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

Uneven rains, unequal impact: Drought and hunger in Northern Kenya. The IFRC and the Kenya Red Cross respond.

The Cuban Red Cross brings water, healthcare, and support to communities affected by Hurricane Melissa

Water without fear: Special World Water Day reporting from South Sudan, where local Red Cross teams provide water that helps thousands stay safer and healthier in the midst of conflict and drought.

Under pressure: Special World Water Day reporting from camps in eastern Chad, where refugees are coping with extreme heat, water scarcity, and rising food prices.

'It brings me peace of mind': Amid drought in southern Zambia, Red Cross support provided a 20-litre lifeline of hygiene and hope

The power of women and water: Special World Water Day report on the ways women in rural Togo are making their community safer through the power of easily accessible clean and safe water.

From trust to toilets: Community-led change in Nepal's mountains

In a changing world, one thing remains constant: we will always need the toilet. As climate change intensifies, water and sanitation related disasters are becoming more frequent and severe.Floods destroy sanitation infrastructure, droughts make hygiene nearly impossible, and when toilet systems fail, untreated waste can spread diseases like diarrhoea and cholera.These are some of the reasons the IFRC and its network of National Societies around the world work alongside communities to enhance their access to safe, clean water, while also helping them to improve sanitation and hygiene. Here is the story of one, ongoing project unfolding in remote, hillside communities in Nepal.Building confidence, one household at a timePuri Lal Devkota, a 75-year-old farmer, lives with his wife Kalashi in a hillside house in Kalikot, Nepal. Previously they didn't have their own toilet and relied on their son's—a challenge, especially with age.That changed when a community health volunteer began visiting them regularly as part of the Enabling Action for Community Health (EACH) Project, implemented by the Nepal Red Cross Society in collaboration with the Swiss Red Cross and the British Red Cross.For about a year, the volunteer—a woman from the same community—came monthly to talk about how to store and use drinking water safely, and the importance of using a toilet that is clean, private and away from water sources so it does not harm people’s health or the environment. Through her respectful and consistent engagement, she built strong trust with the couple.Encouraged by these visits, Puri Lal and Kalashi felt confident to take action. Without financial or material support, they arranged the materials, hired workers, and had a toilet constructed near their home within seven days."I was convinced in a single day," Puri Lal says with a smile."At this age, the toilet should be close," he explains. They also began boiling their drinking water and using clean containers. These changes have brought a sense of security and well-being to their daily lives."She always came with respect and trust," Puri Lal says of the volunteer. The couple is now eager to pass their knowledge on to others in the community.Supari becomes a champion for change: 'We need models'Supari Luhar lives alone in her hillside home in the same community. For years, she faced the discomfort and shame of using the jungle or a dilapidated shelter for a toilet. Without running water, basic hygiene was a daily struggle.Eight months ago, after regular visits from the same behaviour change programme, Supari mobilized local workers to build her own toilet. With the new water tap provided by the project, she now filters and boils her drinking water and keeps her toilet clean—changes she calls "a pleasure."But Supari didn't stop there. She now visits neighbouring households, sharing what worked for her. Through her guidance, around ten households have improved their sanitation practices."We need models," Supari says—and she has become one, actively shaping change in her community.Working with communities to achieve sanitation systems that lastWhat was once daily hardship is now a story of empowerment and resilience. These stories highlight how the IFRC and National Societies build resilient sanitation systems that last: working through trusted volunteers who are from the communities, empowering people to take action themselves which creates genuine ownership and using community champions to multiply impact. Supari's transformation shows how change spreads organically, and how motivation can spread and lead to wider impact.Future-ready sanitation for allToday, 3.5 billion people still live without safely managed sanitation—nearly half of humanity. Stories like Supari's and Puri Lal's show that future-ready sanitation requires more than infrastructure—it requires investing in people, building community ownership, and creating systems that adapt to our changing climate.On 19 November, we renew our commitment to leaving no one behind in sanitation. We call on everyone to become a sanitation champion in their community! Because everyone, everywhere deserves access to a toilet they can use safely and with dignity—no matter what challenges our changing world brings.Stories shared by Nepal Red Cross Society and Swiss Red Cross.Want to learn more about the IFRC’s work in water, sanitation and hygiene? Visit the IFRC's Water Security/Water, Sanitattion and hygiene portal. Connect with National Society and IFRC colleagues working in community health and WASH onIFRC Communities

Global Handwashing Day 2025: Clean hands save lives

As the world marks Global Handwashing Day, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is highlighting how hand washing with soap protects millions of people from deadly diseases and strengthens communities around the globe.Handwashing with soap is one of the most effective and affordable ways to prevent disease, but too many people still can't access it, leaving them vulnerable to infections that are entirely preventable."Clean hands are not a luxury – they are a fundamental human right," said Alexandra Machado, IFRC Senior Officer for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Public Health. "When we invest in handwashing, we invest in healthier children, stronger economies, and more resilient communities."Clear evidenceThe evidence is clear: good hand hygiene through handwashing with soap or alcohol-based handrub can dramatically reduce the transmission of diseases that claim millions of lives each year. (See more about hand washing can reduce diarrhea and respiratory infections).Beyond disease prevention, hand hygiene brings wider benefits. Studies show it reduces school absenteeism and improves wellbeing, dignity, and productivity – creating ripple effects that strengthen entire communities.Bangladesh Red Crescent Society: Building healthy habits in refugee campsIn Camp 13 in Cox's Bazar, Sayedul Amin and his wife Setara Begum have transformed their shelter into a model of healthy living. Their home is clean and organized, with a small garden where fresh vegetables grow.Their two sons have learned to wash their hands regularly, a habit their parents practice and teach every day.The family learned about proper hygiene from Marijan, a Bangladesh Red Crescent Society health volunteer who visited their community.Sayedul started cleaning around their shelter regularly and made sure his wife and children followed good hygiene routines. When a scabies outbreak spread through Camp 13, their household remained unaffected—a clear result of their consistent handwashing and hygiene practices.Sayedul has become a role model for others in his community. His story inspires those who are still struggling with living in the camp.“I tell them—look at me. I was once sick and hopeless. But someone believed in me, and I decided to change,” he says.Nepal Red Cross Society: Stopping cholera in its trackIn Nepal's Madhesh Province, a severe drought has led to a cholera outbreak due to lack of water for drinking and hygiene.Since July 2025, Nepal Red Cross volunteers have been working across eight affected districts to help people stay safe and healthy.Volunteers are teaching families proper handwashing techniques through household demonstrations.This is especially important given that handwashing with soap can reduce diarrheal diseases like cholera by 30 percent.They're also providing safe drinking water through water trucking and installing water storage tanks, distributing soap and water treatment tablets, setting up emergency toilets, and going door-to-door to share health messages.So far, Nepal Red Cross has reached over 1,300 people with hygiene promotion and distributed safe water to thousands more across the affected districts.Uganda Red Cross Society: Protecting students during outbreaksIn March 2025, Uganda Red Cross Society volunteers in Wakiso District in central Uganda delivered more than 60 handwashing facilities to schools and district offices during ongoing Mpox and Ebola outbreaks.Volunteers gave talks to students about proper handwashing techniques and explained the warning signs for both diseases, encouraging children to tell their parents or teachers right away if they notice any symptoms.In healthcare settings, proper hand hygiene protects against infections and helps combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. It also contributes to reducing neglected tropical diseases.Syrian Arab Red Crescent: Teaching students to stay healthyIn Hama, health awareness teams from the Syrian Arab Red Crescent are teaching students about diseases related to water and hygiene.Through a two-month campaign supported by the Norwegian Red Cross, volunteers reached over 21,500 students across 34 schools.The teams worked with students from grades 1 to 6, using lessons designed for each age group. Volunteers taught interactive sessions on how diarrheal diseases spread, how to prevent them, and the correct steps for handwashing, while also clearing up common myths about personal hygiene.Ecuadorian Red Cross: Integrating handwashing into vaccination campaignsWhen Ecuadorian Red Cross volunteers visited hard-to-reach communities in Mastrantral District on Ecuador's coastline in March 2025 to provide vaccinations, they also conducted handwashing demonstrations and emphasized the importance of clean hands.This work is part of the Programmatic Partnership between IFRC, National Societies and the European Union.“Certain places are hard to reach, but we do our best to reach these communities that need it.” says Lisette Pinargote Villón, a volunteer with Ecuadorian Red Cross.“We have taught the community the importance of handwashing, and also that they should take care to avoid diseases that are common here, such as dengue.”By integrating handwashing promotion with vaccination activities, the Red Cross ensures that families receive comprehensive health support.This combined approach helps communities stay healthy not just through immunization, but also through everyday practices that prevent the spread of disease.A call to action: be a hand washing heroOn Global Handwashing Day, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement calls on everyone to recognize handwashing as essential to health and dignity in every community.Everyone can be a handwashing hero. Teachers can make handwashing part of the daily routine in classrooms. Healthcare workers and managers can ensure facilities have soap and water for patients and staff.Community leaders can champion handwashing stations in public spaces and during emergencies. Policymakers can ensure that handwashing facilities are included in every school, health facility, and community plans.On Global Handwashing Day and every day, let's work together to ensure that everyone, everywhere can access the soap and water they need to stay healthy and safe.Learn more about the IFRC’s work in water, sanitation and hygiene.

