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

Burundi Red Cross respond to thousands fleeing conflict in the DRC

Bujumbura/Kinshasha/Geneva, 13 March –The Burundi Red Cross has set up a vital humanitarian service point at the Rugombo Stadium a few kilometres from the Democratic Republic of Congo border, providing shelter for almost 40,000 refugees - including nearly 18,000 children - fleeing the conflict there. A team of 500 Burundi Red Cross volunteers are providing first aid for people arriving after days of traumatic travel, in addition to mental health support, disinfectant spraying to prevent disease, sanitation including showers, latrines and hygiene products, mosquito nets, specific assistance for pregnant women and those with disabilities, bedding, clean drinking water and food.Red Cross ambulances are on standby, so far evacuating over 120 people requiring further medical treatment.In the vast crowds, children can become separated from loved ones, and a special on-site Red Cross team has helped reunite many distressed families.A team of swimmers are also stationed at the Rusizi River, a dangerous crossing point at the border of the DRC and Burundi, to reduce the risk of displaced people drowning as they make the desperate journey to safety.Expert spokespeople are available on the ground in Burundi, the DRC and Geneva.Pictures and video can be found here.For more information or to set up an interview contact: [email protected] Nairobi: Susan Mbalu, +254 733 827 654In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa +41 79 708 43 67 Hannah Copeland, +41 76 236 9109

‘I know what it takes to experience that level of vulnerability’ – IFRC’s new regional director for Africa talks about the challenges ahead 

What does it take to manage humanitarian crisis response for a massive continent dealing with a wide range of challenges – conflict, mass population movements, epidemics, tropical storms, drought and a widespread hunger crisis. Find out how IFRC’s new regional director for Africa, Charles Businge, plans to tackle these challenges and how his upbringing in Uganda shaped him for the task ahead. “I have seen war and fighting between different armed groups and I have worked in similar contexts,” he tells us. “So, I am committed to supporting people who faced these kinds of vulnerabilities, because I know what it takes to experience that level of vulnerability.”

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

Democratic Republic of the Congo: One too many humanitarian crises in North and South Kivu

Kinshasa/Goma, 17 February – The Red Cross Society of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC Red Cross), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) are gravely concerned by the deepening humanitarian crisis in the Kivu region of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly in the city of Goma. Thousands of civilians, including women and children and wounded and sick people, are bearing the brunt of the conflict.The latest clashes in and around Goma, the capital city of North Kivu, have forced hundreds of thousands of people in the city to flee, leaving everything behind. In addition, nearly 300,000 peoplewho had been taking refuge in camps for displaced people on the outskirts of Goma also had to flee the fighting, which left hundreds of bodies strewn in the streets. The ICRC is helping the DRC Red Cross to recover the bodies in Goma safely and with dignity.“We are very worried. Many of these people were already in a very vulnerable situation, having been forced from their homes elsewhere in North and South Kivu, sometimes repeatedly,” said Grégoire Mateso Mbuta, president of the DRC Red Cross. “The humanitarian situation is dire in Bukavu and Goma. In Goma, the morgues and hospitals are overwhelmed. Around 190 DRC Red Cross volunteers and a team of coordinators are working tirelessly to recover the bodies left in the streets, take measures to prevent epidemics and give the victims a dignified burial. In the face of so much need, more help must be provided urgently.”Volunteers from North and South Kivu are already hard at work providing this help. At the same time, the regional representatives of the DRC Red Cross are meeting to decide on, plan and coordinate their activities in collaboration with their partners in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and with the political and administrative authorities and other organizations.Many people have been wounded by the fighting and heavy artillery fire in such a densely populated area. In January 2025, ICRC-supported medical facilities in North and South Kivu treated around 1,400 wounded people – ten times more than in December 2024. Most were civilians and many were women and children.“Power lines were damaged, which left Goma without water and electricity. It is imperative that parties to the conflict abide by international humanitarian law and spare civilians and civilian objects. Health-care services must be respected and protected. In particular, the location of important laboratories, health centres and hospitals must be taken into account in the planning and conduct of hostilities,” said François Moreillon, the head of the ICRC’s delegation in the DRC.Many families have been separated in the chaos as they fled and are waiting anxiously to hear from loved ones they have lost contact with. The ICRC and local Red Cross volunteers are working together to help put these people back in touch and find out where they are and if they are well.The armed conflict’s return in October 2023 has resulted in a complex and unprecedented humanitarian crisis. The latest escalation, at the end of last year, has seen extraordinarily fierce fighting, causing unbearable suffering for thousands of people, who are urgently in need of life-saving aid.Since February 2024, the IFRC has been supporting the DRC Red Cross’s emergency operations to provide displaced people in eastern DRC with shelter, essential household items, cash-as-aid, health care, access to water, sanitation and hygiene, and other humanitarian services. The IFRC has also been supporting the National Society’s food aid programme, which since January 2025, has already helped nearly 95,000 displaced people and host families in North Kivu. However, already chronic food insecurity may get worse as the conflict intensifies.“There are already so many people struggling to meet their most basic needs. The longer the fighting goes on and the more it spreads, the more people will be affected and the harder it will be for them. The DRC Red Cross, the ICRC and the IFRC will continue providing vital aid to affected people, whether in urban or rural areas. But to do so, we need to ensure that our teams can work safely. Safe access should also be given to the other humanitarian organizations, so that they can provide essential aid that people so desperately need.”In addition to helping the DRC Red Cross recover the bodies of victims in Goma and Bukavu safely, properly and with dignity, the ICRC is also helping restore essential services, such as water and electricity, that went down because of the fighting. People who have lost contact with loved ones can also make free phone calls through the ICRC. The Spanish, French and Luxembourg Red Crosses are also on hand to provide help in Goma and elsewhere in North and South Kivu.More information: [email protected]: Francine Kongolo, +243 (0) 81 992 23 28,[email protected] Red Cross: Kally Maluku, +243818966 243,[email protected] (Africa): Susan Mbalu, +254 733 827 654Moustapha Diallo, +221 77 450 10 04

