21/03/2025 |

Article

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

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19/03/2025 |

Article

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

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11/03/2025 |

Article

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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18/03/2025 |

Article

Cholera: Early detection by Cameroon Red Cross volunteer helps limit epidemic

In November 2024, Cameroon Red Cross volunteer, Rouyatou, from Maroua was going about her day when she received an urgent call from one of her neighbours, Habiba. She had suddenly developed stomach pain, acute diarrhea and was vomiting.Rouyatou rushed to Habiba’s house. Thanks to training she’d received from IFRC, Cameroon Red Cross and French Red Cross incommunity-based surveillance, Rouyatou knew how to recognize signs of different diseases and quickly report them using a digital tool on her phone calledNyss.“When I saw Habiba, I had oral rehydration solution (ORS) with me, so I gave her a sachet and referred her to the nearest hospital. I also directly alerted my supervisor that it was a potential case of cholera,” explains Rouyatou.Upon receiving the alert, Rouyatou’s supervisor called her to discuss Habiba’s symptoms and immediately escalated the alert to local health authorities, triggering a rapid response to curb the spread of disease.In the days that followed, Cameroon Red Cross teams formed an integral part of the cholera outbreak response—continuing to alert authorities to potential cases and conducting a wide range of activities to keep the community safe.“We worked hard to raise awareness of the outbreak in the community—visiting people at their homes, mosques, water points, churches and markets and sharing messages over the radio. We told people about the importance of good hygiene and showed them how they could make their water safe to drink. We also conducted disinfection in homes around the neighbourhood,” explains Ali Adoum, President of Maroua 3 District, Cameroon Red Cross.Stronger, faster, closer, saferIn recent years, Cameroon has experienced repeated outbreaks of cholera, with the Far North region being one of the hardest hit areas. But with effective preparedness and response it’s possible to minimize their impacts and stop them in their tracks.Through theProgrammatic Partnership with the European Union, the IFRC and French Red Cross have teamed up to make sure Cameroon Red Cross’ epidemic preparedness capacity isstronger; outbreak response isfaster; health assistance iscloser to communities; and people aresaferfrom disease outbreaks.“The Far North region of Cameroon is prone to cholera epidemics due to communities’ limited access to hygiene and sanitation facilities and the region’s vulnerability to flooding. Through the programme, we thought it would be useful to train community volunteers to recognize and notify potential cholera cases in the community in good time, so that we can take action quickly to bring any epidemics under control,”explains Chimène Kenmeugne Tchuente, Deputy Head of the Epidemic Preparedness pillar of the programme in Cameroon from French Red Cross.In addition to training, the Programmatic Partnership had also provided handwashing equipment and cholera kits—consisting of oral rehydration serums, glucose serums and aquatabs for water disinfection—to local health workers prior to the outbreak, which were able to be quickly used in the response.The epidemic may be over, but preparedness never stopsThe November 2024 cholera outbreak in Maroua was contained within four weeks. Habiba, the first person to contract cholera in the outbreak, and who received support from Rouyatou, made a full recovery.127 cases were ultimately recorded, with two confirmed deaths. While even one death from cholera is a great tragedy, local health authorities report that this epidemic likely would have been far worse, and claimed even more lives, had it not been for the Cameroon Red Cross:“Thanks to the Red Cross, the cholera epidemic that broke out in the district was brought under control by the provision of medicines, logistical support, and the sensitization work by community volunteers in the neighbourhood. I’d like to thank the Red Cross for its support, for its swift and effective action, which really limited the damage in our district,”says Dama Patrice, Head of Maroua 3 District Health Office.Though the cholera epidemic was contained, Cameroon Red Cross volunteers continue regular sensitization efforts to keep people informed about a wide range of disease risks, making sure they know how to stay safe and keeping a close eye out for unusual health events.Rouyatou puts it best:“If we hadn't detected this case, just imagine.... The whole community would be suffering from this disease. I want the best for my community, and above all I want to see my community in good health. So, I am proud to volunteer.”--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.

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16/01/2025 |

Article

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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14/01/2025 |

Article

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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26/02/2025 |

Press release

Red Cross launches an appeal to respond to Uganda’s Eighth Ebola outbreak  

Nairobi/Geneva, 25 February 2025 – The International Federation of the Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an Emergency Appeal for 6 million Swiss francs to help contain Uganda’s eighth Ebola outbreak since 2000, caused by the Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (SVD), which has already resulted in nine confirmed cases, including one death.Since the outbreak was declared on 30 January 2025, the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS), with support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), has been at the forefront of the response, working alongside the Ministry of Health and other partners to curb the spread of the disease.The first case, a 32-year-old nurse, sought treatment across multiple healthcare facilities before succumbing to the illness at Mulago National Referral Hospital on 29 January, in Uganda’s capital Kampala. Ten districts, including Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, Luwero, Mbale City, Mbale District, Iganga, Jinja City, Jinja District, and Kakumiro, have been identified as high-risk areas. The URCS, leveraging its experience from previous outbreaks, providing the Ministry of Health with support through community-based surveillance, contact tracing, risk communication, and community engagement, ambulance referrals, safe and dignified burials, among key response efforts.Robert Kwesiga, Uganda Red Cross Society Secretary General, said:“With Kampala’s high population density and frequent movement and travels within Uganda’s major towns and cities, fast and effective measures are required to prevent further spread of the disease. We have mobilized our volunteers in affected and at high-risk areas to deliver life-saving information to communities, while also stepping up surveillance and contact tracing. We have also availed ambulance services to support with picking up any suspected cases from the communities to the treatment Centres.”Through the emergency appeal, the IFRC global network will bolster these critical efforts and much more, to strengthen National Society capacities, and save the country from loss of lives. Funds received will be used to support 520,000 people with a range of services including community engagement, community-based surveillance and contact tracing, safe and dignified burials, infection prevention and control measures including community WASH, and the provision of adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to healthcare workers. An amount of one million Swiss francs has been released from IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund to support initial efforts.Mohamed Babiker, IFRC Head of Delegation for Uganda, Tanzania and South Sudan said:“It’s a race against time and we urge all our partners to act fast before the outbreak escalates further. Unless resources are mobilized swiftly, the risk of a major flare-up is not improbable. To us, time is of essence.”Editor’s notes:Uganda has had eight Ebola outbreaks in a span of 25 years. The most recent outbreak occurred in September 2022, and Uganda was declared Ebola free on 11 January, 2023, 114 days after the first case was declared.Uganda Red Cross has over the years developed expertise in handling the disease, with support from the Global Red Cross fraternity, under the IFRC umbrella.DREFs are activated to support National Societies to expedite response efforts, in attempt to save lives. Appeals are launched to expand resource base, to allow for longer term interventions, critical to the emerging situations in the respective countries.Spokespeople in Uganda, Nairobi, Dakar and Geneva are available.For more information or to set up interview, please contact: [email protected] Kampala: Irene Nakasiita, +256 755000695In Nairobi: Susan Mbalu, +254 733 827 654In Dakar: Moustapha Diallo, +221 774501004In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa +41 79 708 43 67Scott Craig: +41 76 370 35 75

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24/02/2025 |

Emergency

Uganda: Ebola Virus Disease outbreak

An Ebola outbreak caused by the Sudan Virus Disease was declared in Kampala District, Uganda on 30 January 2025, following confirmation from three national laboratories. As of 10 February, nine confirmed cases and 265 contacts have been identified across multiple high-risk districts. The Uganda Red Cross Society is leading efforts to prevent further transmission through surveillance, risk communication, infection control, and safe burials.