Finding a new way of life in the camps of Cox’s Bazar

Sayedul was thirty-five-years-old when he and his wife Setara fled violence in Rakhine State, Myanmar and took shelter in the camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, carrying nothing but fear and a newborn in his arms.The journey was long and painful, walking through forests, surviving on nothing, and constantly worrying about what awaited them.When they finally found refuge in what is now known as Camp 13 in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, Sayedul thought the worst was over. But life in Camp 13 proved otherwise.The shelter was cramped, the surroundings were unhygienic. Common diseases like diarrhea and scabies spread fast. With his health deteriorating, Sayedul was unable to work. Moreover, there was no work to be had.With two little children to care for, the couple lived in fear, uncertainty and hopelessness.“I would just sit in front of our shelter and stare at nothing. I had no strength, no purpose. Everything felt like it was falling apart,” Sayedul recalls.But that despair has now been transformed. Over years of living in the camp — it’s now been eight years since the crisis began — Sayedul Amin is a respected figure, a source of inspiration and a role model for the community.Neighbours come to him with questions about health, hygiene or even family planning, and he loves using his time to talk to neighbours. His story inspires many others who are still struggling with life in the camp.“I tell them—look at me. I was once sick and hopeless. But someone believed in me, and I decided to change,” he says.Today, Setara and Sayedul’s home stands as a quiet example of healthy, dignified living. Their shelter is clean and organized, with a small homestead garden where fresh vegetables grow.Their two sons practice the habit of handwashing and cleanliness as their parents had regularly taught these practices to them.According to Sayedul and Setara, the turnaround was due in large part to the diligence of a volunteer from the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society named Marijan. Also a resident of the camp, Marijan came by regularly to talk about how to maintain good hygiene practices in a camp setting.As a result, Sayedul then began cleaning the surroundings of the family shelter regularly, ensuring his wife and children followed hygiene routines. The benefits have been apparent: during the last scabies outbreak in Camp 13, for example, Sayedul’s household remained incredibly unaffected.Setara herself found purpose as well—she started to work as a volunteer for a local non-governmental organization in the camp. Every day, she goes out to help others.“She puts on her volunteer vest with pride,” Sayedul stated proudly. “And while she’s away, I take care of the kids and make sure they don’t skip their school.”The family finally found a rhythm. Their two sons, now old enough to attend the learning center, are picking up reading, writing, and even basic life skills.‘What could a stranger do?’The new life of Sayedul and Setara did not come about overnight. It was a gradual journey. And, this happened because of the persistence and dedication of Marijan, who works on something called evidence-based Community-Based Health and First Aid.The flagship health initiative of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, this approach is designed to put communities — and the detailed information they share about their collective health — at the centre of health initiatives.When Marijan first visited Sayedul Amin’s shelter in the camps of Ukhiya, he was doubtful.“What could a stranger do for us?” he thought. But Marijan kept returning, encouraging and sharing small tips about health and hygiene.Gradually, her presence became familiar and comforting. She helped Sayedul understand how small changes could make a big difference. She taught Setara about handwashing with soap, safe drinking water, and how to keep their children clean and healthy. Marijan also introduced them to the idea of family planning—a concept that was entirely new to them.“It wasn’t easy to talk about such personal matters with someone outside the family,” Setara says with a smile. “But Marijan made us feel respected and comfortable.”The couple began to discuss their future openly for the first time in months. They decided together to use family planning methods and focus on raising their two sons in a healthier, more stable environment.A journey from despair to refound dignityHis journey from despair to dignity was not easy, Marijan’s regular visits, gentle counseling, and tireless support were a turning point in Sayedul’s life.In this way, organizations like the IFRC and Bangladesh Red Crescent Society are redefining what it means to support the displaced people in their population movement operation.By focusing on health, hygiene, family planning, and community mobilization, they are helping individuals take control of their lives, one visit, one conversation at a time.“We didn’t just survive; we learned to live again,” Sayedul says with quiet pride.There are many stories of hope like this in the camps of Coxs Bazar. But many also continue to face tremendous hardship and challenges as the crisis now enters its eighth year. With the support of the IFRC's Population Movement Operation, and an international appeal for support, the Bangladesh Red Crescent continues to work every day in the displaced camps, bringing a wide range of support and services.Through this operation, more than 650,000 people in the camps of Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar have been supported so far with shelter, health care, wash and hygiene, livelihoods, as well as other initiatives aimed at ensuring protection and inclusion of all people impacted by the crisis, as well as ongoing community, engagement and accountability.

Bangladesh: After the storm, hope is growing thanks to support for livelihoods and shelter

A private tutor by profession, Shanjeet has always depended on his students to make ends meet and he’s always struggled to meet basic living costs with his limited earnings.And that was before the cyclone tore up nearly everything he owned and depended on to make a living. Like many, Shanjeet lost everything when Cyclone Remal hit his village in May 2024. His house, trees, books, tubewell, and latrine were all washed away.“It was a horrible, sleepless night,”he recalls. “I was at the cyclone shelter. When I returned the next morning, I found knee-deep water all around. My house was destroyed. My favourite books were floating in the muddy water. The old mango tree in my yard, where I used to teach my students, had fallen right on top of my house.”But now around him, new hope is growing. As Shanjeet was speaking these words, a Red Crescent Youth volunteer was planting a new mango tree in the same spot where the old one once stood.It’s a powerful symbol of renewal and hope that comes thanks to the IFRC Remal Recovery Initiative being implemented by the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society. With support from that initiative, Shanjeet was able to build an entirely new shelter and latrine, as well as improve his livelihood.Since he depends on teaching for a living, Shanjeet used his livelihood support to buy stationery items like exercise books, pens, and other supplies.“I had no income for months after the cyclone. Now my students are back, and I have a small shop supported by Red Crescent where I earn extra by selling stationery to them,” said Shanjeet.“I’m slowly stepping into a new life I never imagined. I enjoy spending time with my students, who are mostly children. At the same time, I am trying to stay strong, because who knows when the next cyclone or disaster might come. But this time, I want to be more prepared.”Rebuilding homes and dignity: The story of Khalil and TaslimaIn Saudkhali village of Indurkani sub-district, a similar story is unfolding. 60-year-old Khalil and his wife Taslima are among the many people who are also participating in the recovery project.Their village is located beside the Bageshwari River, which flows into to the Bay of Bengal. The community was severely impacted by Cyclone Remal, which destroyed hundreds of shelters, sanitation facilities, and sources of livelihood.Khalil is physically challenged, and the family depends on the income of his wife, who works as a domestic worker in different houses in the village. Her earnings are far below the living wage, and they always struggled to meet their basic needs. They had a very small house, which was destroyed and washed away during the cyclone.When Khalil spoke about his current situation in front of his new house, supported under the IFRC initiative, the happiness and smile on his face were priceless.“I am very happy!” he says with a smile. “I got cattle, chickens, ducks, a new house, and a latrine. I don’t know how to describe the peace we feel now.”“We haven’t started earning yet because the chickens are yet to produce eggs, but for the first time in my life, I will be able to earn some income.”Stories of recovery across the cyclone-impacted areasWith support from the IFRC and Bangladesh Red Crescent Cyclone recovery operation, stories like this one are being repeated throughout the areas impacted by the cyclone. Individual people and families have received cash support that allows them to address their specific needs within various categories.Under this initiative, for example, families have received 85,000 Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) for shelter (the equivalent of $US 695), BDT 25,000 ($US 205) for building or repairing latrines, and BDT 35,000 ($US 286) to rebuild their livelihoods.To benefit from the support for income-generating activities, each family submitted a written request for their preferred livelihood support option, based on their expertise, location, circumstances, available time, and family needs.At the time of this publication:• 192 families received livestock (cows and goats),• 12 families received support for chicken farming,• 23 families were supported to start small businesses (such as shops and tailoring), 36 families received boats and fishing equipment, and• 17 families received vans.In Pirojpur and Khulna, two heavily impacted areas, a total of 535 affected families have been supported with construction or repair of latrines as part of water, sanitation and hygiene support and shelter rebuilding. In addition to household support, the recovery efforts included the installation of new tubewells.Story by Shameul Islam Shovon, with editing by Raqibul AlamRead more stories about IFRC and Bangladesh Red Crescent Cyclone Remal recovery:Bangladesh: One year after the cyclone, a new home and a new juice cart brings family new hope