STATEMENT: IFRC mourns the killing of Sudanese Red Crescent volunteer

The IFRC is deeply saddened by the death of Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS) volunteer, Iman Abbas. On 1 February, she was killed while participating in a SRCS cleaning campaign at the Sabreen open market in Omdurman, which was struck by artillery shelling. The IFRC sends its deepest condolences to Iman's family, her SRCS colleagues and loved ones. In 2024, 32 of our IFRC network volunteers and staff died or were killed while performing their humanitarian duties. Iman is the first colleague we’ve lost this year. Any attack on humanitarian personnel weakens entire communities and compromises our ability to help the people who need it most. We strongly reiterate our call for unwavering respect for the Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red Crystal emblems and the crucial humanitarian services they represent.  For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected]    

Migration: A father pens a poem of pain and loss after rescue turns to tragedy

“On the shore of death, your journey ended.Your little heart, still unripe, could not endure.It was filled with love, overflowing until the very last breath.You left, my beautiful one, my little one…”These are the painful, mournful words of a father grieving, written in the hours after his seven-year-old daughter suffered a cardiac arrest — shortly after she herself was rescued from a boat in distress in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Her name was Rahaf and she and her family had just been brought on board the search and rescue ship Ocean Viking, which is run by SOS Mediterranee and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).Shortly after the rescue, Rahaf, who had an underlying heart condition, went into cardiac arrest. After CPR by the team on board, she was airlifted to a hospital in Malta. Tragically, she did not survive the journey and passed away in the helicopter.Plunged into grief, her father put his pain into words, which he inscribed with a ballpoint pen on a simple piece of white paper. He then asked that this poem and the story of his daughter be shared with the world — as an homage to his daughter and to bring attention to the situation facing people crossing the Mediterranean.The family of four was among a group of 92 migrants rescued from a boat in distress in the Central Mediterranean, near Malta. Here is the full version of the father's poem:“On the shore of death, your journey ended.Your little heart, still unripe, could not endure.It was filled with love, overflowing until the very last breath.You left, my beautiful one, my little one…Your gentle voice has vanished foreverLeaving behind a father, a mother, and a sister—Lost, wandering between sea and sky.How could your kind heart leave your dears suddenly?You bore the hardship of travel, the cruelty of the waves—All for what?For a dignified life. Yes, you have found it now, Rahaf. You are in eternal bliss.May your soul rest in peace, my love.”An ocean of human sufferingSadly, Rahaf’s death is not an isolated case. The Mediterranean is one of the deadliest migration routes in the world. At least 115 children lost their lives attempting to cross the Mediterranean in 2024 alone.Since 2014, more than 31,000 migrants have drowned or gone missing during the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean Sea.Behind every number is a person: a child, father, a sister—risking everything in search of safety.To help avert more tragic stories and unnecessary deaths, the IFRC remains committed to the rescue efforts and to working aboard the Ocean Viking to ensure that people lost and in distress in the vast Mediterranean receive critical life-saving care they need, as well as psychological support to help them deal with the stresses they have been through.Supported with an ongoing emergency appeal to support their operations in the Mediterranean, the IFRC operates what it calls a “humanitarian service point” or HSP on the Ocean Viking. This floating, mobile HSP offers several critical services, including medical care, psychological support, and other kinds of counseling to help migrants cope with what they’ve been through and prepare for what may lie ahead when they finally reach a European port and new challenges arise.

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.

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.”