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21/01/2025 |

Article

Zambia: Changing lives and fighting cholera one clean drop of water at a time

Cholera thrives in environments where inequality persists. In Zambia, where many rely on shallow wells and pit latrines, contaminated groundwater and poor sanitation create the perfect conditions for disease outbreaks.The situation worsened with the onset of El Niño, which exacerbated existing vulnerabilities. Drought conditions reducing clean water supplies making access even more challenging and putting groundwater at greater risk of contamination.Recognising this, the Zambia Red Cross Society (ZRCS) launched a multi-faceted response (supported by a global emergency appeal launched by the IFRC in January 2024) to not only address the immediate health crisis but also to tackle its root causes.At the Chimwemwe Primary School in Lusaka, for example, the situation was dire. With over 5,800 students relying on six aging pit latrines, the lack of basic hygiene facilities put the students at constant risk. Cholera loomed as a constant threat.The ZRCS also constructed a new facility that included 15 water-flushed toilets and dedicated spaces for menstrual hygiene management.For Deputy Head of Chimwemwe Primary School, Nixon Chanda, the project is life-changing: "These toilets will improve their health and empower pupils, especially the girl child, by providing a safe and dignified environment, ensuring they can focus on their education and their future. We are deeply thankful for the support in addressing this critical issue, which will have a lasting impact on their lives.”The transformation extends beyond Chimwemwe.At Balmoral Primary School, a similar project is replacing outdated pit latrines for over 300 learners. Meanwhile, at Kafue Day Secondary School, ZRCS is increasing water capacity by installing a water tank and handwashing stations, ensuring that students have reliable access to clean water.The story continues at Luongo Health Post in Kitwe, where over 1,800 households depend on shared pit latrines that pose serious health risks. Here, ZRCS is constructing a modern ablution block with water-flushed toilets and handwashing stations, significantly improving hygiene for patients and staff.In neighbouring Chilobwe Health Post, a solar-powered mechanized water pump is being installed to tackle a persistent water crisis that has plagued the community since 2019.“Water has been a problem for the health facility and the entire community for years,” says one resident Davies Chama. “Thanks to Zambia Red Cross, we now have hope for a healthier future.”Building a foundation for changeThe impact of ZRCS’s efforts goes beyond immediate relief. By constructing ablution blocks, rehabilitating water systems, and improving water access, ZRCS is laying the groundwork for long-term resilience.With over 3.2 million people targeted by the end of 2024, the organization is proving that cholera prevention is not just about emergency interventions—it’s about creating a future where clean water and sanitation are sees as a right, not a privilege.“Cholera exposes the vulnerabilities in our systems. By working hand-in-hand with communities, schools, and health facilities, we’re addressing these gaps for good,” says Dr. Jack Bbabi, ZRCS Director of Programs. “This is not just about stopping cholera; it’s about preventing it from ever returning.”The work of ZRCS and IFRC reflects the power of collective action. With an emergency appeal that exceeded its target, the response demonstrates what’s possible when resources are directed toward meaningful change. These efforts have been made possible through the generous support of Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, theNetherlands Red Cross, IFRC, and other partners who stepped forward in solidarity to fight cholera.

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23/12/2024 |

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International Day of Epidemic Preparedness 2024: Early detection, early action, healthier communities

Epidemics and pandemics are some of the biggest threats to a safe and healthy world. They are on the rise, and in today’s connected world, they are spreading further and faster than ever before.  Known epidemics—such as cholera, measles, Ebola, and malaria—continue to threaten large parts of the world’s population. And, as we saw with COVID-19, the world is also at risk from new infectious diseases that can claim millions of lives, bring health systems to their knees, and reverse decades of development progress. But the good news is that with effective preparedness and response measures, we can reduce the impacts of epidemics and pandemics and even stop them in their tracks.  The IFRC and our member National Societies have long focused on helping people prepare for, respond to, and recover from health emergencies. Born in the wake of the 1918 influenza pandemic, at the IFRC we know from experience that communities can be the first line of defence against epidemics and pandemics when equipped with the right knowledge, behaviours, skills, and tools.   Through global programmes—such as the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3) with USAID and the Programmatic Partnership with the European Union—we’ve been engaging and training people worldwide in epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response for many years. We help people prevent, detect and quickly respond to outbreaks—saving countless lives and building healthier, more resilient communities. Stepping up our efforts in 2024In 2024, the IFRC significantly stepped up our work in epidemic and pandemic preparedness:With support from the World Bank’s Pandemic Fund, and in collaboration with key national and international partners, IFRC was selected to launch two new regional epidemic preparedness programmes. In Africa, the Preparedness for Pandemic Response (PREPARE) programme will strengthen cross-border collaboration, disease surveillance and health systems in East and Central Africa to address health challenges such as the ongoing mpox epidemic. And in Asia Pacific, the Enhancing collaborative surveillance and diagnostic readiness for pandemic preparedness and response in South-East Asia Region will improve early warning and disease surveillance systems, laboratory systems and community health workforce capacity across eight countries.With USAID support, we were delighted to expand the CP3 programme this year into 11 new countries—Burundi, Cambodia, Ivory Coast, Laos, Malawi, Malaysia, Philippines, Tajikistan, Thailand, Vietnam and Zambia—to prepare even more communities for epidemics and pandemics.Together, these new commitments take the total number of countries where IFRC is directly supporting epidemic preparedness programmes up to 48. This figure doesn’t include the great work being done at the national level by many more Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world.Trusted, local, and always thereAs trusted local actors embedded in their communities and permanently present in areas other organizations cannot reach, National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are best placed to support community-level epidemic and pandemic preparedness. The IFRC works to strengthen National Societies’ ability to prepare for and respond to epidemics through training, technical assistance, advocacy support and coordination. Together, we also engage a wide range of stakeholders in epidemic and pandemic preparedness—such as governments, religious leaders, businesses and the media—because we know that all parts of society need to come together to keep people safe from epidemics and pandemics. The time to prepare is nowCOVID-19 was a wake-up call to the world to prepare now for the next health crisis. The pandemic claimed millions of lives and revealed major gaps in epidemic and pandemic preparedness around the world.The IFRC network is doing essential work right now to prepare communities for the next pandemic. But more investment is needed globally to strengthen health systems and ensure societies are prepared for an increasingly hazardous world.--To stay up to date with the IFRC’s work in epidemic and pandemic preparedness, sign up to our monthly newsletter which features highlights from Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world.And for practical epidemic preparedness resources, check out our Epidemic Control Toolkit—available in multiple languages—for guidance on evidence-based methods to prevent and control the spread of epidemics at the community-level.

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23/12/2024 |

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Red Cross responds to the largest dengue outbreak in Central America with education and prevention

Dengue has been a major public health threat in Latin America for decades, with epidemics occurring cyclically every three to five years. Transmitted by female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the virus affects millions of people every year, but never more than now.So far this year,more than 12.7 million suspected cases of dengue were reported in the Region of the Americas, a record number in the history of the disease.In Central America and Mexico, more than 17,000 new suspected cases of dengue were reported in the last week of November alone. This equates to 100 cases every hour, a 198 per cent increase over the average over the past five years.This increase in the spread of dengue poses a challenge to health systems in a region facing complex climatic and health conditions.The effects of the climate crisis, extreme temperatures and more intense weather events – such as hurricanes Eta and Iota in 2020, the historic heat waves earlier this year, or the recent tropical storm Sara – are changing the habits of thousands of Central American families living in conditions of risk and vulnerability.Growing poverty and inequality, coupled with insufficient and inadequate water and sanitation services, are forcing people to store what little water they have access to. Water is often stored improperly, due to a lack of information or the lack of adequate means to store it safely.This and other practices, such as poor solid waste management, can facilitate the creation of mosquito breeding sites in items such as uncovered water containers, tires, flowerpots, piles and gutters.Amid this multi-factorial challenge, National Red Cross Societies from around the Central American region have engaged in a comprehensive response, which encompasses a variety of strategies focused on prevention and education.During 2023 and 2024, local Red Cross teams have implemented six dengue response operations in Central America, with support from the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF).This year, dengue response efforts have also been carried out in operations in response to a hospital fire in Roatan, Honduras, and flooding in June in El Salvador.Thanks to these eight IFRC-DREF operations, National Societies in the region will be able to reach more than 182,000 people in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Panama with response actions, but also with prevention for future outbreaks.Community-based preventionOne of the Red Cross' main initiatives has been to raise community awareness of the dangers of dengue and the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding sites.Volunteers work directly in communities, in coordination with health authorities, to carry out community-based prevention and vector control activities.The main activities include educational talks, identification and elimination of mosquito breeding sites, application of larvicide in stacks and water containers, fumigation and cleaning campaigns, and home visits.These activities teach people how to avoid stagnant water, where mosquitoes prefer to lay their eggs, and promote practical and effective measures such as turning over containers and regularly cleaning drainage systems.The response also includes the distribution of safe water storage containers and household cleaning kits, as well as water filters, repellents and mosquito nets for groups at risk, such as pregnant women, children under five, the elderly, and people with disabilities and/or reduced mobility.Strong and prepared communitiesThe Red Cross has a long-term focus on training local staff to strengthen community capacity to fight dengue.Through workshops and training sessions, volunteers learn how to recognize the symptoms of dengue, how to effectively prevent outbreaks and how to implement sustainable mosquito control programs.Volunteers have also helped to establish and train community health committees to promote epidemiological surveillance at the community level.In several locations, local health workers are also being trained in the clinical management of dengue patients, especially in areas where health infrastructure is limited.Through its comprehensive approach to education and prevention, the Red Cross has played a key role in the fight against dengue in Central America, a region highly vulnerable due to climatic, social and health factors.The actions carried out by volunteers and trained staff have not only allowed the response to emergencies, but also to prepare communities for future outbreaks.From eliminating breeding sites and distributing supplies to training in clinical management and sustainable vector control strategies, these interventions have built community resilience. In some places, the actions of the National Red Cross Societies in support of the health ministries in the region have led to reductions in dengue cases.In Panama, for example, there has been a reduction in dengue cases in recent weeks, which could be linked to the efforts of several actors, including the Ministry of Health, the Panamanian Red Cross, other international agencies and the communities themselves.Some small communities have also provided anecdotal accounts that suggest the dengue education and eradication efforts are making a difference.Despite the progress, dengue remains a challenge, underscoring the importance of continuing to adapt our response strategies to the climatic and social changes affecting public health in the region.

