalization, and a lack of access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.Many women with disabilities continue to struggle against entrenched gender norms that limit their autonomy and access to resources, while economic dependency also hinders the full participation of many women with disabilities.For many women with disabilities, this exclusion is even more pronounced, as they are often denied marriage prospects, inheritance rights, and the ability to fully participate in economic life. These harmful practices have long-lasting effects, leaving many women with disabilities economically vulnerable and socially isolated.In addition, there are many structural barriers such as limited physical accessibility in public spaces, lack of assistive devices.Despite the many structural barriers, Patricia says as long as she has her tricycle and determination, and the confidence and trust that the community has in her, she can accomplish any assignments given."I have become a role model for many women who may hesitate to actively participate in community meetings and activities,”she says. “By taking the initiative myself, I aim to show that if I can do it, they can too—regardless of their circumstances."Read our other International Women’s Day stories:International Women's Day: ‘At first, I was afraid, but I’ve learned that with determination, anything is possible.’Best friends forever: Two women, friends since childhood, dedicate their lives to helping othersHow investing in women humanitarian leadership paid off in the Americas
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International Women's Day: ‘At first, I was afraid, but I’ve learned that with determination, anything is possible’
Rania had always envisioned owning a hair salon—a place filled with the scent of fresh hair products, the sound of scissors snipping, and the satisfaction of seeing her clients leave with smiles on their faces. But for a long time, that dream seemed out of reach.Starting with nothing, Rania faced obstacles that made progress feel impossible. Without adequate equipment, financial stability, or a proper workspace, she struggled to move forward. Still, she refused to let go of her passion.Everything changed when she learned about a small business support program through the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC). Seeing it as a rare opportunity, she applied with hope, and when she was approved, it felt like a turning point. With the first round of financial aid, she carefully selected the essentials—scissors, clippers, hair dyes, and styling products—gradually bringing her dream to life.The opportunity came at a critical time. People displaced by 13 years of hostilities are now looking to return.The humanitarian needs were already significantand continue to grow as people returnonlyto find homes and infrastructure badly damaged or destroyed.For this reason, the IFRC launched an emergency appeal to support the Syrian Arab Red Crescent’s efforts to provide life-saving assistance to 5 million people across Syria.And even with the first small grant from the Red Crescent, there were still many challenges ahead for Rania. Just as her business was gaining momentum, a new challenge arose—frequent power outages.“I was the only one without a generator,” she recalled. “Whenever the electricity went out, I had to stop working. Clients would leave, and I couldn’t do anything about it.”Determined not to let setbacks define her, Rania used a second round of support from the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to invest in a battery and solar panel. With her brother’s help, she set up a reliable power source, ensuring that her salon could remain open even during long blackouts. That decision changed everything.Her business flourished, customers increased, and she finally earned enough to rent her own shop. More than just financial success, she gained recognition and trust within her community. No longer just a hairdresser, she became an inspiration to others.“At first, I was afraid,” Rania admitted, “but I’ve learned that with determination, anything is possible.”Hasna’s journey of strength and independenceNot far from Rania, another woman was building something of her own. Like Rania, Hasna knew the weight of struggle. But she also knew that giving up was never an option.Hasna had always believed in moving forward, no matter how difficult life became. “There’s no room for despair,” she would say. “I had to keep going—to work, to learn, to build something better.”“I no longer rely on anyone—I stand on my own feet.”Hasna, business owner, mother and household provider.In the past, she spent money without much thought, never considering savings or investment. “I didn’t have a plan,” she admitted. That changed when she attended a financial management training organized by the Syrian Arab Red Crescent that introduced her to budgeting, profit calculation, and smarter financial habits.What started as small, careful steps soon turned into real progress. Hasna launched a modest business from home, buying and reselling products. Over time, as she applied her newfound financial skills, her business grew. But more than just an income source, it gave her confidence, purpose, and a sense of independence.“I no longer rely on anyone—I stand on my own feet,” she said with pride. “Nothing makes me happier than hearing them call me ‘Teta.’”Beyond financial stability, Hasna also discovered the power of knowledge and support. Through the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, she participated in legal awareness sessions, psychological support programs, and women’s empowerment groups.