Cholera in Côte d'Ivoire: At a bustling waterside hub, Red Cross takes on cholera

When seven people died within just a few days in Vridi Ako in Côte d'Ivoire in May 2025, no one suspected cholera.Many believed the deaths were the result of a curse or fetishistic practices, beliefs that are still deeply rooted in this coastal village in the municipality of Port-Bouet, which sits on a strip land between the Ebrié Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean.“We didn't understand,” says N'Sranna Sagou Hervé, the village chief. "Many of us thought it was spiritual."However, one disturbing detail linked all the deaths: They had suffered from diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. These symptoms were alarming enough for the health authorities to launch an investigation. Laboratory tests confirmed what few people had imagined: cholera, a waterborne disease that had not been seen in Côte d'Ivoire for 15 years, was back.And it came back across many parts of the country.As of 3 August, 491 cholera cases and 20 deaths were reported across Cote d’Ivoire. Vridi Ako alone accounted for 198 cases and 7 deaths. The outbreak has since spread to other areas, including Yopougon Est, Sa Sandra (San Pedro) and Jacqueville.In Vridi Ako, most of the inhabitants live in makeshift dwellings, with very limited access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation. It is also a cosmopolitan village of more than 19,000 people who come from across West Africa, including Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Senegal. These are all conditions ripe for the rapid spread of disease across a wider region.A rapid and coordinated responseThe Côte d'Ivoire Red Cross, supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and other Movement partners, was among the first to respond. Working closely with the Ministry of Health, WHO, and UNICEF, the Red Cross launched a rapid and multisectoral emergency operation aimed at containing the outbreak.Key actions included mobilizing and training over 125 volunteers, raising awareness in communities, disinfecting high-risk areas, installing handwashing stations, identifying suspected cases, and referring them to health centres for treatment.Community engagement is at the heart of the response. Red Cross Volunteers go door to door, speaking in local languages, explaining what cholera is and how it spreads, and most importantly, how to prevent it.“At first, it wasn’t easy. People were afraid,” says Aichatou Souley, one of the trained volunteers. “They had heard of cholera, but didn’t know how to protect themselves. We had to offer more than information—we had to build trust.”In Vridi Ako, handwashing stations have been installed in key public areas, including the bustling quay where boats ferry hundreds of passengers across the Ebrié Lagoon each day. The risk of contamination is high, but so is the level of vigilance.Each day, Konan Coulibaly and a team of volunteers make sure every passenger washes their hands before boarding or disembarking. Just a few metres away, Amadou Tembaly, another volunteer methodically disinfects the boats with a chlorine solution.“It may seem like a simple task, but it makes a real difference,” Amadou says. “Every boat or motorcycle taxi we clean is one less opportunity for the disease to spread.”Kouadio Amoin, a nurse at the Vridi Ako health centre, underscores the importance of this community-based action. “Without the Red Cross’s rapid intervention, we would have seen many more cases. Their presence truly made a difference.”To support the response, the IFRC allocated 159,915 Swiss francs from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF). As the outbreak continues to spread to new areas, the IFRC is now working to triple this amount to help the Red Cross of Côte d’Ivoire scale up its response and address growing needs.Learn moreUnderstanding cholera and the IFRC approach to prevention and containmentHow the IFRC works to prevent epidemics and pandemics

Remote mountainside communities in Nepal: the key source for sustainable solutions in post-earthquake water initiative

The devastating earthquake that struck Nepal in November 2023 not only damaged or destroyed over 75,000 homes and disrupted the livelihood of thousands of people, it also severely damaged critical water sources that communities rely on for everyday survival.In many places, the Karnali earthquake, as it’s called here, altered the local geology enough it disrupted long-time underground water channels. In many cases, springs and wells dried up, or shifted downhill to another location, due to the shifting ground caused by the earthquake.On top of that, the earthwyake severely damaged the infrastructure that brought water to people’s homes and communities. For many communities, this has meant washing, cooking, and irrigating with a lot less available water.To get at the source of the challenge, the Nepal Red Cross Society went directly to the impacted communities. As part of its Karnali Earthquake Response and Recovery Operation, theNepal Red Cross has been working closely with remote rural mountainside communities to create new water sources and systems.From the beginning, the construction of safe drinking water sources involved extensive consultations with local water-use committees, formed to lead the process and ensure that system design is based on a thorough understanding or how and where communities need water delivered.Because most of the intensive household users of water are women, there was significant and enthusiastic female participation, with women taking on important roles of the water committees. One of those women is Mani kumari Khatri, who worked along with her neighbours and the NRCS during the construction of the water supply system.“We now have water from our household tap even after a dry winter this year,”says Mani Kumari Khatri, a local resident of Rukum West. “This water scheme has also provided additional opportunities to grow vegetables in kitchen garden which can be our food, or we can generate some income by selling those vegetables in local market.”“The Red Cross recognised our need for the water and supported the entire building of the water scheme in our community,” she adds. “They worked together with the community to complete the scheme that now benefits twenty-four houses.” With the support of IFRC network, the NRCS supported several communities with safe drinking water systems, along with help with repairs and maintenance in all three earthquake affected districts of Karnali province (Jajarkot, Rukum West and Salyan). In total, this operation has has so far led to:Construction of 23 water supply projects, out of which 16 were repair and maintenance of the existing systems, and 7 were newly constructed.A total of 951 households (322 Jajarkot, 397 Rukum West and 232 Salyan) benefited from these schemes.These efforts are meant to complement the Nepal government’s nationwide implementation of its “One house, one tap” policy as well as the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets for universal access to safe drinking water by 2030.Getting involved in water scheme constructionHajari Oli is another representative among many who have actively contributed to the construction of water supply scheme. As the committee that was formed, Hajari was appointed treasurer. Besides managing the financial expenses for the water supply scheme, she regularly provided much-needed input in the construction of the water scheme, including a lot of hands-on work with many aspects of the building process.“Our village lies at the top of the hill and remains mostly dry, so we, especially the women, have to take a time-consuming trip to collect and fetch water for drinking and for other household purposes,” says Hajari Oli.Now with the support from Nepal Red Cross, the community is constructing two water reservoir tanks and drinking water will soon be available at household level. “We are very happy and excited with this support from the Red Cross. After it is completed, we will use water for drinking as well as for irrigation,” she adds.Local women also helped to collect and manage locally obtained materials, and participated in pipe laying, digging ground, and active leadership in the water user committee.“We had formed a group and divided the responsibility as per our abilities,”says Bhadi Kumari, a member of the committee. “Everyone from the community, including many older people came out together to contribute with great enthusiasm.”Many community members were also able to contribute their own technical skills and experience. A plumbing technician by trade, Karna has over 30 years of experience in water supply systems under his belt and has been involved in the construction of more than 250 water schemes and reservoir tank building.For this reason, the community commissioned him to help with the construction of the two water schemes in Rukum West district, especially for the building of reservoir tanks and plumbing works.“I had received training on water supply scheme construction a long time ago,”says Karna. “From then onwards, I have been working continuously in constructions of the water schemes in many communities including in the neighbouring districts.”Experienced technicians like Karna were not the only ones that were engaged for the construction of the water scheme but opportunities were also provided to young aspiring students like Bibek so that they can acquire practical hands-on skills and exposure.“I got the opportunity to work as technical volunteer for the Red Cross and it was a privilege to serve my community,”says Bibek, technician from Jajarkot. “In addition, I gained practical experience which expanded my knowledge and confidence.”The Water Safety Plan includes the provision of the maintenance fund, caretaker/plumber and include agreed monthly tariff collection from the users, based on the consumption of water through meter reading.From the beginning, it was clear that the local communities shared the NRCS goal of creating durable solutions.“I am voluntarily leading the construction of the water supply scheme in my community,”says Ram Karki, Chairperson of Water User Committee of Jajarkot. “I want to make this scheme work for generations, as we have faced a lot of challenges for safe drinking water before. We have set water pipeline from more than 8 KM from tough terrain in search of quality and durability of source for this scheme.”Transparency and accountabilityIn Karnali Earthquake Recovery Operation, all the construction of the schemes were done in the leadership of the water user committees. From the beginning of the construction work, NRCS had shared the amount of contribution from the organisation as well as from the community.NRCS had organised public audits in the presence of the community members and local stakeholders before handing over the schemes to the communities. During these public audits, detailed expenditure reports were shared. Information boards with detailed budgets were also put up at construction sites for wider information dissemination and transparency.