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17/12/2024 |

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Reach Initiative: How a simple act can have a revolutionary impact on family health

Every morning, Aisha sets out on foot to fetch water from the river, carrying heavy buckets back home, knowing each drop is precious. Aisha’s life revolves around caring for her three young children, but despite her best efforts to provide for her family, illness has seemed unavoidable.Her youngest, Musa, has often suffered from painful stomach troubles. Frequent trips to the clinic were becoming a strain on her family. Like many in her village, Aisha had always believed that sickness was just a part of life—something they would have to endure.Things began to change when volunteers for the Nigerian Red Cross arrived in her village. They came as part of the Resilient and Empowered African Community Health (REACH) initiative, a program of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Cresent Societies (IFRC) and the Africa Centre for Disease Control (Africa CDC) to improve health and hygiene practices in underserved communities.The volunteers and villagers gathered under the shade of a large tree, and with warmth and patience, the volunteers explained how regular handwashing with soap and water can, in fact, save lives.Aisha and her neighbours listened intently as the volunteers explained how washing hands with soap, especially before eating and after using the bathroom, could prevent diseases like cholera and diarrhoea.For many in the crowd, this was a revelation. In many villages here, soap is a rare luxury, often reserved for laundry or bathing, and few had ever thought to use it to wash their hands. The volunteers demonstrated proper hand-washing technique, showing the community members how to scrub their hands thoroughly, reaching every nook and cranny to remove invisible germs.Intrigued, Aisha decided to try it. She set up a simple handwashing station outside her home, using a jerrycan, a small bar of soap, and some rope to make the process easier. She taught her children the new routine, and they watched, wide-eyed, as she explained that this small act could keep them safe.Over the following weeks, something extraordinary happened. Musa, who had been frequently ill, stayed healthy. The constant worries about stomach aches and fevers lessened, and Aisha realized that this small change had a profound effect on her family.It wasn’t long before her neighbours started noticing, too. One by one, other families in the village began setting up their handwashing stations. For the first time, the community was discovering a sense of control over their health.The impact was visible. Children attended school more regularly, free from the recurring ailments that had once disrupted their studies. Parents had fewer trips to the clinic, easing both their schedules and financial strain. Aisha became a quiet champion of the handwashing movement, proudly showing others her setup and sharing the knowledge she had gained.Through the REACH initiative, Nigerian Red Cross Society volunteers (NRCS) have been going door-to-door, gathering people in small groups in villages, schools, and marketplaces, teaching them about handwashing and hygiene.Halima, a mother of four, reflects on the change in her household: “My children used to be sick all the time—coughs, stomach pain. Since we started washing our hands, they’ve been healthier. Now, it’s the first thing we do when we come back from the market or the farm.”For young Sani, a student, it’s a new habit he’s eager to share. “At school, they taught us how to wash our hands properly. I showed my family, and now we all do it. I feel proud because I know I’m helping to keep them safe.”Lilian Adeogba, IFRC Program Officer for the Reach Initiative, notes that while handwashing may seem simple, it is a powerful tool in the fight against infectious diseases. “Diseases like cholera, diarrhoea, and respiratory infections spread quickly, and without proper hygiene, families, especially young children, fall ill often," she say."In a place like Adamawa, where healthcare resources are limited, teaching people to wash their hands is not just about cleanliness—it’s about saving lives.”

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10/12/2024 |

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On the frontline of floods and infectious diseases, volunteers raise awareness, protect vulnerable people and save lives

Architophel Ntsiakulu and Adama Barka live in very different parts of Central Africa’s western, coastal region. But they share something very powerful in common: a dedication to help fellow community members protect themselves from the impacts of unforeseen crises.A volunteer with the Gabonese Red Cross, Architophel Ntsiakulu has been at the forefront of efforts to help people protect themselves from Mpox. Meanwhile, Adama Barka, a volunteer in Cameroon, is in the midst of helping communities recover from devastating floods. Here are their stories.At the forefront in the fight against MpoxArchitophel Ntsiakulu, 25, is a dedicated figure within the Gabonese Red Cross. For the past five years, this volunteer from the 6th district of Libreville has devoted her time to awareness campaigns and community actions. This year, she has played a key role in prevention efforts against Mpox, a disease that, while receding, still raises doubts and misunderstandings among local communities.“What motivated me to become a volunteer was the desire to be useful to my community,”shares Architophel. Her work involves reaching out to residents to raise awareness of preventive measures: hand hygiene, recognizing symptoms, and managing suspected cases. While imported cases of Mpox have been reported, with no established local transmission, it is crucial to educate communities about risks and proper behaviors.However, challenges abound. “Many people think Mpox is just a myth. We put in extra effort to explain, with patience, the importance of preventive measures.” Through on-the-ground visits to schools, markets, door-to-door outreach, and the distribution of visual materials, Architophel and her team have reached hundreds of households.Community recognition serves as a great motivation for Architophel. “During one visit, residents thanked us for our work and even incorporated WASH (water, sanitation, hygiene) practices into their daily routines.”This positive impact is the result of thorough training and constant dedication.Cameroon: Adama Barka, Heroine of Far North FloodsThe devastating floods that hit Cameroon’s Far North region left hundreds of thousands in distress. With over 450,000 people affected, Adama Barka, a young volunteer with the Cameroon Red Cross, was at the heart of the humanitarian response.A native of Yagoua, the capital of Mayo-Danay division, Adama witnessed her community being profoundly shaken by this natural disaster. “When the floods started, our superiors immediately mobilized us to respond. We helped displaced people reach emergency camps and set up tents to shelter them,” she recalls.In collaboration with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the Cameroon Red Cross launched a coordinated and integrated response plan to address urgent needs: cash assistance, protection activities, and awareness campaigns about waterborne diseases like cholera.A Vital Role in Preventing EpidemicsAdama and her fellow volunteers also led awareness campaigns to prevent waterborne diseases, a major threat following floods. “We show people how to treat water, what water is safe to drink, and how to avoid diseases caused by contaminated water,” she explains. These efforts have helped limit the spread of epidemics in affected areas.Shared challenges and a spirit of solidarityWhether raising awareness about Mpox in Gabon or responding to floods in Cameroon, Red Cross volunteers play a crucial role in protecting communities. They face numerous challenges: limited resources, resistance from populations, and sometimes even risks to their own safety. Yet their commitment remains steadfast. Their dedication is a call for solidarity and a reminder that #ProtectHumanity is about safeguarding the future.To support the work of Adama and thousands of volunteers engaged in emergency response and to help those affected by the floods in Cameroon, the IFRC launched an emergency appeal aimed at raising 4.5 million Swiss Francs to help the Cameroon Red Cross provide supports for more than 99,000 people impacted by the floods.