“These sessions changed my mindset,” she shared. “We learned things that lifted us—not just financially, but emotionally too. I only wish I had found them earlier.”For Hasna, the encouragement she received was just as important as the financial help. Even on difficult days, attending those sessions gave her strength.“No matter how I felt walking in, I always left feeling stronger,” she reflected. “That support changed my life.”Now, she has a message for other women facing struggles:“Never stop pushing forward,”she says. “Whether you’re divorced, widowed, or single, stand on your own feet and keep going. Things get better with time and effort. I started small, but I’m not stopping here. This isn’t just about making a living—it’s about building something that lasts. And trust me, the more you put in, the more life gives back.”Get involved:Support the IFRC’s emergency appeal for Syria.Learn more about livelihoods programming throughout the IFRC network.Read our other International Women’s Day stories:International Women's Day: Patricia’s path from exclusion to ‘a profound sense of belonging’Best friends forever: Two women, friends since childhood, dedicate their lives to helping othersHow investing in women humanitarian leadership paid off in the Americas
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Best friends forever: Two women, friends since childhood, dedicate their lives to helping others
Cho Cho Aye and Phu Ngon Wai have been best friends since childhood.Now both at 26 years old, they share more than just childhood memories; they share a deep commitment to humanitarian service as volunteers at the Kyite Ma Yaw Township Red Cross Branch in Mon State.Their journey with the Red Cross began in 2014, right after completing high school and attending a Red Cross basic training session in their community. Beyond their humanitarian work, Cho is a tailor who designs and makes clothes, while Phu runs an online business selling women's apparel.A shared commitmentThey also share a deep commitment to supporting their community through their humanitarian volunteer work. And they share a first-hand understanding of the severe impacts that climate-related crises like storms and floods can have on people and communities.Cho vividly recalls one harrowing experience during the floods in June 2024.“The ground floor of my house was flooded, and my family was trapped inside,”she recalls. “I couldn’t go out, but I was certain my friends were out there, rescuing people. Compared to other houses, mine was still in good condition. As soon as I got in contact with them, I joined the rescue efforts, evacuating flooded neighbors and distributing food and water”.“It’s about recognizing the unseen efforts … I always try to be the one who can give support so that they can live without relying on anyone.”Myanmar Red Cross volunteer Phu Ngon WaiMyanmar is one of the most disaster-prone countries in Asia. During the monsoon season from May to October, the country is particularly vulnerable to widespread flooding and landslides, affecting thousands of people. In fact, nearly 95 per cent of the country’s total annual rainfall occurs during the monsoon season, often accompanied by tropical storms.In July 2024, heavy monsoon rains caused multiple rivers and waterways to overflow, leading to severe flooding throughout the country. This unprecedented flooding claimed lives and affected more than 100,000 people in both rural and urban areas across the country.The Myanmar Red Cross Society and the IFRC responded quickly. With support from an 825,000 Swiss franc allocation the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF), the Myanmar Red Cross Society provided both immediate relief and early recovery assistancein the most affected areas.“Seeing their smiles makes us happy. It’s this Red Cross mindset that keeps us moving forward – to be there for the people who need us the most.”Myanmar Red Cross volunteer Cho Cho AyeThese disasters frequently lead to mass displacement in villages and towns, particularly in low-lying areas like Kyite Ma Yaw Township in Mon State, southeast Myanmar, where Cho and Phu’s neighbourhood of 100 homes is located.As part of a team of dedicated Red Cross youth volunteers, the majority of Cho and Phu’s work now involves engaging with local communities to prepare before disaster strikes.Both of these volunteers have spent much of their lives building skills to stay safe, change their community and thrive. Throughout their Red Cross journey, for example, they have received extensive training in first aid and water rescue skills that are crucial during emergency responses.“I grew up swimming, so I’m not afraid of water. This is my strength. I believe that if men can do it, women can, too,” Cho said with confidence.They both share a strong belief that women play a key role as leaders in community empowerment. “There’s a saying, ‘Behind every great man is a great woman.”says Phu. “But why behind? There’s a gap. It’s about recognizing the unseen efforts. Not just for our community but for my colleagues and friends, I always try to be the one who can give support so that they can live without relying on anyone. Support should go both ways.”Whether it’s rescuing people during floods or delivering essential supplies, Cho and Pu never hesitate to answer the call for help, be it from the Red Cross branch or other charity groups. Their dedication has made them well-known and respected within the township.