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.

Whether telling a story with photos or riding his bicycle across a continent, Brad Zerivitz says connecting with people is what it’s all about.

Behind the lens of a camera or the handlebars of a bicycle, Brad Zerivitz is driven by the desire to connect with his fellow humans. “I don't approach somebody with the camera in front of my face,” says Zerivitz, senior director of visual communications for the American Red Cross. “I approach them first as a Red Crosser and as a person.” By listening and making that personal connection, people feel more able to fully share the stories. The same passion fuels Zerivitz’s long-distance bicycling adventures, which most recently took him across much of southern Africa. “When you’re travelling by bike, you're open to the elements and to the people. You're traveling at a human speed so you can talk to people and have all of these great connections along the roadside.”

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 

Cameroon: Floods

Since early August 2024, torrential rains have severely affected the Far North, West, North West and South West regions of Cameroon, affecting more than 360,000 people and resulting in multiple deaths, loss of livelihoods, homes, infrastructure, educational facilities, agricultural and environmental damage, as well as livestock losses. This appeal will help the Cameroon Red Cross make a meaningful difference for 99,100 people impacted by these devastating floods.

World Mental Health Day: A day with serious meaning for humanitarian workers

Humanitarian workers face unique challenges: they operate in contexts of severe hardship, often under pressure, and in environments where safety is never guaranteed. For them, mental health at work goes beyond the usual discussions on stress and burnout. It is intertwined with urgency, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to a humanitarian mission. It is a fundamental element that enables these professionals to continue providing quality support to the communities they assist.On this occasion, we want to highlight voices from the field. Our IFRC colleagues who work in psychosocial support share their reflections on the importance of maintaining their mental health while supporting others. Their testimonies offer rich and diverse perspectives on how to approach this crucial issue.“Mental health at work is an essential component of our overall well-being. In my work with the IFRC, whether it’s managing crises like Marburg and Mpox outbreaks in Africa or providing psychosocial assistance to communities affected by floods, I have seen the major impact that stress and psychological challenges can have on individuals, teams, and communities.“Mental resilience is indispensable in the humanitarian sector. Working with Red Cross volunteers in health emergencies, I have seen how crucial it is to have support structures, spaces for dialogue, and training in psychological first aid.”Dr. Aimé Mbonda, Health Coordinator for IFRC's Yaoundé Cluster, a regional hub that covers Cameroon, Sao Tome and Principe, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon•“When I think of mental health at work, I’m reminded that while this concept may seem intimidating, it is actually very simple at its core. It is about fostering a sense of belonging, ensuring psychological safety, allowing employees to have control over their work, and helping them feel their impact.“In practice, this means sharing openly with colleagues, listening carefully, building trust, and offering recognition. Humanitarian workers, who are often passionate with high expectations, particularly need to hear that they are doing a good job, that they are part of a valuable team, that their opinions matter, and that, thanks to their efforts, someone in our difficult world just had a better day.”Allison Male, Psychosocial Support Consultant•“Mental health at work is more than a slogan; it is an obligation. Promoting mental health at work is a responsibility at both the individual and institutional levels. This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day is a reminder of the need for concerted efforts to promote, create, and maintain a work environment conducive to good mental health.“There is no health without mental health, as they say. Prioritizing mental health in the professional environment is a culture to co-create and strengthen.”Dr. Danielle Domersant, Health Delegate, Yaoundé Cluster•“With the current global conflicts, the psychosocial support team must be ready to intervene at any time to provide psychological support, if asked. Psychosocial support has become an integral part of the IFRC in these times of change.“We must also configure the support we offer to adapt to different contexts through an eclectic approach. It is also very important to ask, ‘How can we best support affected staff or ensure they feel sufficiently supported?’“From a personal perspective, there are times I wish I could do more to help in certain situations, particularly in crises where it would be preferable to be physically present, but it’s not possible. The use of technology is then very useful and makes it possible to provide the same level of support.”Caroline Kithama, Psychosocial Support Consultant•Learn more about how IFRC works to protect the psychological well-being of staff, volunteers and people impacted by crisis.Mental health and psychosocial support/IFRCWorld Mental Health Day: What does mental health at work mean when your work is helping people in a conflict zone?World Mental Health Day: By helping others, a young volunteer learned how to help herselfUruguayan Red Cross project sends life-saving message: the lives of young people cannot be left just to chance – suicide is preventable5 top tips on maintaining mental health from Red Cross first-respondersBreaking the silence: addressing mental health and fighting stigma in the aftermath of Ukraine's conflictEuropean Mental Health Week: The healing power of art helps people cope with the upheaval caused by conflict

Africa Region | Mpox Epidemic

Devastating floods displace huge swathes of the population across West and Central Africa