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11/12/2024 |

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Mpox in DRC: How being prepared for epidemics leads to a more effective response

“The first symptom was fever. The next day, I noticed the appearance of spots. They burned like a rash. They spread everywhere on my body. I thought: what kind of disease is this?”Basele from Mbandaka, Équateur province is one of more than 8000 people confirmed to have caught mpox in DRC this year amid an alarming surge in cases. Fortunately, Basele was quickly pointed in the right direction by the DRC Red Cross to get the support she needed to recover and limit the spread of infection.“The Red Cross volunteers came to my home. They told me that the disease was contagious, that if someone in my family gets sick we can all become infected in our house. So we have to get off our feet and go to the hospital when the illness starts,” explains Basele.Mpox is the latest in a long line of epidemics to hit DRC, with the country suffering from recurrent outbreaks of cholera, Ebola and measles—among other diseases—in recent years.The DRC Red Cross has learned many lessons from responding to these health crises. And through the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3), with funding from USAID and technical support from IFRC, the National Society has done lots of work in recent years to prepare its volunteers, communities and partners to leap into action against mpox.Early detection, early action, healthier communitiesThrough the CP3 programme, more than 300 Red Cross volunteers in Équateur had already been trained in epidemic control and community-based surveillance (CBS)—gaining the knowledge, skills and tools needed to be able to rapidly detect and report potential mpox cases. Since the escalation of the epidemic, this training has been expanded and delivered to a further 700+ volunteers in the province.Together, these volunteers play a vital role in their communities finding people showing mpox symptoms, alerting local health authorities through a CBS system, and encouraging people to seek help at mpox treatment centres.“With regard to CP3, we work in close collaboration with Red Cross volunteers. They go out into the community, they look for sick people, they bring them to the health centre... we take care of them here at our mpox site,” explains Monique Itala Mulo, Head Nurse at Mama Elikya Referral Health Centre in Mbandaka.By quickly finding and reporting suspected mpox cases, and encouraging people to seek treatment, the risk of the disease spreading is reduced. The National Society and local health authorities also use the data collected through CBS to inform their response activities.Trust built over time enables wide reach and accessAs members of the communities they serve, DRC Red Cross volunteers are known and trusted by the local population in Équateur and benefit from wide reach and access. Before the current surge in mpox cases, volunteers were already reaching far and wide into communities to raise awareness about the disease and tell people to stay safe.“We go door-to-door to speak to people in their homes. We go to schools, we go to churches, we go to hot spots—markets, ports, entry points, checkpoints—any places where we can interact with the community. The community is starting to raise [mpox] alerts themselves. In other words, the impact is already positive,” says Dr Leblanc Monzeba, Head of Health Division in the Équateur branch of DRC Red Cross.Having already established deep and trusting relationships with communities, volunteers are able to effectively challenge mpox stigma and rumours that may prevent people from seeking help and convince people to adopt healthy behaviours, such as following good hygiene practices.According to Dr Leblanc, one particularly notable area of behaviour change observed is within the traditional healer community.“We held advocacy sessions with traditional healers to explain the importance of notifiying health authorities of people showing signs of mpox. Previously, the traditional healers would keep the patient at home. But now they are starting to pass on information, and when they see patients who present signs of mpox, they send them directly to the nearest health centre,” he explains.Strong partnerships lay the foundation for effective responseBefore the current surge in mpox cases, the DRC Red Cross had already established strong working relationships with government authorities and various stakeholders to prepare for epidemics and pandemics.“The Red Cross is our go-to partner during epidemics, just as we work together outside of an epidemic. We always collaborate,” says Dr Elaba Bibiche, Head Doctor in Mbandaka Health Zone.Thanks to its prior preparation and auxiliary role to health authorities, DRC Red Cross has been able to fit seamlessly into the government’s mpox response plan and intervene in clearly defined areas.Pre-existing relationships with various media outlets are also enabling DRC Red Cross to reach tens of thousands of people across the province with lifesaving health information."I've been partnering with the Red Cross for six years. We have a really good working relationship. They were the first organisation to start raising community awareness about mpox. We do programmes with their staff and volunteers, phone-in shows where people call in to ask questions about mpox and get the answers they need,” explains Trésor Ikonda, Director General at Radio Evangile Eternel in Équateur.As the response to mpox continues, and though significant challenges remain, DRC Red Cross staff and volunteers feel positive that their preparedness efforts are paying off as they strive to reduce the impact of the epidemic on communities.“The DRC Red Cross branch in Équateur has the capacity to manage epidemics thanks to the IFRC. Since 2018, we have faced a series of large epidemics in Équateur. It’s from the experience of managing other epidemics and from implementing the CP3 programme—which meant that we already had trained volunteers on the ground working in the different health zones—that we had the capacity to respond to mpox,” explains Colomban Mampunya, DRC Red Cross Équateur Branch President.--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.USAID’s Bureau of Global Health has also provided additional support to IFRC and DRC Red Cross for mpox response activities.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 DRC Red Cross website.

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19/11/2024 |

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World Toilet Day 2024: Everyone, everywhere deserves access to a toilet they can use safely and with dignity

In 2024, 3.5 billion people still live without access to safely managed sanitation. That's nearly half of humanity lacking one of the most basic human needs – a safe and private toilet. Even more concerning, an estimated 419 million people still practise open defecation, which not only increases the risk of infectious diseases, but also puts people—particularly women and girls—in unsafe and vulnerable situations.For the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, ensuring access to safe and dignified sanitation is not just about building toilets – it's about understanding and addressing the diverse water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) needs of all community members."Equitable access to WASH services and facilities is a human right," says Alexandra Machado, IFRC Senior Officer for WASH in Public Health. "Water, sanitation and hygiene are fundamental for life, and for the dignity, health and wellbeing of everyone -- regardless of their age, disability, social status, gender identity, ethnicity or sexual orientation."Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies worldwide are working to ensure that sanitation facilities are accessible, safe, and appropriate for everyone. On World Toilet Day, let’s look at a couple of examples.Making a Difference: Community-led sanitation in remote, underserved areas in ColombiaThe Colombian Red Cross has been active in promoting community-led sanitation improvements, particularly in remote and underserved areas including Tumaco, Buenaventura, Condoto, and Timbiqui. These projects included installing and upgrading sanitation units in schools, homes, and community centres, directly benefiting children and families in both urban and rural areas.Through workshops and hygiene campaigns, they’ve engaged community members to build and maintain latrines, which has significantly reduced the risk of water and sanitation related diseases. This effort is a collaborative approach that involves both local authorities and community representatives, enhancing ownership and sustainability.For example, in Santa Rita primary school, upgrades to the sanitation facilities now serve 140 students, fostering better hygiene at school which can be a catalyst for change in the wider community.Kenya: ‘Together we can end open defecation’Across Kenya, the Kenya Red Cross is supporting communities to adopt healthy WASH behaviours—including the building and using of latrines—to improve their hygiene and reduce their risks of infectious diseases.Through the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3), Red Cross teams are partnering with the Kenyan government and WASH charities, such as Dig Deep, in a bid to end open defecation. Trained Red Cross volunteers regularly go out into their communities and educate people on why they should use latrines, how they can build their own simple pit latrines in their homes, and the importance of handwashing and other related hygiene practices to stay healthy.Volunteers’ consistent engagement is already starting to pay off, with widespread uptake of latrines and positive WASH behaviour change observed within many communities covered by CP3.“We used to have diarrheal diseases every now and then. And even we had cholera, which is fecal related. But when CP3 was introduced by the Red Cross, it has really assisted us in health education and even in tackling those diseases,” explains Lucina Bett, Sub-County Public Health Officer in Bomet County, Kenya.Find out more in this new video:The IFRC’s approach to WASHSuccessful WASH programmes are participatory and community-led. Our approach focuses on four key principles: dignity, access, participation, and safety. This means ensuring that:Everyone has access to sanitation facilities they can use with dignityFacilities are designed and built so that all people can use themCommunities are actively involved in decisions about their sanitation facilitiesPeople feel safe and comfortable using toilets, day and night"Vulnerability to violence is increased by a lack of safe and secure sanitation infrastructure," explains Peter Mamburi, IFRC Regional WASH Coordinator for Africa. “That's why our National Societies work closely with communities to ensure facilities are well-lit, private, and located in safe areas.”On World Toilet Day, we renew our commitment to leaving no one behind in sanitation. Because everyone, everywhere deserves access to a toilet they can use safely and with dignity.--Want to learn more about the IFRC’s work in water, sanitation and hygiene? Visit https://wash.ifrc.org or contact [email protected]

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15/11/2024 |

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Burkina Faso: When insecurity, conflict and other challenges get between people and the healthcare, the REACH Initiative connects people with the care they need