“When we deliver food to their homes, they’re already waiting at the door,” says Cho. “Seeing their smiles makes us happy. It’s this Red Cross mindset that keeps us moving forward – to be there for the people who need us the most.”While Cho dreams of becoming a fashion designer and Phu aims to expand her online business, their commitment to humanitarian work remains unwavering.“We are determined to continue volunteering with the Red Cross for as long as we live,” she says.Their dedication has strengthened the Kyite Ma Yaw Township Red Cross Branch, inspiring others to join. Today, their branch has grown to 20 volunteers, with many young women stepping forward to become humanitarians.“I believe that together, we can build a more inclusive and empowered future!” Phu said.How can you get involved?Learn more about volunteering within the IFRC NetworkLearn more about disaster preparedness efforts within the IFRC networkLearn more about International Women’s Day at the IFRCRead our other International Women’s Day stories:International Women's Day: ‘At first, I was afraid, but I’ve learned that with determination, anything is possible.’International Women's Day: Patricia’s path from exclusion to ‘a profound sense of belonging’How investing in women humanitarian leadership paid off in the Americas
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After the storms and floods, Lao Red Cross and IFRC help people reclaim their dreams
Keokaen arrives late to the cash-distribution site in Hart Don Chai village, juggling his two-year-old son, Bounkhorp, in one arm, his family’s registration book and beneficiary card in one hand, while hanging on to a half-empty milk bottle in another.His wife had left before sunrise to forage for rattan shoots, hoping to earn 60,000 Lao kip (2.50 Swiss Francs) from this much-loved forest delicacy. She won’t return until after sundown. At home, Keokaen’s 85-year-old mother, frail from years of illness and unable to walk, isn’t able to care for herself nor her young grandson.“I had to come for the cash assistance today,” Keokaen says. “But I also have to look after my son and hurry home to care for my mother.”Keokaen has been a rice farmer since leaving school after fifth grade, but this year’s storms and floods wiped out nearly half of his rice crop—grain that should have sustained his family for the entire year. His biggest concern now is how to provide for his family.Within minutes of arriving at the cash-distribution, he receives 2 million Lao kip (82 Swiss Francs) and heads home. “First, I will buy milk for him,” Keokaen says, as his son reaches for the bottle. “These days, he goes through a pack a week.”But the small cash grants, he says, are about much more than day-to-day survival. They are a chance to begin investing again in the family’s future. “I want him to go to school – unlike me –become a doctor and take care of me when I get old,” he says, looking down at his son.Lao Red Cross respondsKeokaen is just one among thousands of people who have come to the 47 cash distribution sites set up by the Lao Red Cross across eight provinces in recent months. The small cash grants – provided via the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF) – support families affected by widespread destruction from floods that took place between July and September 2024. During that time, a series of tropical storms – including Typhoon Prapiroon and Typhoon Yagi – struck Lao PDR, triggering severe floods and landslides in nearly all provinces. The disaster damaged infrastructure, homes, and agricultural land, leading to significant losses of crops, grain storage, and livelihoods.In response, the Lao Red Cross immediately deployed emergency rescue teams to evacuate families to safety, while providing clean water to nearly 4,000 people, and distributing food items to over 14,000 people.The rapid response was supported by an IFRC-DREF allocation of CHF 500,000, with which LRC ultimately assisted more than 28,600 people, including roughly 14,800 women, 300 people with disabilities, 5,000 elderly, and 3,900 children under five.‘I represent my family’Also arriving at the distribution side is Thonglien, whose family has been working in the forest since the night before, collecting wild sugar palm fruit to sell at 15,000 Lao kip (.60 Swiss Francs) per kilogram.How much they earn depends entirely on how much they can carry out of the jungle. Nearly all their rice fields have been destroyed, leaving them scrambling for what little they can earn.Born with a mobility impairment, Thonglien does not usually venture far from home. He looks after the house while the rest of the family forages into the forest. But this day is different. With everyone else unable to come, Thonglien is the only one able to attend the cash distribution—an opportunity to support his family in a meaningful way.“I will buy some rice for the family,” Thonglien says, glancing at the wooden crutches he made himself. “But also ... I’ll use some to buy parts to make myself new crutches. These ones are worn out.”It was these very crutches that had helped Thonglien escape to higher ground when the floodwaters came. As he stands waiting at the cash-distribution site, he says his real satisfaction lies in the fact that he is actively contributing to his family’s well-being and dignity.“Today, I represent my family,” he said, his voice full of emotion.A chance to rebuildUnlike most people affected by the floods, Air’s rice field is up in the hills. It was untouched by the floods. But while her rice field survived, her home did not.The flood swept away Air’s home, still in the making, along the Nam Tha River. Fifty wooden planks, bought with the family’s 13-million-Lao-kip savings are now gone.