Stronger, faster, safer: epidemic preparedness success stories from the Programmatic Partnership

Since 2022, 24 local Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world have been working to keep communities healthy and safe from epidemics and pandemics.They’ve done so through something called the Programmatic Partnership—an innovative, multi-year partnership funded by the European Union and with technical assistance, advocacy support and coordination from IFRC and European National Societies.Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are best placed to prevent, detect, and respond to disease outbreaks and other health risks thanks to their unique auxiliary role to authorities and because their volunteers are close to communities, trusted by them, and can act quickly.Through the Programmatic Partnership, these 24 National Societies have equipped countless communities with knowledge and tools to stop the spread of diseases.They’ve trained volunteers and set up systems so communities can report outbreaks quickly, enabling a rapid response from local authorities.And they’ve worked hard to develop their own epidemic preparedness capacity, so they can respond more quickly and effectively when a health emergency strikes.Seven stories of hope and humanityIn this new brochure, you can read seven inspiring stories of National Societies’ epidemic preparedness work in action:In Cameroon, trained Cameroon Red Cross Society volunteers quickly detected and responded to a cholera outbreak—halting the spread of disease and minimizing the damage on the community.In Bangladesh, Bangladesh Red Crescent Society volunteers rapidly detected and reported an outbreak of foot and mouth disease to local authorities so quick action could be taken to protect people’s livelihoods.In Burkina Faso, Burkinabe Red Cross volunteers worked tirelessly to find children who had missed out on routine immunization due to conflict and internal displacement, making sure they got the vaccinations they need to be protected from disease.In Yemen, Yemen Red Crescent Society teams have provided communities with water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities and trusted health information so they can keep themselves safe from disease threats.In Somalia, trained Somali Red Crescent Society volunteers quickly detected and responded to a dengue fever outbreak in a rural community, saving lives and helping curb the outbreak.In Central America, Red Cross Societies have set up and trained community health committees who are now taking local action to reduce the risks of disease outbreaks.In Chad, the Chad Red Cross has been using an innovative radio tool to broadcast trusted, lifesaving health information over the airwaves to isolated communities so they know how to stay safe from disease threats.Read the new brochure “Epidemic preparedness and response success stories from the Programmatic Partnership” to learn more.--The activities outlined above were made possible thanks to theProgrammatic Partnership with the European Union—an innovative, multi-year partnership between the IFRC, member National Societies and the EU to help communities worldwide reduce their risks and be better prepared for disasters and health emergencies.

World Environment Day: In wake of oil spill, Ecuadorian Red Cross helps keep communities healthy, providing water and awareness about how to conserve and protect precious water supplies

Angela and Narcisa have lived alongside the Esmeraldas River their entire lives. For them, the river was more than just water; it was a source of food, a place to bathe and cook. It was life.Just under three months ago, their situation took a turn when an oil spill contaminated the Caple, Viche and Esmeraldas rivers, leaving thousands of homes without access to clean water.‘Seeing my grandchildren without clean water hurt me the most,”says Narcisa from the Tabiazo community. “Before, we could boil or filter it, but with that smell, even that didn't work anymore. We couldn't bathe properly or cook in peace.”The oil spill endangered the lives of thousands of people and their livelihoods.“Some people can't go to work,”says Ángela Tenorio, a resident of the El Treinta community. “Some are cowboys and can't give water to the cows. We live off the land here, off agriculture, off the river and off fishing.Now the plants living in the water are dying, so you can't eat the fish because they're contaminated.”However, the emergency was not only environmental; the disaster also caused an information crisis.Information as aidIn order to address the uncertainty and numerous questions that can arise in the event of a disaster such as this one, the Ecuadorian Red Cross has incorporated community education on the safe use and protection of water, as well as risk and disease prevention into its response.The participation of local volunteers, who know the area and its inhabitants, has been crucial in disseminating information. At the heart of the response were people like Evelyn Angulo, a Red Cross volunteer from Esmeraldas.“Every time we deliver water, we also deliver a message,” Evelyn explains. “We teach people how to store it and how to avoid disease. There is a lot of fear because people don't know if the water is really clean. Our job is to give them confidence and support them.”Communication: a form of caringThe work of volunteers such as Evelyn means that residents such as Narcisa and her family not only received drinking water, they also received something much more valuable: knowledge. They learned how to conserve and purify water, something they could no longer take for granted.“Before, we didn't know how to conserve or purify water properly,” Narcissa adds. “Now, thanks to what they've taught us, I know how to protect my family. This information is just as important as the water itself. Because without knowing how to use it properly, we could still get sick.”Clean water and empowering messagesFrom the outset of the emergency, the Ecuadorian Red Cross mobilised its local teams in Esmeraldas to deliver a rapid and coordinated response tailored to the needs of those affected.To support their efforts, the IFRC launched an international Emergency Appeal, seeking to raise 4 million Swiss francs to support the Ecuadorian Red Cross in expanding its response and protect the health and livelihoods of 176,200 people affected by the oil spill and flooding in the provinces of Esmeraldas, El Oro, Guayas and Manabí over the next 12 months.The main focus has been on ensuring access to clean water, providing psychosocial support and promoting hygiene in affected communities.In addition, the Red Cross has distributed millions of litres of water and provided information on how to use a filter, how to detect whetherr water is safe and how to protect oneself from disease.In the province of Esmeraldas, the response to the spill cannot be measured only in litres of water, however. It is measured in trust, learning and humanity – in lives saved and suffering prevented through the power of timely, accurate and useful information.

World Hunger Day: Drought driving hunger and desperation in the Horn of Africa

By Timothy Maina, IFRC, Officer, CommunicationsAs the sole provider for her household of ten, 45-year-old Mama Mako Rooble Mataan bears the immense responsibility of sustaining her entire family. Her goats, once a reliable source of sustenance, now struggle to find a place with enough grass to graze.Standing nearby the almost completely dry well, her voice was filled with worry."The weather has become so unpredictable," she explains, her gaze sweeping across a dried-up riverbed.Alongside Mama Mako was a team from theSomali Red Crescent Society (SRCS), which was there to conduct field assessments on the impacts of prolonged drought in the area, including in Mama Mako’s village, called Il-Hagar, in Somaliland’s Awdal region.Three consecutive years of failed rains have pushed the Horn of Africa to the brink of catastrophe. Seasonal forecasts from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development's Climate Prediction Centre (ICPAC) warn the 2025 Gu rains (April-June) may be 55 per cent below average, threatening water access and food production. Over 3.8 million people now face acute food insecurity.The cracked earth and dry togs (seasonal riverbeds) tell the story. Shrubby, jagged hills and mountains stand over sun-scorched plains after failed Deyr rains (October-November) were followed by a harsh Jilal dry season (December-March).Recognizing the escalating disaster, the SRCS activated itsEarly Action Protocols (EAPs) for drought, triggering rapid assessments and preemptive aid delivery of aid and cash grants to 1,330 households to address urgent food and medical needs. The crisis has since triggered a 984,393 Swiss Franc allocation from the IFRC’sDisaster Response Emergency Fund(IFRC-DREF), to deliver life-saving support over six months to 5,800 families (approximately 34,800 people) in Somaliland and Puntland.The scaled-up response maintains integrated cash, health, as well as water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, through coordinated emergency operations, prioritizing vulnerable groups while strengthening community resilience against ongoing drought conditions through both immediate relief and preparedness measures.Health teams, through both fixed and mobile clinics, delivered nutrition services, and hygiene education, while WASH programs rehabilitated water sources for 30,000 people.For the 300 families who live in Il-Hagar, existence depends on livestock. As well dry up and grazing lands vanish, each passing day tightens the drought’s stranglehold.Further into the Lughaya district, in Gargaara-Baki, the unrelenting drought has left livestock dead, livelihoods ruined, and families starving. The closure of the only Mother and Child Health (MCH) clinic due to funding cuts has compounded the catastrophe, leaving the community without medical care as climate-displaced families seek refuge there.The lack of pasture has led to sick and dying livestock, while minor illnesses now pose life-threatening risks due to the lack of a local clinic. Amid this crisis, Mama Xalimo Abdilahi Mohamed, a mother of seven and small business owner, spearheads a women’s solidarity group.“We’ve lost everything except each other,”' she says. “Together, we pool what little we have—grains, wages, hope—to keep our children alive. It’s our way of staying strong.”In the meantime, more people are now coming to the village because they can no longer survive on their own in more remote areas. Abdinassir Hassan Haji, the village headman and a father of eleven, bears the dual burden of his family and displaced arrivals.“We are supporting so many now,” he says, his brow furrowed. “Their arrival adds to our struggles.”Despite the challengesLack of functioning infrastructure also plays a role in some areas.In the neighbouring Garbo Dadar district of Awdal region, for example, a once-reliable water source built after Cyclone Sagar in 2018 has failed, leaving 3,500 households in crisis.Mayor Jamaal Muumin Caare explains that years of drought and erratic weather have dried up the pump, forcing residents to trek long distances for water—worsening their daily hardships.Despite challenges, this resilient community established a local hospital and a technical and vocational education and training (TVET) centre to improve livelihoods.The TVET centre offers practical training in trades and entrepreneurship, while the medical centre provides both healthcare services and employment opportunities.However, Dr. Ahmed Saeed, the hospital’s lead doctor, stresses the urgent need for medical upgrades: "We lack an operating theatre, essential supplies, and staff,”he says. “Without them, lives are at risk."A long road to waterThe story was similar in the Sahil region. In Sheekh district’s Robo Robo village, Aadan Ali Nur, an elderly agropastoralist, spoke of the long distances they now had to travel just to find water."It’s a struggle every day," he sighed, "Sometimes, we all chip in to pay for water to be trucked in, but it costs so much."In the next village, Ximan, Muse Hayan Elmi looked with concern at their only remaining water reservoir (berked)."To conserve the limited water we have, we take our camels to distant water sources while allowing goats and calves to drink closer to home,” he offered.In many cases, people have been forced to leave their villages entirely due to lack of water for daily use, livestock or farming.TheGeed Abokor internally displaced persons (IDP) campin Burco, Togdheer Region of Somaliland is home toabout 1,000 displaced households—mostly pastoralists—forced from their lands by recurrent drought and unbearable weather conditions.Withno functional health centre, residents must either wait for humanitarian medical outreaches or travelover 20 kilometres to Burco townfor care.Their most immediate crisis, however, is water scarcity. The camp’s sole berked (traditional water reservoir) has run dry for months now, leaving families dependent oncostly water trucking.Each household must contribute from their meagre resources to fund weekly deliveries—an unsustainable solution for people already stripped of livelihoods.Abdikadir Osman, the camp’s headman, adds:“The reservoir has been dry for months. Now, everyone pays for trucked water, even though they can barely afford it.”Beyond water, the camp grapples withinadequate latrines, poor sanitation, and lack of camp management, exacerbating health risks.Dahir Noor, a mother of six, describes the desperation:“We wait for the water tankers. If they don’t come, we travel to rural areas, collect whatever water we can, and haul it back on donkeys to share equally. We can’t overburden nearby towns—their resources are stretched too.”