In Burkina Faso, healthcare challenges have worsened since 2019 due to the escalating security crisis driven by fighting between armed groups and the state military. Many communities face significant barriers to accessing medical care, with long distances to health centers, a shortage of trained healthcare workers, and limited resources. For families in rural areas, even basic services can seem out of reach.Pregnant women often struggle to get to a clinic, especially at night, and diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and malnutrition take a heavy toll. This fragile healthcare system is further strained during emergencies, making every day struggles even more daunting. For years, this harsh reality has taken a toll on families, with women and children bearing the brunt of these healthcare gaps."Healthcare here has long been a privilege of the few, rather than a right for all," says Dr. Diao Watton Rodrigue, an epidemiologist with the Ministry of Health. "When children die from preventable diseases like malaria, it’s not because the medication don’t exist, it’s because they often don’t reach the people who need them most."The Africa-wide REACH Initiative seeks to change that by transforming the way healthcare is delivered. Short for “Resilient and Empowered African Health Community,” REACH is led by the IFRC, along with the Africa CDC, and Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies in their respective countries (in this case, the Burkina Faso Red Cross).In partnership with the Ministry of Health, the REACH Initiative in Burkina Faso is supporting the development of a national health safety plan to guide healthcare reforms over the next four years. It has also supported the development of the country’s first action plan for non-communicable diseases, vaccination campaigns, and improved health surveillance.The Burkina Faso Red Cross, meanwhile, plays a critical role in transforming healthcare access, serving as a bridge between underserved communities and essential health services. By leading efforts to bring care directly to those who lack access— often in remote or marginalized areas—they ensure that life-saving support reaches those who need it most, fostering trust and resilience within communities. Through this partnership, Burkina Faso is becoming better equipped to tackle future health challenges while building healthier, stronger communities.‘They turn to us’One recent example of REACH's impact was during a dengue fever outbreak at the beginning of 2024. With health workers stretched thin, the Burkina Faso Red Cross stepped in, mobilizing volunteers to target mosquito breeding sites and disinfect high-risk areas.Led by 90 trained volunteers, an awareness campaign reached over 123,000 people, spreading life-saving information on dengue prevention. These swift actions not only controlled the outbreak but also strengthened the community’s preparedness for future crises.As an example, consider the story of Nakanabo Ismael, a Red Cross volunteer trained through the REACH Initiative."At night, when someone is sick, they turn to us,” Nakanabo says. “The community trusts us—they bring their babies for us to treat.We might not have all the answers, but we’ve been trained to help."Nakanabo’s dedication, along with the support of REACH, has brought hope to communities where healthcare once seemed out of reach.Across Africa, REACH continues to strengthen health systems, scale up the community health workforce, and empower local volunteers. By addressing critical health challenges, training volunteers on the ground to shaping national health policies, REACH is helping to create a future where healthcare is accessible, equitable, and sustainable for all Africans.

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31/10/2024 |

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One Health Day 2024: Protecting humans, animals and the environment for a healthier world for all

Up to 75 per cent of emerging infectious diseases that affect human beings start in animals. These are called ‘zoonotic’ diseases, and they can spread to humans through direct contact with infected animals or through food, water or the environment. Recent high-profile diseases that have spread from animals to humans include COVID-19, Ebola and mpox.And when our environment is polluted or not looked after properly, it can cause health problems in both animals and humans. For example, there is evidence that global warming is leading to more favourable conditions for a specific type of mosquito which carries the dengue virus to reproduce and thrive, and is even pushing them to new areas and countries that have never experienced dengue before.Taking a ‘One Health’ approachOne Health is an approach to health care that recognizes these close links between human, animal and environmental health, and considers how they affect one another.It involves governments and organizations working in these different areas coming together to better prepare for and respond to health challenges, such as epidemics and pandemics.Through the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3), many Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are taking a One Health approach to help communities prepare for, prevent and respond to disease outbreaks. And they’re supporting government health, agriculture and environmental departments—as well as key partners—to collaborate using a One Health approach, too.Let’s take a look at some examples.Training DRC’s next generation of nurses to be on the lookout for zoonotic diseasesIn the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the DRC Red Cross runs nursing schools across the country whose students go on to work in both the country’s public and private health system. Through the CP3 programme, the DRC Red Cross developed a special One Health learning module, which they piloted in two schools in Kinshasa and Maluku.Final year nursing students who took part in the pilot learned all about the intersection of human-animal-environmental health. They learned case definitions for different types of zoonotic diseases—from rabies to chikungunya—and how to effectively engage their communities on the risks and prevention measures for each disease. And they learned the principles of community-based surveillance (CBS), enabling them to quickly sound the alarm when unusual health events occur.The DRC government was so impressed with the pilot, they intend to roll the training out nationally to every nursing school in the country, believing that the sooner nurses learn about One Health and how to work effectively with animal and environmental counterparts, the better for the country’s health security.Knowledge is power: raising community awareness of environmental and animal health risksThere are lots of simple steps communities can take to reduce disease risks linked to animals and the environment. Through the CP3 programme, National Societies are engaging and motivating communities to take action.For example, in Kenya, Red Cross volunteers are teaching people how to recognize the signs of anthrax—a serious and potentially deadly infectious disease that can spread from animals, usually livestock, to humans. They’re encouraging communities to avoid handling any animals that die in unusual circumstances, report any cases immediately to volunteers or animal health authorities, and thoroughly disinfect contaminated areas. They’re also supporting vaccination efforts to make sure people know when, where and why to vaccinate their animals—making breakthroughs even within remote and vaccine-hesitant communities.And in Indonesia, the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) runs regular clean-up events to help communities reduce the risks of dengue in their local environment. People come together to inspect and drain stagnant water reservoirs, properly cover and seal drinking water supplies, and sweep up litter and debris. These steps all minimize potential mosquito breeding sites. Teamed with personal protective measures, such as wearing mosquito repellent and using bed nets, these simple steps can greatly decrease the risk of catching dengue fever, and help families stay healthy.Bringing the government together for One Health action in GuineaThrough the CP3 programme, the Guinea Red Cross has been supporting the government at the national, regional and community level to adopt a One Health approach in order to strengthen the country’s health system.They’ve been facilitating regular meetings with government agencies and stakeholders working in human, animal and environmental health to discuss existing and emerging disease threats, plan vaccination campaigns for both human and animal populations, and collaborate on environmental management. For priority zoonotic diseases, such as rabies in particular, the Guinea Red Cross has been instrumental in informing and protecting communities, and rapidly alerting human and animal health authorities when a bite incident occurs.These are just a few of the many examples of how taking a One Health approach can lead to a healthier world. By working together to keep animals and our shared environment healthy, we can help humans to be healthier and safer, too.---The activities featured in this article are part of the multi-country Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3).  Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), CP3 has supported communities, Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and other partners in seven countries since 2018 to prepare for, prevent, detect and respond to disease threats. In October 2024, the programme is expanding to six new countries—Burundi, Ivory Coast, Malawi, Tajikistan, Thailand and Zambia—where it will continue to implement a One Health approach among National Societies, partners and governments.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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30/10/2024 |

Article

Burundi Red Cross Volunteers: ‘Every day and everywhere’ for the community, responding to Mpox and beyond

In Bujumbura, the former capital of Burundi, the local branch has more than 26,000 volunteers. When the mpox outbreak was reported in the province, Burundi Red Cross volunteers stepped up to ensure that the spread of the disease would be contained and that anyone with symptoms would seek the necessary medical treatment.Volunteers have a lot of experience in sharing health information in the communities, as they were active during the COVID-19 pandemic and previous disease outbreaks. Volunteers work shifts to inform as many people as possible about mpox, its symptoms, and the prevention measures they can take to keep themselves safe.They do it by going door-to-door, sharing messages in markets and other public gatherings, on the radio and via posters. They also provide handwashing stations and clean water.'Happy to support'“I started volunteering when I saw how the Red Cross volunteers were helping their community during severe flooding,” says Christopher Hatungimana, a 38-year-old who has been volunteering with the Burundi Red Cross for 14 years. “I was impressed with these humanitarian activities and decided to join this important work.” Christopher learned first aid and has helped people suffering from all kinds of injuries, from burns or broken bones. Since then, he’s also played a role in helping thwart the spread of infectious diseases.With mpox, it was not easy at first to convince people that mpox should be taken seriously. But volunteers like Christopher persevered with their messages and now people are slowly starting to understand much more about the outbreak.Christopher admits that he and his fellow volunteers are afraid that they may catch mpox when they visit people with their prevention messages. But he says, they are are careful to take all the necessary precautions. He feels secure to continue his work as he is “happy to bring support to the people in the community”.‘Volunteering is in my blood’In one of Bujumbura’s districts, pairs of volunteers go door-to-door sharing information about mpox symptoms and how to prevent the disease. The volunteers also take the time to address any misinformation as there is unfortunately some stigma surrounding the disease.That kind of stigma and misinformation may prevent people from seeking timely medical treatment when the first symptoms occur. And that makes prevention even harder. When seeking treatment, people are tested for mpox and that helps authorities track how the outbreak is developing.“We are helping them to deal with the epidemic,” says Joselyn Ndayishimiye, who started volunteering in 2006 when she was 17 years old. “After our visits, family members shared the important information with others who were not present. The result is fewer mpox cases.”Spreading awareness about mpox in the community here is important, she says, because the epidemic needs to be contained. She also sees how their efforts are appreciated by the community.Melance Kamenyeros runs a café-bar that is a local gathering place in his village in the province of Mwaro. Thanks to Burundi Red Cross volunteers and staff, the 47-year-old father of five is well aware of the ongoing mpox epidemic.“Anyone has good reason to be afraid of an epidemic that has suddenly come to the community,” he says. “Mpox is a disease that can kill a person. But if we observe the proper measures it can be prevented.”One of the measures is Melance has adopted is insisting that clients entering his establishment first wash their hands properly. Melance thanks Burundi Red Cross volunteers for raising awareness about mpox and for setting up a water source to ensure there is enough for everyone in the village.These kind of results are encouraging. Why does Joselyn, now 35 years old, continue her work after 18 years of volunteering in support of her community? She just shrugs and says:“I started volunteering when I was young. It is in my blood.”At the end of the day, the volunteers gather to meet Red Cross staff from the branch and national headquarters. Their discussion starts, as always, with one person greeting everyone with “Tugire Ubuntu” or, in English, “Let us have humanity”. The whole group replies in unison: “Imisi yose na hose” – “Every day and everywhere”.Learn more about IFRC's response to mpox:Africa-wide mpox emergnecy appeal to combat the spread of mpox.Mpox explained