“My plates, spoons—everything was scattered everywhere,”she says. “I didn’t care. I swam for three days and nights, searching for those wooden planks.”The rebuilding project had already strained their finances. Her husband, once strong, can no longer walk after an accident in the rice field so survival depends on her alone. Now, with their home investment washed away, Air has been facing an impossible choice: shelter or education.At the cash distribution site, she feels a moment of relief. With the money, she will buy the essentials – rice, salt – as well as school supplies: uniforms, books, pens.The 2 million Lao kip (81 Swiss francs) in multi-purpose cash assistance means her four children can continue attending school.She thinks about their flooded motorcycle and the repair costs looming. They will have to wait.“This is for my children,” she whispers.By Kovit PholsenaIFRC communications officer, Bangkok
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Guinea Red Cross supports rural community to build its own health post to prevent epidemics
Imagine you fell really sick one day and instead of an ambulance coming to get you, or a loved one driving you to the hospital, the only option was for people in your village to physically carry you for hours across difficult terrain to reach the nearest health centre.This used to be the reality for people living in Kabayaba—a small, rural village of around 2,500 people in central Guinea. Located 24 kilometres by road from the nearest town (Tiro) and health centre, a costly journey which becomes nearly impossible in the rainy season when the surrounding rivers rise, the people of Kabayaba had long suffered from a lack of access to health services. This put villagers at a high risk of epidemics, as historically it took a long time to report disease outbreaks and for help to arrive."Previously, when someone fell ill here, we used to carry them on a stretcher to the Tiro health centre. When a woman had to give birth, we would put her on the stretcher, and we'd carry her all the way to Tiro," explains Sékouba Kandé, a resident of Kabayaba village.Through the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3), local Guinea Red Cross teams engaged the people of Kabayaba in a ‘community diagnostic’ process to identify villagers’ biggest health concerns and find potential solutions. Knowing that women in the community are typically expected to go along with their husband's wishes, volunteers held separate discussions with men, women, and young people so that each group’s needs and ideas could be heard in an equal and balanced way.Villagers unanimously decided they wanted to build their own health post in Kabayaba so they’d no longer need to evacuate sick people and pregnant women to Tiro for medical assistance. Guinea Red Cross teams then supported the community to develop an action plan—identifying the steps they needed to take to fund, build, and staff the health post—and come up with a timeline for the works.Over the course of three years, the Kabayaba community rallied together to build bricks, chop wood, and source all the materials needed to build the health post. People worked in the nearby town, grew crops in the village, and fundraised from the village diaspora to collect the money needed to complete the project.At the same time, the Guinea Red Cross helped the community advocate to local health authorities, who, recognizing the community’s resourcefulness, agreed to assign three medical staff to the health post and fully stock it with medical supplies.Opening its doors in February 2024, the Kabayaba Health Post is now the pride and joy of the community, offering a wide range of health services including check-ups, immunization, maternal and child health, and minor surgery.“Before, to get help for my high blood pressure, my son had to hire a motorbike to take me to Tiro or Faranah. But now, with this health post, I regularly come here on foot. A lot of people now come for a quick consultation because it's close by and doesn't require a lot of money. We thank God and those who built this health post,”says Fèrai Oularé, Kabayaba resident.While the risk of infectious diseases persists in Kabayaba, the presence of the local health post significantly reduces the risk of diseases spreading by ensuring early detection and action of unusual health events.“This health post plays an important role in preventing epidemics. It is close to the community and allows us to treat patients quickly. Our job is to provide initial care or alert our supervisors in the event of an epidemic,” explains Saliou Oulare, Head of the Kabayaba Health Post.Alongside continued support from CP3 volunteers, the Kabayaba health post helps strengthen the health system in Faranah by offering local, timely and high-quality medical services and by improving the community’s health resilience to epidemics."Today, my family and my community benefit from the health post. If someone falls ill, they go to thehealth postfor treatment and then go home. We've said goodbye to our problems," adds Fatoumata Condé from Kabayaba.---The activities featured in this article are part of the multi-countryCommunity Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3).Funded by theU.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), CP3 supports communities, Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and other partners to prepare for, prevent, detect and respond to disease threats.If you enjoyed this story and would like to learn more,sign up to the IFRC’s Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Newsletter.