Togolese Red Cross helps communities stay healthy by building safe sanitation facilities and hygiene awareness

From patients in clinics without latrines to market vendors without public toilets, the lack of adequate sanitary facilities in some parts of Togo has had far reaching effects.But today, through partnerships and a commitment to community well-being, that reality is changing as the Togolese Red Cross leads a transformation in local water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services."Before, we suffered a lot," said one community member, Toukou Afiyo. "Women have suffered a lot too. When people used the toilets, the smell spread to the hospital. Some patients or their family members preferred to go into the bushes. With the new toilets, people will be happy to use them.”Centered in the west-African nation’s prefectures of Bas Mono, Kpélé, Akebou and Mô, the project is now serving thousands of people who once faced daily hardship due to poor sanitary conditions.The improvements are made possible thanks to financing from the Islamic Development Bank to the Government of Togo. The installation of drinking water infrastructure is managed by the Ministry of Water, while the Togolese Red Cross implements the hygiene and sanitation component.Also supported by the IFRC, the project aims to raise awareness about the importance of drinking clean water and adopting good hygiene and sanitation practices. It also provides the physical infrastructure that communities need to make healthy choices.In total, the project will build 57 latrines in health facilities and 100 public toilets in markets, bus stations and public squares in the four districts.Building latrines and awareness through conversationBut the project is not just about building latrines and water stations. It's also about conversation. Community engagement, mobilization and hygiene awareness are critical components as Togolese Red Cross volunteers work to help people adopt sustainable behaviors that protect their health.In Kpélé, the Goudévé health centre is already seeing the benefits. New latrines under construction are expected to significantly improve hygiene and privacy, especially for women and girls."These latrines will greatly help, first the health workers, and then the patients who come for consultations, especially our mothers and sisters who come to give birth," said Fulbert Anikanou, WASH coordinator for the Togolese Red Cross. "Hygiene and sanitation related diseases will be reduced."Komi Koutse, director of the Goudévé health center, agrees."It's a feeling of joy and satisfaction," he said. "The problem of latrines has always been one of our main concerns. Especially since we are on the banks of a river... Our people were sometimes forced to go into the bush to relieve themselves.”"This project, I assure you, is a sigh of relief," he continued. "We are very reassured that this will reduce the risks associated with open defecation, contamination and pollution. We thank the partners, especially the Red Cross and the Islamic Development Bank, who have made this possible.”The Togolese Red Cross is also leading community efforts to highlight hygiene and sanitation conditions in affected communities. Its volunteers promote behaviour change through house-to-house visits, group discussions, hygiene promotion sessions and education on the risk of open defection and unsafe water consumption.

Ecuador Oil Spill One Month On: Red Cross Distributes Over One Million Liters of Water and Calls for Increased Humanitarian Assistance

Quito / Panama City / Geneva, Thursday, 17 April — One month after a devastating oil spill in Ecuador affected more than 300,000 people, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Ecuadorian Red Cross have distributed over 1.8 million liters of safe water to communities whose water sources were contaminated or where piped water service was suspended.In Esmeraldas—the province hardest hit by the oil spill—1.2 million liters of water have been delivered. An additional 622,000 liters have supported communities affected by ongoing heavy rains and floods. The rainy season has left over 139,000 people in urgent need of assistance, particularly in the provinces of El Oro, Guayas, and Manabí.“Clean water continues to be one of the most urgent needs in communities affected by the oil spill and floods, " said the Ecuadorian Red Cross president, Dr. Roque Soria. “Our priority is to ensure that families have access to sufficient quantity and quality water for drinking, cooking, washing and keeping animals and crops alive, especially in rural areas.”To scale up water distribution, a M15 large-capacity Emergency Response Unit (ERU) purification system mobilized by the Honduran and other Red Cross partners has arrived in Ecuador. This sophisticated treatment unit is expected to produce safe drinking water for more than 15,000 people per day in the most affected communities in Esmeraldas. A water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) specialist from Honduras has also been deployed to support its installation and operation.This effort is part of a broader international response coordinated by the IFRC, which has launched an Emergency Appeal for 4.5 million Swiss francs to support over 176,000 people over the next 12 months. To date, only 11% of this money has been raised. The appeal aims to protect lives and livelihoods across the 14 provinces where the combined impact of the oil spill and severe flooding continues to disrupt daily life.Since the first days of the emergency, Red Cross volunteers have provided medical care and psychosocial support and distributed food, cooking kits, essential hygiene items, and tools to clean homes and properties damaged by flooding—reaching more than 14,000 people.“The response to the oil spill and the floods requires a sustained and coordinated effort,” said the IFRC’s Regional Director for the Americas, Loyce Pace. “We are working closely with the Ecuadorian Red Cross, sister Red Cross Societies, and partners to ensure no one is left behind, but increased international support is critical to meet growing humanitarian needs and help communities recover with dignity and resilience.”For more information and to set up an interview, please contact: [email protected]  In Panama:Susana Arroyo Barrantes, +50769993199 In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa, +41797084367Hannah Copeland, +41762369109  