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23/09/2024 |

Article

Mpox: Saving lives by bringing the mpox message directly to the people

Known to some in her community as ‘Mama Eyenga’, Eyenga Bamboko is one of many volunteers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo who are leading the fight against mpox in their local communities.Interviewed in the Lingala language in her home city of Mbandaka, she talks about the work volunteers have been doing to protect people from infection and prevent unnecessary deaths among those who do get ill.“My name is Eyenga Bamboko and I'm a first aider and I've been with the Red Cross movement for nearly two years.Colleagues from Kinshasa came to train us as part of CP3 [Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme] so that we could go out into the field and raise people’s awareness on mpox, even before the disease had spread. We were trained intensively on the disease before it even existed in the region.And then mpox arrived. We observed a few cases. We reported these suspected cases to the provincial health authorities. We told them that we had observed cases as we had been trained. They took them to hospital.But the problem was that, in the beginning, we lost a lot of people. Because many people didn't want to believe in this illness. Some thought it was witchcraft, others said it was a curse or traditional illness.A lot of people died because they didn't go to hospital, they went to see the witchdoctors instead. By the time they did get to hospital, it was often too late. We found that those who went to hospital straight away were cured. But those who arrived late were the ones who succumbed to the disease.'I'm going to tell Mama Eyenga’We tried to help the stronger ones recover and we started to raise awareness in the community. Now many people have started going to hospital. They come to see us to say ‘Mama Eyenga, what you said the other day [about mpox], we have seen.’ Sometimes we go and we see that it is exactly that [a suspected mpox case].We ask people to go to hospital, telling them that they will be looked after free of charge, so that we can protect the rest of the family in the home before they too became infected. They are really starting to understand.We're encountering a lot of difficulties in the field. Many people still don't want to believe in this disease. And you can see that a lot of hospitals are overwhelmed at the moment. But we're not going to stop raising awareness.In my own home, I've seen a real change. Especially when it comes to hand washing. When my grandchildren want to play or eat they make their brothers and sisters aware and they say ‘if you don't wash your hands, I'm going to tell Mama Eyenga’. Even at school, they also raise awareness among their friends and classmates.At first, my husband and children didn’t agree with me volunteering. They thought I worked too much and there’s a risk of me getting sick. But now they don’t ask any more questions because they’ve understood that I am helping the community.”Read more about mpox and the IFRC network’s response:What is mpox? Your questions answeredIFRC’s regional mpox emergency appealRed Cross mpox response in the Republic of CongoProfile of Red Cross volunteer Helene: 'I have no choice but to go and try to save lives.'

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18/09/2024 |

Article

Republic of Congo: Congolese Red Cross at the forefront of fighting the mpox outbreak

Along the southern banks of the Congo River lies a group of villages in the Mpouya district.This is where Roch Boetou-Kadilamio, Disaster Management Coordinator for the Congolese Red Cross (CRC), noticed a woman displaying possible signs of mpox in early february.“She was interacting with other community members as she waited for her turn to receive household items distributed by CRC to families displacedby recent floods,” Roch explains.Many African states, including the Republic of Congo, have weak health care systems characterized by inadequate surveillance, diagnostics and patient-care facilities to effectively and efficiently control the spread of diseases, including the recent sharp increase in mpox cases in many countries.The Republic of Congo shares a more than 1.700-kilometer-long border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – the current epicenter of the mpox – leaving it at very high risk of imported cases.For this reason, the IFRC has taken a regional approach, launching an emergency appeal in August 2024 to fund operations across numerous countries already impacted by Mpox, or that are stepping up prevention measures in hopes of limiting the disease's spread.Early warning allows early actionBeing on the ground in the village and trained to monitor risks allowed Roch to identify the suspected mpox case and report it forward to health authorities for follow up and mitigation efforts. This was possible due to a Disaster Risk Reduction programme, implemented by CRC in partnership with the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), which aims to strengthen the capacity of communities to anticipate, respond to and quickly recover from disasters.“We train communities to be aware of potential risks including health risks, detect them early, and seek help timely to reduce further spread of disease and deaths,” said Dr. Lambert Boteya Djoke, Head of Health and Social Actionfor the CRC.Through a network of local and trusted community volunteers, with support from the CRC staff, volunteers send alerts to national health information systems via local health centers. Alerts can also be sent to the Congolese Red Crossheadquartersusing a toll-free telephone number.“For the woman at the distribution center who was suspected to have mpox, we quickly alerted the nearest health center but also the health authorities, including the Ministry of Health,”explains Dr. Lambert. “They swiftly visited the site together with a team from the World Health Organization, took samples for testing and once confirmed positive, followed up with other measures.”Accessing even the most remote villages with critical public health informationThe Congolese Red Cross, as an auxiliary to the government, is actively supporting authorities in preparing for and responding to the mpox outbreak. Given its extensive volunteer network of more than 30,000 community volunteers across the country, of which 15,000 can be rapidly mobilized, CRC supports in reaching the most vulnerable and remote communities with critical information to mitigate and prevent the spread of mpox.“We have communities who live in the forests who cannot easily access public information," saysNadège Blandine Mabika, the CRC’s focal point Community Engagement and Accountability, Gender and Inclusion, and National Society Development. "We also have communities by the river who routinely cross the border into DRC for trade, medical care and other essential services unchecked. All these communities need to be reached if we are to control the spread of mpox."Facing a surging outbreak of a disease with patterns are evolving and not yet adequately understood, the Congolese Red Cross, along with the entire IFRC regional network, remains committed to preventing, controlling and responding to the mpox outbreak for as long as needed.Learn more about Mpox:What is Mpox: Your questions answeredHow volunteers are making the difference in the DRC

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28/08/2024 |

Article

What is mpox? Your questions answered.