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Early detection and action save young girl from dengue in Indonesia
Single mother, Evi Herawati, from Saruni village in Pandeglang, Indonesia had already suffered unimaginable loss when she discovered her youngest child, Syera, had contracted dengue fever last February.Within the space of a year, Evi had not only lost both of her parents, but her husband passed away unexpectedly, too, leaving her to raise their four children alone. So when little Syera started showing worrying health symptoms—fever, shivering, and a bleeding nose—Evi feared the worst.“When my child got sick, I didn’t know it was dengue fever. When I found out it was dengue, my heart dropped. I felt like my soul left my body. Why does it have to be my daughter? Take me instead,” she explains.Thankfully, help swiftly came in the form of family friend and Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) volunteer, Bu M’Bai.Recognizing the symptoms and the urgency of the situation, Bu M’Bai quickly reported the suspected dengue case to her supervisor, who escalated it to the local health authorities. She and her fellow volunteers then quickly took Syera and Evi on their motorbikes to the nearest health centre, where Syera received the urgent medical assistance she needed to survive.“My daughter was treated for six days. The PMI team always came to visit, they monitored every day. I was very moved by PMI. I was delighted that there is someone who could help, who is always ready to help,” says Evi.Happily, Syera made a full recovery and is back to her normal, bright self—playing with her friends, going to school and helping Evi around the house.What is dengue fever and why is it a public health threat in Indonesia?Dengue fever is a viral disease spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, typically found in countries with tropical and subtropical climates. Symptoms include fever, headache, pains and a rash, and severe dengue can lead to death if not detected and treated quickly.Dengue cases surged across Indonesia in 2024 and there are fears that rising temperatures due to climate change will create more favourable conditions for dengue-carrying mosquitos to replicate and survive longer, risking even more lives across the country.But through the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3), funded by USAID, the Indonesian Red Cross is supporting communities and partners to reduce dengue risks so stories like Evi and Syera’s can become a thing of the past.A prepared community is a healthy communityCP3 volunteers conduct regular house visits, hold community meetings, and run sessions in schools to educate people about the dangers of dengue, what to do if they notice symptoms, and the steps people can take to stay safe. These include wearing long clothing, applying mosquito repellent, and following the ‘3M program’ to eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds in the home: draining water containers (‘menguras’), covering water sources (‘menutup’), and recycling items which could collect water (‘mendaur ulang’).Ade Sutisna, Head of Saruni Village, reports seeing real change thanks to this community engagement:“The community here is vulnerable to diseases. But with the presence of CP3, thank God, when community members are ill, they take swift action and the volunteers quickly bring them to the hospital. A few years ago, a lot of people would die here due to dengue fever. Now, with the health promotion and preventive measures from volunteers, the number of cases has reduced.”Promoting a clean environmentTo further reduce dengue risks at the community level and foster community spirit in the fight against dengue, CP3 volunteers run weekly ‘Clean Saturday’ events whereby community members conduct a mass clean-up of their local area. People unite with brooms, dustpans and brushes, binbags and other cleaning equipment to tidy up their community, remove litter, and drain any stagnant water sources. CP3 volunteers also assist with larvae monitoring at these events, distributing a special insecticide powder called Abate which can be safely added to people’s drinking water stores to kill mosquito larvae.Early detection, early action, healthier communitiesUsing a digital community-based surveillance system set up in 2022 called ‘SatuSBM’, CP3 volunteers, like Bu M’bai, are constantly on the lookout for signs of dengue and other unusual health events in their community and can report alerts at the press of a button to their supervisors and local health authorities. Not only does this facilitate a rapid health response and help save lives, like in Syera’s case, the data collected also supports the Indonesian government to monitor dengue cases, identify any hotspots, and take further action at scale.As Dian Handayani, Deputy of Prevention and Disease Control for Pandeglang District Health Office, puts it:“We have dengue endemic districts here in Pandeglang which experience cases throughout the year. We greatly appreciate PMI, we feel like partners. PMI has mobilized the people to be on the lookout for mosquito larvae at home, to help us by reporting cases discovered by the people to our health workers so that we can treat them quickly and appropriately. This can support the eradication of dengue fever.”--The activities featured in this article are part of the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3). Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), CP3 supports communities, National Societies and other partners to prepare for, prevent, detect and respond to disease threats. If you enjoyed this story and would like to learn more, sign up to the IFRC’s Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Newsletter or visit the Indonesian Red Cross Society’s website.