How the oil spill in Ecuador is affecting health, water, and livelihoods

Oil spills are not just environmental disasters; they pose serious risks to health and livelihoods. Even more so when the contaminated springs are the primary source of drinking water for the local population.That's the case in Ecuador's northern coastal region where, on 13 March, 2025, a rupture in Ecuador's oil pipeline system caused a catastrophic oil spill in the province of Esmeraldas, contaminating the Caple, Viche, and Esmeraldas rivers. On 22 March, a second spill worsened the situation.The crisis has affected 300,000 people, forcing authorities to cut off tap water supplies and rely on emergency water distribution. Without urgent intervention, this crisis will continue to escalate, placing even more people at risk.To understand the impact of an oil spill like this, we spoke with Dr. Pedro Porrino, Emergency Health Coordinator for the IFRC Americas office, who divides the impact into three main levels:1. Direct health risksOil is a toxic substance both through direct contact and through the gases it emits. Contact with the skin can cause dermatological reactions ranging from mild irritation to severe allergic reactions that can pose a serious threat to life.Additionally, inhaling toxic gases poses a significant risk, as it does not require direct contact with the substance. Anyone within the contaminated area may experience respiratory issues, ranging from mild discomfort to severe airway inflammation that can make breathing difficult or impossible.This is particularly dangerous for individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic bronchitis, as well as for young children, elders, and pregnant women, who are at higher risk.Beyond physical health, the disaster also has significant mental health consequences. The uncertainty, loss of resources, and disruption of daily life generate high levels of stress and anxiety. Affected families face emotional distress due to displacement, health concerns, and economic instability.2. Water contamination and public health risksThe spill has polluted rivers and streams that local populations rely on, rendering the water completely unfit for consumption and other uses. Depending on the affected area, underground aquifers - another crucial water source - may also be contaminated.This situation leads to a crisis in access to safe water, which, in cases of oil spills, can last for extended periods. The use of unsafe water sources can lead to gastrointestinal diseases and outbreaks of waterborne infections, further complicating the emergency.Additionally, the lack of water affects hygiene and sanitation, increasing health risks. It is also critical to guarantee the supply of safe water to healthcare facilities to maintain essential medical services.3. Livelihood disruptionsBeyond health risks, the oil spill has disrupted agriculture, livestock, and fishing - critical sources of income for many communities.Contamination can affect food security, as toxins can enter the food chain through water or direct exposure. Moreover, the disruption of economic activities vital to many communities worsens socio-economic conditions. The effects of oil spills can persist for long periods, increasing poverty and precarious living conditions, which are significant risk factors for health.Red Cross responseSince the crisis began, Ecuadorian Red Cross volunteers have been on the ground, providing essential aid and support to affected families. Their efforts include:Distributing emergency water supplies: More than 1,1 million litres of potable water have been treated and delivered to 22 communities.Providing hygiene kits and cleaning tools: To help prevent the spread of diseases.Offering medical assistance: First aid and emergency healthcare are being provided to people suffering from exposure-related health issues.Assessing and restoring water treatment plants: Ecuadorian Red Cross experts, along with IFRC specialists, are ensuring the operational status of water treatment plants in Esmeraldas, distributing sodium hypochlorite to purify water sources.The IFRC has launched an Emergency Appeal for 4 million Swiss francs to support 176,200 people across Esmeraldas, El Oro, Guayas, and Manabí provinces over the next 12 months.The operation will focus on providing clean water, medical care including mental health support, shelter assistance, hygiene items, and cash transfers for the most affected families.As part of this Emergency Appeal, the Honduran Red Cross mobilized a sophisticated mass water purification system to Ecuador, which is expected to distribute safe water to more than 15,000 people per day in the most affected communities. This shipment is accompanied by the deployment of two water, sanitation and hygiene specialists from the Honduran Red Cross.The Honduran Red Cross is sending these resources in its role as leader of the Wash Hub, an equipment and knowledge center formed by the Red Cross societies of Central America and the IFRC.The Ecuadorian Red Cross is at the forefront of response efforts, but they need international support to sustain and expand their humanitarian operations. By acting now, lives, livelihoods, and the dignity of the people affected by this disaster can be protected.

IFRC supporting communities affected by major oil spill and floods in Ecuador

Quito/Panama City/Geneva, 25 March — The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an emergency appeal for 4 million CHF to protect the health and livelihoods of communities in Ecuador affected by the ongoing floods and the devastating oil spill which occurred there on 13 March. The accumulation of these disasters has impacted over 500,000 people in the provinces of El Oro, Esmeraldas, Guayas and Manabi. The IFRC has also allocated from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) 497,000 CHF of the 4 million CHF needed to ensure aid reaches communities immediately.In Esmeraldas, the oil spill has contaminated the Esmeraldas River, several of its tributaries and the country's northern coast, forcing the government to declare a state of emergency. Since day one, Ecuadorian Red Cross volunteers have been on the ground distributing emergency water supplies, providing first aid, and assessing the spill’s impact. Mitigating the risks associated with traces of hydrocarbons in drinking water is a priority. The spill has forced the local authorities to suspend the supply of piped water and activate distribution via water trucks. Three Red Cross water purification plants have been installed and have produced 152,000 liters of clean water in two days, enough to address the basic needs of 10,000 people.“The oil spill in Esmeraldas is an environmental and humanitarian catastrophe, with a profound impact on local communities. The Ecuadorian Red Cross has deployed all its resources to provide immediate relief, but international support is critical to help more people, ensure a more effective response and speed up long-term recovery. Only by working together can we ensure a safer future for the affected communities and our environment,” said Dr. Roque Soria, President of the Ecuadorian Red Cross.The IFRC emergency appeal will allow the Ecuadorian Red Cross to expand its response to both crises, with the aim of assisting over 175,000 people during the next 12 months. The operation will focus on providing clean drinking water and offering medical care, including mental health support. Red Cross volunteers will also provide shelter assistance for those whose homes have been damaged, essential hygiene and household items and cash transfers for the most affected families. "The country is facing a public health emergency. Toxic exposure, water contamination, disease proliferation and food insecurity caused by the floods and the oil spill are threatening entire communities, and if we do not act now, the long-term impacts will be devastating. We need urgent, coordinated action to protect people’s health, secure safe water, and prevent further harm," said Loyce Pace, IFRC Regional Director for the Americas.The Red Cross will focus its response to both disasters in the hardest-hit areas, addressing the needs of displaced families in temporary shelters, particularly single-parent households with young children, older adults, and people with disabilities. The Red Cross efforts will also support rural and riverine communities, including indigenous populations facing environmental risks and loss of traditional livelihoods.For more information and to set up an interview, please contact: [email protected] Panama - Susana Arroyo Barrantes +50769993199In Geneva – Tommaso Della Longa +41797084367 Hannah Copeland +41762369109

World Water Day 2025: Angola Red Cross and IFRC bring safe, treated water and hygiene messages to communities hard hit by cholera

Ever since a cholera outbreak in Angola was first confirmed on January 7, 2025, Angola Red Cross volunteers have been at the forefront of the response, helping people avoid exposure to this often deadly water-borne disease. Sometimes, they even brought water into communities in buckets, balanced on top of their heads, to prepare oral hydration solutions or provide people with safe drinking water.The outbreak started in Cacuaco, a suburban area of Luanda Province. which hosts the country’s capital and approximately 1.2 million residents. Since then, the disease has spread to 14 provinces and 57 municipalities, with Luanda reporting the highest number of cases (3,788) .“The oral cholera vaccine is an important tool in the fight against cholera and this is the first time it is being used in Angola, but we always need to combine this with other preventative measures such as water treatment, handwashing with soap and sanitation.”Catarina Laurinda, coordinator of the Angola Red Cross response to the cholera outbreakThe outbreak continues to escalate due to poor sanitation, limited access to clean water, and high population density. In Cuanza Norte Province, the disease is taking lives at an alarming rate. Since the outbreak started, the Angola Red Cross trained 478 volunteers across six provinces (Luanda, Bengo, Cuanza Norte, Cuanza Sul, Uige, and Zaire) to support the Ministry of Health in raising awareness.Volunteers disseminated information on cholera’s causes, symptoms, prevention measures, and hygiene promotion through door-to-door and mass communication in schools, markets and other public venues.“Our volunteers are visiting households in cholera hotspots, supporting the Ministry of Health in setting up hand-washing facilities in key places, as well as providing safe, treated water and cleaning solutions for households,” explains Catarina Laurinda, who is coordinating the cholera response for the Angola Red Cross.“As part of water disinfection efforts, they have distributed more than 20.000 household water-treatment tablets in affected communities.”Angola Red Cross volunteers also track cholera transmission routes and ensure that people have access to safe water supplies, sanitation and hygiene services. Teams treat people at the community level by administering oral rehydration therapy to people with cholera and refer the most severe cases to hospitals.“When the cholera outbreak started in Cacuacuo, our first work was distributing water treatment tablets to ensure the population had access to safe water to drink,” saysJoana Manuel Joao, an Angola Red Cross volunteer.“This way, sick people could prepare the oral rehydration salts. We then demonstrated how to use the tablets and how to store the water properly so it does not get contaminated.”One of the main ways the volunteers support the cholera vaccination campaign is by building trust and engaging with communities. The volunteers reach out to traditional community leaders and disseminate information about the cholera vaccine, proper hygiene and sanitation practices.“The oral cholera vaccine is an important tool in the fight against cholera and this is the first time it is being used in Angola,”Catarina Laurina adds, “but we always need to combine this with other preventative measures such as water treatment, handwashing with soap and sanitation.”The larger challenge, however, is to ensure that future outbreaks can be avoided.“With the tools we have today and the knowledge we have had for over a century, cholera should not be a public health concern,”says Alexandra Machado, currently in Angola serving as IFRC’s public health coordinator. “We have seen cholera outbreaks becoming annual occurrences during the last years in this region.”“This is why the IFRC is supporting National Societies and communities to be better prepared, so that they are able to prevent cholera and other epidemics at community level.” This preparation and development work is a key part of IFRC’s Ending Cholera Plan, which stresses that water and sanitation services need to be accessible to all – and not just in response to outbreaks or emergencies.“If we really want to put an end to cholera, we need to acknowledge its roots causes,”explains Naemi Heita, who heads the IFRC’s Country Cluster office in Maputo and Angola. “Governments, NGOs, and the private sector must mobilize and increase investments in water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructures, health, and social systems so that they can withstand the fallout from disasters, conflicts, and climate change.”Learn more about the IFRC’s approach to water, sanitation and hygiene:IFRC water, sanitation and hygiene webpageIFRC Water and Sanitationresources for WASH practitionersIFRC and World Water DayRead other World Water Day 2025 storiesWorld Water Day 2025: From glaciers to the kitchen sink, a story of water and resilience from two mountain villages in TajikistanWorld Water Day 2025: Clean water is about safety, health and so much moreWorld Water Day: After the quake, Red Cross brings life-changing water to Vanuatu’s hidden communities