Mpox is not the next global pandemic like COVID-19, according to public health officials. But the spread of mpox is alarming health experts as it spreads to more countries in East Africa. The mpox epidemic must be addressed quickly and effectively in order to avoid a larger global spread.With more than 17,000 suspected or confirmed cases and more than 500 deaths in at least 12 countries in Africa, the epidemic has already surpassed mpox outbreaks of previous years. But mpox can be contained through a combination of education, protection measures, prompt medical attention and coordinated action from local, national and international organizations. Here are some answers to common questions about mpox.What is mpox and how is it spread?Mpox is a viral illness caused by the mpox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus, which is related to smallpox but less severe. Previously known as ‘monkeypox’, the name waschanged to mpox by the WHO in late 2022 due to stigma associated with its former name.Mpox is not new. The first case in humans was recorded in 1970 and the disease is considered endemic in West and Central Africa. Historically there have been two broad variations or ‘clades’ of mpox:Clade 1: The oldest form of the virus, this variation typically causes more serious illness and death and is endemic in Central Africa. It is spread through contact with infected wild animals and through close human contact. Children seem to be more at risk.Clade 2: This clade caused a global mpox outbreak in 2022. Infections tend to be less severe. Reported cases since 2022 are mainly, but not exclusively, among men who have sex with men and their close contacts. This clade is endemic in West Africa. In September 2023, a new clade emerged – clade 1b – which has rapidly spread in adults through sexual contact and in children through household contact, and is one of the main reasons for mpox being declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.Clade 1b has already spread to countries with no previous reported cases of mpox: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. A high number of clade 1b cases in DRC and Burundi are among children, demonstrating the disease isn’t only spreading through sexual contact.What are the symptoms of mpox?The most common clinical symptoms are rash, discomfort, sore throat, fever, lymph node swelling, skin lesionsand lack of appetite.Many patients have experienced a single lesion or sore in their mouth or on their genitals, which could be mistaken for herpes, syphilis, staph infection, or acne.While mpox rash is typically more concentrated on the face, trunk, palms of the hands and soles of the feet, mouth or oral mucous lesions are found in up to 70 percent of cases.How deadly is mpox?“Most people fully recover from mpox, but some get very sick,”explains Gwen Eamer, IFRC Senior Officer for Public Health in Emergencies.“People who exhibit symptoms should see a doctor, as medical attention and treatment can drastically reduce the severity of the infection.”“Mpox can be a stigmatizing disease due to its physical appearance, but we should stay calm and be part of solution by working together to get the necessary resources and help to the people who need it most.”Who is most at risk of severe illness from mpox?People with suppressed immune systems, children, young adults who have not received a smallpox vaccine, and pregnant women are most at-risk of severe disease from mpox.How can I protect myself from mpox?To reduce your risks, stay informed and up-to-date on the signs and symptoms of mpox, how it spreads, and what to do if you get sick. You should also monitor the risk level in your area.Mpox can be prevented by avoiding close contact, including sexual contact, with infected people and animals.If you suspect you have mpox, seek medical attention as soon as possible.If you are confirmed to have mpox:Follow medical advice, including taking any prescribed medicationInform people you have been in contact with, or follow contact tracing guidelines from your country’s health authoritiesStay at home and avoid physical contact with other people until all scabs fall off and new skin forms underneathCover lesions and wear a well-fitting mask when around other peopleWatch this short Mpox explainer video on YouTube:How serious is this mpox outbreak?In mid-August, the WHO determined that the upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a growing number of countries in Africa is a ‘public health emergency of international concern’, requiring a coordinated international response.“That does not mean this is going to be a pandemic like COVID-19,”Eamer adds. “But this is a call to action to dedicate the resources we have around the world to stop this where it is now.”The situation is alarming with the rapid spread among newly at-risk populations, and to areas and countries that have never experienced mpox before.The case fatality rate is also higher compared to the 2022 pandemic and it could increase if more children and other high-risk populations are infected, but decreases with early access to supportive treatment and vaccination.What is the IFRC doing in response to the mpox outbreak?The IFRC is ramping up response efforts over the surge of mpox cases across Africa. The IFRC has extensive experience managing previous disease outbreaks, such as Ebola and COVID-19.With a vast network of more than 4 million volunteers and 14,000 staff across the continent, the IFRC network of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies is providing critical support to governments, including community-based surveillance, risk communication and community engagement, and mental health services.The IFRC has also launched an CHF40 million regional emergency appeal to bolster mpox preparedness and response across Africa, with CHF 5 million provided through the IFRC Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF) as a loan to this regional emergency appeal. This funding will help us reach 30 million people in countries with an active outbreak, including DRC and neighbouring countries at high risk of the virus spreading further.In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the country reporting the most mpox cases, how is the DRC Red Cross responding? In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Red Cross has been supporting the government response by sharing trusted and accurate health information with communities, conducting community-based surveillance to detect and report suspected cases, providing psychosocial support to affected people, and supporting with community-based health and hygiene promotion measures.Through theCommunity Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3)and theProgrammatic Partnershipthe DRC Red Cross (with technical support from IFRC and French Red Cross) has been building health resilience in communities across the country for many years, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to quickly detect, prevent and respond to disease outbreaks.USAID has also provided additional funding since April to support the DRC Red Cross response to mpox.What are Red Cross Societies in countries neighbouring DRC doing to control the outbreak?National Societies in neighbouring countries are now responding to their first cases of mpox and are rapidly scaling support to communities. They are working to help detect and respond to new cases to reduce illness and deaths and limit the spread of the virus.Burundi Red Cross is supporting their Ministry of Health to respond to the rapid increase in mpox cases with support from the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF).I’m from a Red Cross or Red Crescent National Society, what mpox resources can I use within my community or country?The IFRC’sEpidemic Control Toolkit provides guidance on evidence-based methods to prevent and control the spread of epidemics at the community-level, and guidance on appropriate referral and basic care for the sick.Guidance on mpox for community volunteers and for response managers has been recently updated and is available in multiple languages.In addition, here are some other helpful resources:IFRC: Community-based surveillance resourcesWHO: Clinical management and Infection Prevention Control for mpox (interim guidelines, June 2022)Centers for Disease Control (CDC): Reducing stigma in mpox communication and community engagementIFRC: Community Engagement and Accountability (CEA) Toolkit

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27/08/2024 |

Article

IFRC and DRC Red Cross grieve drowning of volunteer working on mpox response

The IFRC and the DRC Red Cross sadly confirm the tragic death of Jean Florent Mosebi on 23 August 2024, Equateur Province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), after his boat capsized.Jean was a dedicated Red Cross volunteer involved in the mpox response in Equateur province. He reportedly drowned while on a mission, crossing from one Health Zone to another. As a community-based surveillance (CBS) focal point for the Wangata health zone, he had been temporarily deployed to Lukolela health zone to support the mpox response.The IFRC and DRC Red Cross extend their heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Jean Florent Mosebi at DRC Red Cross.Since the beginning of the year, the IFRC network has lost 30 volunteers and staff while on duty — 27 due to violence, 3 in accidents.The loss of our staff and volunteers highlights the significant risks faced in providing essential humanitarian assistance in hard-to-reach areas.

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27/08/2024 |

Article

Water: A key element for stability and health in communities facing an insecure and changing world

For more than a decade now, the people of South Sudan have faced enormous hardships caused by on-going internal conflict, mass displacement and a series of climate-related disasters that have paradoxically brought both extended droughts and intense rainfall. “In 2019, a third of the country was under water, with all the consequences that entails,” says Bonface Okotch, water and sanitation expert for the Netherlands Red Cross in South Sudan. Since then, communities across large swaths of the county have periodically been completely inundated and displaced, their crops and livelihoods ruined.The county of Aweil South in northern South Sudan is one area heavily affected by cyclic flooding and violence, as well as an influx of refugees fleeing violence across the country’s northern border with Sudan.At the same time, water and sanitation coverage in the country is low – less than 10 per cent have access to improved sanitation and 42 per cent do not have access to reliable, safe and sustainable water sources.This not only leaves the population vulnerable to infectious diseases, it means people spend an inordinate amount of time getting water from far away sources. This takes away from other essentials such as education, livelihoods and food production that bring health and stability to families and communities.A peaceful and sustainable futureOne ongoing project is addressing this dynamic. In partnership with the European Union (EU), the IFRC, the South Sudan Red Cross and the Netherlands Red Cross have been able to reduce the impact of flooding and droughts, while building resilience so that people can continue to recover from future setbacks.As part of the project, known as the Programmatic Partnership, the South Sudan Red Cross has played a central role in rehabilitating water facilities while also building new ones that are designed to be sustainable over the long term, saysAbdallah Bennet, a water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) expert for the South Sudan Red Cross.“In certain areas, communities face challenges due to limited access to clean water, particularly during flooding," he says. "Upgrading hand pumps to solar systems is a key aspect of our work. Through the Programmatic Partnership project, we're addressing these challenges with sustainable solutions.“We empower local communities by training pump mechanics and water-use committees, ensuring they can manage and maintain water points effectively themselves,” he says. “Water is life. It is fundamental for life itself. Without it, nothing goes on.”The South Sudan Red Cross has also trained volunteers on hygiene promotion (handwashing, safe handling of water and food, construction and use of toilets, communication skills, among other things) so they can conduct house-to-house, hygiene- promotion visits.But that’s not all. “People in the communities are trained to assess weather risks, monitor water levels and take rapid action if the community is at risk,” says Bonface. “During emergencies, they strengthen dikes, clear drainage channels and provide assistance to vulnerable groups.”The work being done in Aweil is just one example of how access to safe water – along with other other coordinated efforts to minimize risks – plays a critical role in stabilizing the health of communities facing multiple threats.As the humanitarian world marks World Water Week, which this year promotes the theme of Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future,this project offers an example of the collaborative efforts needed if vulnerable communities are to enjoy a peaceful and sustainable future.After the installation of the water facilities in Aweil South, for example, the community haswitnessed a significant improvement in the well-being and community health,according to the South Soudan Red cross.“I am very happy that Red Cross installed the water yard in our community,”saysAbu Adub, a local resident in the village Gakrol in Aweil South .“People are using it a lot. Near the hand pump, it’s always crowded.This has led to a decrease in diseases such as diarrhea, especially among children and the elderly.”Proximity to safe water sources allows for more time for other household tasks, such as caring for children.“Before, when we had no water yard, we used to drink from the well and it was not good for our health,”saysAdut Wek, who lives in Gakrol, in the Aweil region.“When we had no water, our children used to take a bath (in the well) late at night. We used to fetch water from the well over there, and also from the river. It used to take a long time to get the water. At least two hours.“Since the Red Cross supported us with the handpump, the children can take a bath earlier and then go home.”“Before, when we drank water from the river, we used to get stomach aches,”Adut continues. “Since we have the water yard, we don’t have any waterborne diseases anymore. The main challenge now is that some people live far away and still don’t have water.”More information about the Programmatic Partnership and IFRC’s work providing safe water:The Health, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) support available in Aweil is supported by theProgrammatic Partnership between the IFRC network and theEuropean Union. The partnership provides strategic, flexible, long-term and predictable funding, so that National Societies can act before a crisis or health emergency occurs. It is being implemented in 24 countries around the world.IFRC Water Sanitation and Hygiene ProgrammingWorld Water Day 2024