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Press release
Statement: Without access to aid into Gaza Strip, people’s lives are on a knife-edge once again
Beirut, Geneva, 2 March 2025 - The closure of all border crossings for the transportation of aid into Gaza Strip represents a severe risk to the millions of people who have been struggling to survive for 16 months.It is vital that a ceasefire is maintained. The people of Gaza need safety, shelter, healthcare, food and psychological support while a sustainable solution for long-lasting peace is found.Palestine Red Crescent volunteers and staff have been tirelessly responding, providing emergency medical services, emergency supplies, shelter, and psychological support - despite facing immense challenges themselves. The IFRC network has been bringing desperately needed supplies into Gaza from Egypt, Jordan and the West Bank since the advent of the ceasefire. TheJordanian Red Crescent and Egyptian Red Crecent have been working alongside Palestine Red Crescent to ensure this vital aid reached ravaged communities. Without access to aid, people’s lives are on a knife-edge once again.The IFRC reiterates its calls to the partiesfor:Safe and unhindered access for aid into, and to all parts of, the Gaza Strip The protection of civilians, humanitarian workers, healthcare workers and their facilities, and the respect of the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems. The immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Beirut: Mey Al Sayegh, +961 322 9352In London: Nichola Jones. +44 7715459956In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367
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Press release
Red Cross calls for urgent funding to meet growing humanitarian needs in DRC
Kinshasa/Nairobi/Geneva, 27 February – The humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to escalate, with many facing displacement, food insecurity, and health risks. Over 21 million people are now in need of humanitarian assistance across the country, according to the UN OCHA Humanitarian Response Plan 2025.In response, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Red Cross Society of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC Red Cross) are calling for urgent international support to address these growing humanitarian needs.The 50 million Swiss francs IFRC wide Emergency Appeal initially launched to support 500,000 people in North and South Kivu is now being expanded to provide immediate life-saving assistance to recently displaced Congolese refugees in Burundi.As fighting continues to force people from their homes at an alarming rate in Eastern DRC, nearly 300,000 people have fled from displacement camps around North Kivu and into Burundi. The closure of the Goma and Kavumu airports is also making humanitarian access more difficult.There is an urgent need for food, safe water, shelter and other basic needs. Red Cross volunteers have also been mobilized to help protect the public from the serious health risks posed by unburied bodies in conflict areas and to ensure dignified burials for those who have lost their lives.“In just the last 12 months, the DRC Red Cross with support from IFRC reached up to 100,000 displaced persons and their host communities with lifesaving food assistance while more than 370,000 individuals received essential household items including psychosocial support. We are grateful to our volunteers who have not slept for weeks for their commitment to stop the suffering in North and South Kivu. Yet the humanitarian situation remains dire”, said Grégoire Mateso Mbuta, President of the DRC Red Cross. “We need urgent support to scale up our response and provide life-saving aid to those in need.”Mercy Laker, IFRC’s Head of Country Delegation in Kinshasa said: “The humanitarian crisis in DR Congo is reaching a breaking point, the IFRC Emergency Appeal remains critically underfunded. Millions are in desperate need of food, shelter, and medical aid. Urgent funding is needed to avoid worse outcomes. We urge donors to act now—every second, every minute, every hour counts.”The IFRC calls for all parties to the conflict to uphold international humanitarian law, ensuring safe access for humanitarian workers and the protection of civilians. Humanitarian workers need safe access to affected populations to provide essential aid.The IFRC urges governments, donors, and international partners to act swiftly to fund the Emergency Appeal to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe.Notes for editors:Further details about the number of people reached by the DRC Red Cross are available in the latest update.For more information or to set up interview, please contact: [email protected] Nairobi: Susan Mbalu, +254 733 827 654In Dakar: Moustapha Diallo, +221 774501004In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa +41 79 708 43 67, Scott Craig: +41 76 370 35 75
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