World Water Day: After the quake, Red Cross brings life-changing water to Vanuatu’s hidden communities

When the island nation of Vanuatu was hit by a powerful earthquake in December2024, much of the global media attention focused on the damage to the island nation’s most populated areas, in particular its capital, PortVila.Manyrural and remotecommunities suffered just as badly. But they did not get the same immediate attention. One of theseis the out-of-the-way community of Britano, avillage of 750 residentsthatis a 30-minute walk up a bumpy road from the island’s main highway.“Before Red Cross came, Britano residents were really stuck,”says the community’s chief, George John. “Unlike other areas, we cannot survive on food from the garden because we don’t have room for plots of land.”Britano was hit particularly hard by the quake because it destroyed the very businesses and livelihoods people relied on to pay for food, school fees and basic needs.Local resident Meriam Motoutorua says people are finding it hard to make ends meet.“Most of us worked in the city [Port Vila], but after the earthquake we have no income,”she said. “We relied on the market to buy our food. It is really hard to provide daily meals, pay school registration fees and bills.Now, all people can do is sit at home and worry where their next meal is coming from.”Water sources destroyedBritano also lostits only source of clean, safe water.Water from Britano’s six mains taps were reduced to a dribble, forcing residents to wash and collect water from a creek down in a steep nearby valley.“Women are washing their clothes in the river down there,” says AndrewNayo, Britano’scommunity chairman. “They go there and bring the water back.”Not only is it a long trek with heavy water bottles, the water itself is not safe. “This water is mixed with the waste coming from people using the spring,” adds Motoutorua.Water brings new hope to a neglected communityWithin days after the quake, Britanowas still waiting for newsfrom the outside world. The first sign that help was on the way waswhena Vanuatu Red Cross team arrived to conduct a health assessment and distribute water.They quickly reported back to headquarters and soon after,Dickinson Tevi,the VRCSSecretaryGeneral,arrived with his team totake stock of what was needed. Britano’s leaders told him: “We urgently need help solve the lack of clean water.”The help they needed has now arrived in the form oftwo 6,000-litrewater tanks, installed atop a solid foundation of rock and concrete. It wasa challenging project, not least because of Britano’s hard-to-access location and rocky ground, which made digging the foundation a difficult task. Getting permission to build also required negotiating with land owners.From the beginning, it was a team effort. The Vanuatu Red Cross Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) team engaged with the Britano community to solve the water-shortage problem. The Vanuatu Red Cross engaged community labourers and ordered the tanks and building materials that would be used to create a roof-like structure for capturing large volumes of rainwater.Project coordinator Johnny Mereka kept the workers on task and while women of the community prepared food to keep up the energy and morale. Now, the plan is create a space under the water-collection roof that will serve as a much-needed “safe house” in times of disaster.“Britano is so happy to get the two water tanks because it’s the first time we have water on site, which is a great help,”says Mereka.Red Cross WASH specialist Richard Tabeva, who worked with the community to realise the water-capture project, says it’s hard toput into words what theproject means to Britano, because water supply was a problem even before the earthquake. “Over so many years, they have never had something like this, so it is good to see,” he said.On to other challengesWith the water tanks installed and a newly built rainwater collection system, Britanocannowfocus onother challenges.The earthquake rendered the village dispensary unusable, meaning children needing treatment need to make the trek to Kawenu School clinic, an hour’s walk away. Red Cross will replace the damaged floor and reinforce it against future disasters.Meanwhile, the Vanuatu Red Cross plans to roll out an emergency cash assistance programme next month. It could not have come at a better time for Britano’s most vulnerable residents, particularly people who lost jobs in town or were badly injured due to the earthquake. The cash will enable them to stock up on essential items and help pay school fees.Reuben and his brother used to make a living selling fish from the bay. After the earthquake, their kayak was stolen. Now his nets hang unused from a tree in the garden and his brother has taken a job picking fruit in Australia.Reluctantly, Reuben is planning to leave his family behind to join him. “We have to find a way to survive,” he says. “All we can do now is support each other.”More than just waterThe Red Cross intervention was about morethanwater. It was also about recognising the experience and suffering of a community thatfelt forgottenby the outside world.It was also about empowering the community to think beyond water and make plans to use the space below the water collection structure as an evacuation area for future disasters.For village leader Chief John, it brings a new sense of hope.“It’s been really hard being the chief of the community at this time,”says Chief John. “The Red Cross were the first ones to come and give us water. It’s the first time someone came here to help us”.“When you see your child cry, you step in to help,”he says. “Red Cross did the same to us and helped wipe away the tears so we could walk into the future.”Learn more about the IFRC’s work in water, sanitation and hygiene:IFRC water, sanitation and hygiene webpageRead more IFRC World Water Day 2025 stories:World Water Day 2025: Angola Red Cross and IFRC bring safe, treated water and hygiene messages to communities hard hit by cholera | IFRCWorld Water Day 2025: From glaciers to the kitchen sink, a story of water and resilience from two mountain villages in Tajikistan | IFRCWorld Water Day 2025: Clean water is about safety, health and so much more | IFRC

World Water Day 2025: From glaciers to the kitchen sink, a story of water and resilience from two mountain villages in Tajikistan

"The situation was particularly challenging ... We had to bring water from glacial melt water in the mountains, located 3,000 meters above sea level and 10 kilometres away from the village."Dr. Saadi Izatov, Head of the Health Department at the Red Crescent Society of TajikistanIn the shadow of Tajikistan's towering mountains, a daily struggle plays out for the people who call these remote villages home. Families with sufficient economic status, purchase water for their needs.Other families, for whom the economic burden does not allow for permanent water storage, are forced to trek for hours across rugged terrain to collect water from distant glacial streams and springs. It’s an exhausting routine that defines life in communities like Sangchashma and Nilu.This reality reflects a startling paradox: while Tajikistan holds 60 per cent of Central Asia's water resources, it faces the region's most severe challenges to water access – with nearly half its population lacking safely managed water.The villagers had either to collect water from the mountains or pay for the water brought by water tankers, which was a big financial burden for low-income families in these remote villages of the Hisor district. The 7-to-10-kilometer journey to collect water wasn’t just inconvenient - it was a fundamental barrier to development.Children missed school, productivity suffered, and waterborne diseases threatened public health.“Often, when we ran out of water, my sons had to get water from a spring, which is very far away,”explains Ms. Adolat Sharifova, a resident of Sangchashma village. “Because of this, they could not go to school on such days. Buying water is an impossible burden for our family.”From glacier to villageThese are some of the reasons the Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan (RCST), with support from the Japanese Red Cross Society and the IFRC, embarked on an ambitious project to change this reality.The project aimed not just to provide water infrastructure to Sangchashma, but to build community resilience and ensure access to clean water would be sustainable over the long term.For Sangchashma village, this meant laying an extensive network of heavy-duty water pipes across steep mountain terrain in order to reach the water’s source: high altitidue mountain glaciers."The situation was particularly challenging in Sangchashma village," explains Dr. Saadi Izatov, Head of Health Department at RCST. "We had to bring water from glacial melt water in the mountains, located at 3,000 meters above sea level and 10 kilometres away from the village."Rugged terrain was not the only challenge. In May 2024, unexpected mudflows rushed down local gullies and streams, severely damaged the initial construction work, requiring repairs. The mudflows highlighted another ongoing challenge: the impacts of climate change as warm weather melts glaciers at a more rapid pace, making soil less stable and susceptible to rapid erosion. This degradation of the terrain can lead to occasisonal, suddentorrents of mud and water.Despite the technical challenges, the project has transformed life for over 3,400 residents. In Sangchashma village, 300 households now have access to clean water, and importantly, the local primary school with 520 students and the village mosque are now connected to the water supply.In Nilu village, 225 households benefit from a new water system that brings spring water from 7 kilometres away. In addition, 25 water-distribution points were installed across the two villages, with special consideration for households with disabled family members.“Now the situation has changed,”says Adolat Sharifova. “We have water all day around. What you have done is you have given water to the people, and I cannot express words of my gratitude.”Locally led, community drivenProject managers say its success lies in its community-driven approach. Local authorities and community members contributed their labor and resources, covering up to 30 per cent of the construction costs.The local water department in Hisor district played a crucial role by providing technical expertise in the design of the water piping systems.Meanwhile, 44 volunteers were trained in hygiene promotion and disease prevention, and local water committees were established in both villages to maintain the water structures together with the local water department.The IFRC’s approach to WASHSimilar stories are unfolding around the world as the IFRC network and its partners engage with communities to find locally driven solutions that are participatory and community-led."Access to clean water is fundamental to health, dignity, and development," explains Oyungerel Amgaa, the Regional Health and Care Manager for the IFRC, based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. "That's why our National Societies work closely with communities to build systems that last long after project completion, with local water committees ensuring sustainable management."The IFRC approach focuses on four key principles: dignity, access, participation, and safety. This means ensuring that:Everyone has reliable access to clean water they can use for drinking, cooking, and hygieneWater and sanitation systems are designed to withstand environmental challenges and climate impactsCommunities are actively involved in decisions about their water and sanitation infrastructureSpecial attention is given to the most vulnerable community members, including those with disabilitiesAs climate change continues to impact water and sanitation services globally, the IFRC has renewed its commitment to innovative, community-led solutions.Learn more about the IFRC’s work in water, sanitation and hygiene:IFRC water, sanitation and hygiene webpageRead more IFRC World Water Day 2025 stories:World Water Day 2025: Angola Red Cross and IFRC bring safe, treated water and hygiene messages to communities hard hit by cholera | IFRCWorld Water Day: After the quake, Red Cross brings life-changing water to Vanuatu’s hidden communitiesWorld Water Day 2025: Clean water is about safety, health and so much more