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23/08/2024 |

Press release

IFRC announces CHF 40 million appeal as Africa faces surge in mpox cases

Kinshasa/Nairobi/Geneva – 23 August 2024 – The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an CHF40 million regional emergency appeal to bolster mpox preparedness and response across Africa, with CHF 5 million provided through the IFRC Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF) as a loan to this regional emergency appeal.This funding will help us reach 30 million people in countries with an active outbreak, including DRC and neighbouring countries at high risk of the virus spreading further.Mohammed Omer Mukhier, IFRC Regional Director says:“It’s a serious situation that could potentially spread like wildfire across the continent and beyond, if we don’t act fast. We have already ramped up our mpox response in DRC which is bearing the brunt of this mpox outbreak putting its neighbours at high risk.”The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has become the epicentre of a rapidly escalating mpox epidemic. The virus is now in all 26 provinces of the DRC, with different variants (‘clades’) being spread simultaneously. Alarmingly, cross-border transmission from the DRC’s eastern regions, particularly North and South Kivu, is rising, affecting non-endemic countries like Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. Meanwhile, outbreaks in endemic countries such as Nigeria, Central African Republic, South Africa and Cote d’Ivoire are re-emerging or escalating. This marks the first time that sustained transmission of multiple variants is being reported concurrently both endemic and non-endemic regions across Africa.Dr Irene Kiiza, IFRC, Manager - Africa, Health and Care in Disaster and Climate Crises says:“We are quickly deploying available resources to focus on hotspots like DRC and Burundi, but we need more to ensure the virus is contained. Our priority is to curb the spread of the virus through community-based surveillance, contact tracing, mental health support and targeted interventions partnering with local health authorities and communities.”In response to this crisis, the DRC Red Cross has intensified its efforts. Leveraging skills and strategies honed through the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3) with USAID and the Programmatic Partnership with the European Union, DRC Red Cross volunteers are actively engaged in health information dissemination, community-based surveillance, and the provision of psychosocial support. USAID also provided additional funding since April 2024 to support the DRC Red Cross response to mpox in Equateur, one of the hardest hit provinces.Mercy Laker, IFRC Head of Country Cluster Delegation, Kinshasa:“We have been working in the mpox response as well as other disease outbreaks such as Ebola and COVID-19. Our team, including staff and volunteers, are on the ground, helping keep communities safe during this tough time. The funding from the appeal will help boost our operations in DRC and Burundi.”In Burundi, the government has a comprehensive response plan to tackle the ongoing health crisis. With more than 100 active cases, the Burundi MOH is focused on boosting the capacity of health facilities and laboratories nationwide, while the Burundi Red Cross is providing direct support to affected communities to ensure they are aware of the risks and can access the care available.Through this appeal, the IFRC will strengthen African National Societies’ capabilities to fulfil their auxiliary role and support national governments in enhancing disease surveillance, providing community health education, providing care and support for mpox patients - and delivering psychosocial support. The response will be tiered, with specific interventions tailored to the level of outbreak in each country including heightened risk case importation, imported cases and established mpox transmission.More information There is more on the Emergency Appeal on this page.  To request an interview, contact: [email protected]  In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa: +41 79 708 43 67 Andrew Thomas: +41 76 367 65 87 In Nairobi: Susan Nzisa Mbalu: +254 733 827 654In Goma:Gracia Dunia: +243 813 274 794

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16/08/2024 |

Press release

IFRC scales up mpox response in Africa as global health emergency declared

The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is ramping up response efforts over the surge of mpox cases across Africa. It has triggered WHO and Africa CDC to declare the epidemic a public health emergency of international and continental concern over the past three days. With more than 17,000 suspected or confirmed cases and a devastating death toll of 500 deaths in at least 12 countries, the epidemic has surpassed the scale of previous years. The case fatality rate is at 3.2%. The situation is alarming with the rapid spread among newly at-risk populations, and international spread to areas that have never experienced mpox.Mohammed Omer Mukhier, IFRC Regional Director says:“The sharp increase in mpox cases in Africa is deeply concerning and a serious public health concern. This isn’t just a local issue; it’s a continental threat that demands immediate and coordinated action. In DRC, since last year, together with DRC Red Cross teams, we have been supporting affected communities but more needs to be done, in close liaison with mobilised Ministries of Health, as the situation evolves and expands rapidly across Africa.”The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has experienced 92% of cases in this growing epidemic, but rapid spread in other countries is putting new communities at risk. A new Clade 1b variant, about which we are still learning, has emerged in the DRC and is now spreading to neighbouring countries including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. Other African nations are reporting suspected cases along with resurgence of previous mpox outbreaks. Unlike the previous outbreaks, epidemics associated both with new and pre-existing types of the mpox virus are growing, affecting new communities. The new variant, while linked with sexual contact, is affecting people of all ages and backgrounds.Bronwyn Nichol, IFRC, Senior Officer, Public Health in Emergencies says:“The mpox epidemic is a stark reminder that viruses know no borders. Shortages in testing, treatment, and vaccines demand a coordinated global response, including increased access to vaccine stocks in Africa. A unified effort is essential to protect vulnerable populations and prevent needless suffering and death.”In the DRC, the DRC Red Cross has been supporting the government response by sharing trusted and accurate health information with communities, conducting community-based surveillance to detect and report suspected cases, providing psychosocial support to affected people, and supporting with community-based hygiene promotion measures. A community-based approach will support victims against stigma. Those showing signs and symptoms are supported early before further transmission.Grégoire Mateso, President DRC Red Cross, says:“The past year has been difficult. The emergence of a new and potentially more transmissible variant of mpox like Clade 1b gravely affects containment. We have seen firsthand how a shortage of testing, vaccines and treatment kits can hamper efforts to contain the disease. There is also need for more public awareness to manage stigma, early detection and isolation of cases.”The DRC Red Cross is expanding its response to the mpox outbreak, leveraging many years of community-based epidemic preparedness work. Through the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3) and the Programmatic Partnership the DRC Red Cross, with technical support from IFRC and French Red Cross, has been building health resilience in communities across the country, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to quickly detect, prevent and respond to disease outbreaks.Red Cross societies in neighbouring countries that are responding to their first cases of mpox are rapidly scaling support to communities, to help detect and respond to new cases to reduce illness and deaths and limit the spread of the virus. Burundi Red Cross is supporting their Ministry of Health to respond to the rapid increase in mpox cases with support from the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF).The IFRC is at the forefront of the response to the mpox outbreak in Africa, with extensive experience managing previous disease outbreaks, such as Ebola and COVID-19. With a vast network of more than 4 million volunteers and 14,000 staff across the continent, the IFRC network is providing critical support to governments, including community-based surveillance, risk communication and community engagement, and mental health services.As the mpox epidemic continues to spread, the IFRC calls for increased global support to contain the crisis through increased access to testing, treatment, and vaccines for at-risk populations across the continent, along with sustained community-based action, which improves the effectiveness of epidemic response actions.More information To request an interview, contact: [email protected]  In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa: +41 79 708 43 67 Andrew Thomas: +41 76 367 65 87 In Nairobi: Susan Nzisa Mbalu: +254 733 827 654

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