World Water Day 2025: Clean water is about safety, health and so much more

For first-grader Alif Aqabat, a young girl from the Yemeni city of Dhamar, school should have been a place of learning and growth. Instead, it became a daily struggle.“I couldn’t use the bathrooms or drink the water,” she recalled. “I told my mom I couldn’t stay because it wasn’t clean.”Alif wasn’t alone. Asmaa School for Girls in Dhamar was facing a major hygiene crisis. The restrooms were in poor condition, and the drinking water wasn’t safe. Teachers, like Afrah Al-Ashwal, who had been educating students there for 15 years, saw firsthand how this impacted the children.“We had lots of problems, especially students catching diseases,” she explained.But change was coming. Thanks to a dedicated water and sanitation project launched by the Yemen Red Crescent, the school underwent a much-needed renovation. New water taps were installed, and proper plumbing was put in place for the bathrooms.The renovations were one of several initiatives by the Yemen Red Crescent Society to upgrade or install new clean water and sanitation services in communities where needs are most acute. The work is supported through a joint initiative of the European Union and the IFRC known as the Programmatic Partnership.At the Asmaa School for Girls, the transformation was immediate.“The project has solved many problems in the school, especially regarding student health,” said Principal Ghada El Shazmi. “It has helped create an attractive and healthy environment for learning.”For Alif, the change meant one thing—she could finally return to school.“One day, I found out they installed clean water taps and fixed the restrooms,” she said. “So I told my mom I wanted to go back.”Now, Alif is back in school, learning, growing, and dreaming of a bright future. A simple change—clean water—made all the difference.From drought to hope: bringing clean water to Yemen’s Al Souq Al JadidIn another Yemeni community, a similar story is unfolding.For years, the women of Al Souq Al Jadid in Yemen’s Kharif District followed a daily routine that was both exhausting and frustrating. With water containers balanced on their heads, they walked long distances to wells—only to find them dry. Sometimes, they would have to trek even farther in search of another water source, their efforts often met with disappointment.Washing clothes was another struggle. Women carried heavy bundles of laundry up to the wells, hoping to clean their families’ clothes, only to discover there was no water. When that happened, their only option was to journey nearly a kilometer away to three rainwater pools.There, they would spend half the day washing blankets, utensils, and clothes—an arduous task made harder by the sheer distance and time involved.Water was a necessity, not just for drinking but for every aspect of life—cleaning the house, washing dishes, doing laundry, and even keeping animals hydrated.Yet, access to clean drinking water was never guaranteed. By the afternoon, water supplies often run low, forcing another trip to the well. The alternative was drinking from a rust-contaminated water tank, turning every sip into a health risk.The consequences of drinking from such contaminated sources can be serious – even deadly. Contaminated water sources in Yemen have led to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, and other health issues such as kidney problems and other bacterial infections.This is one of the reasons, the Yemen Red Crescent and the Programmatic Partnership embarked on an ambitious project to help alleviate the situation in Al Souq Al Jadid.Over a period of five months, the Yemen Red Crescent oversaw the installation of a reliable water distribution system that is now bringing clean water directly to homes. Today, more than 8,000 people—1,200 families across 900 households—benefit from the project.Gone are the days of waiting for mobile water tankers, uncertain of when the next supply would arrive. Now, water is pumped to a collection tank in Al-Birr and then distributed directly to homes in Al Souq Al Jadid.For the community, this project has been life-changing. The struggles of collecting water from distant wells are over. Women no longer spend hours on the road or at rainwater pools. And most importantly, families now have safe, clean water to drink.“We’re grateful we no longer go to wells,” one resident shared. “Today, we drink clean water, and everyone knows it’s much better than what we had before.”What was once a daily hardship is now a distant memory. Clean water has not just quenched thirst in this community—it has transformed lives.Learn more:Read more aboutWorld Water Day and IFRC’s approach toWater, Sanitation and HygieneRead more about theProgrammatic Partnership.Read more IFRC World Water Day 2025 stories:World Water Day 2025: Angola Red Cross and IFRC bring safe, treated water and hygiene messages to communities hard hit by choleraWorld Water Day: After the quake, Red Cross brings life-changing water to Vanuatu’s hidden communitiesWorld Water Day 2025: From glaciers to the kitchen sink, a story of water and resilience from two mountain villages in Tajikistan

Red Cross Red Crescent and KOICA announce major initiative to tackle water scarcity in Jordan

Amman/Geneva, 30 January - Jordan, one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, faces a critical challenge with just 145 cubic meters of water available per person annually—far below global standards. This crisis is worsened by climate change, population growth, and migration, leading to heightened tensions and instability. To address these challenges, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has partnered with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Jordan Red Crescent National Society (JNRCS) to launch a transformative 3-year project with the aim of supporting Jordan’s water-stressed communities. The initiative will be supported by regional funding from KOICA of USD 10.6 million (covering Jordan, Iran and Yemen) and an additional USD 760,000 from the IFRC. USD 2.2 million from the project will be allocated to Jordan. Dr. Mohammad Al Hadid, the President of the Jordan Red Crescent, emphasized the national society's pivotal role during the launch event, "Addressing Water-Induced Community-Level Conflicts and Strengthening Water Systems, Community Adaptation, and Resilience Building", held at the JNRCS Capacity Building Development Centre in Amman. He said:"We will work hand in hand with local communities, IFRC, and KOICA to strengthen community capacity and implement sustainable water management practices in Southern Shuna District. Our goal is to mitigate water conflicts and build resilience, ensuring a secure future for the community."The IFRC, leveraging its global expertise and humanitarian mandate, highlighted the urgency of addressing water tension risks. Atta Durrani, IFRC Head of Delegation in Jordan, commented:"The IFRC is committed to supporting local communities in severely water-stressed regions. In Jordan, we aim to develop joint responses to water challenges by improving water services, resource management, and ecosystems while fostering stability and peace."The Government of the Republic of Korea reaffirmed its commitment to addressing water insecurity as a pathway to regional peace and development. Kim Pil-woo, Ambassdor of the Korean Embassy to Jordan, underlined:"This project is not just about scarcity of resources, but also of human dignity, peace and stability. Our new project with IFRC reaffirms the Korean government's continued commitment to helping Jordan address its most pressing challenges."For more information, please reach out to: [email protected] Amman: Bassma Al Nizamy, +962 7 8716 6426In Beirut: Mey Al Sayegh, +961 76 174 468In Geneva: Hannah Copeland, +41 76 236 9109