Nairobi/Geneva, 19 September 2024 – Heavy rains over the last few weeks have triggered massive flooding and devastation in West and Central Africa, with hundreds of thousands of people displaced from their destroyed homes in areas already suffering from food insecurity and conflict.Human-induced climate change “is likely to have significantly worsened the situation”, according to scientists at the Red Cross Climate Centre.The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched emergency appeals in Chad, Niger, and Nigeria to respond to the catastrophic flooding.Mohammed Mukhier, IFRC Regional Director for Africa says:“Torrential rains have triggered destructive floods that have left millions in dire need of assistance. The floods are testament to climate crisis damage in Africa and how it's affecting vulnerable communities. We need an urgent response now and in the coming weeks with more flooding expected.”In Chad, where an estimated 1.5 million people have been affected, initial assessments point to the destruction of over 164,000 homes, with all 23 provinces of the country involved, and Tandjile, Mayo-Kebbi Est, Logone and Lac among the most afflicted provinces. Over 259,000 hectares of croplands have been wiped out, heightening the risk of food shortages in a country already grappling with chronic food insecurity. With the continuing rise of floodwaters, the humanitarian situation in Chad could deteriorate further.The country has faced increasingly severe floods in recent years, part of a broader pattern of worsening weather in the Sahel due to climate change. Once expected every 10 years, torrential rains now occur every 2 to 5 years. Khalal Sennousi Ahmat, President of the Chad Red Cross, says:“The scenes following the floods in Chad are heartbreaking. Entire villages have been left under water and families have lost everything. The numbers of people affected are expected to rise as the rains continue. Our team’s focus now is to provide shelter, food and medical care, but we need more resources given the scale of the devastation.”A growing concern is the stagnant water that exacerbates unsanitary conditions and risks outbreaks of waterborne disease. Safe drinking water, health services, and sanitation facilities are desperately needed to prevent the spread of deadly diseases such as cholera and malaria.Chad is not alone in suffering the extreme effects of the climate crisis, with many other West and Central African countries experiencing severe weather. Since July, South Sudan has been battling heavy floods, with over 735,000 people affected across 38 counties. Worst-hit areas include Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Jonglei, and Unity, where homes, schools, and health facilities have been destroyed, displacing thousands. Projections indicate that up to 3.3 million people could be affected by October, making it the worst floods in South Sudan's history.Similarly, Nigeria has experienced severe flooding following continuous heavy rainfall, affecting over 1 million people across 18 states, including Borno, Adamawa, and Bayelsa. The Nigeria Red Cross is preparing life-saving assistance for 200,000 people, but this number is expected to double as the floods worsen.In Niger, the worst flooding in a decade has affected 842,000 people across all eight regions. The Niger Red Cross is providing a holistic response, including sanitation facilities, cash grants, climate adaptation strategies, and protection for vulnerable communities.In all the affected countries, Red Cross and Red Crescent teams are providing emergency shelter, food, clean water, sanitation facilities, mosquito nets and cash grants, but with many roads becoming inaccessible due to flooding, the response is a race against time.In addition to immediate relief, the IFRC is working with Red Cross teams in Chad, South Sudan, Niger and Nigeria on long-term resilience programmes and climate adaptation strategies. Efforts will focus on rebuilding homes with climate-resilient infrastructure, improving sanitation, and restoring agricultural capacity to safeguard food security and protect vulnerable communities.Dr Ben Adinoyi, IFRC Head of Delegation, Country Cluster Delegation for the Central African Republic and Chad: “These are not just one-time events. What we are witnessing is a growing, recurrent tragedy. This cycle of extreme weather is becoming more frequent due to the climate crisis. Beyond saving lives during this crisis, Red Cross is matching long-term climate resilience strategies to protect vulnerable families from climate shocks.”The IFRC has launched an emergency appeal for CHF 8 million to assist over 385,000 of the most vulnerable people across seven severely impacted provinces in Chad. In addition, the IFRC is initiating emergency appeals for Niger (CHF 8 million), and Nigeria (CHF 10 million) to support both immediate relief and long-term operational work. South Sudan is also scaling up their life-saving relief activities.As part of its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) for flood response, the IFRC has already contributed CHF 231,293 to Nigeria, CHF 1 million to Chad, CHF 309,523 to Niger, and CHF 943,271 to Sudan.For more information or to request an interview, contact: [email protected]  In Nairobi: Susan Nzisa Mbalu: +254 733 827 654In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa: +41 79 708 43 67 Hannah Copeland: +44 7535316633  

Niger: Floods

Heavy and persistent rainfall since July have claimed the lives of more than 300 people, destroyed more than 95 thousand homes and wiped out more than thousands of hectares of crops and livestock. The country's precarious socio-economic conditions exacerbate the vulnerability of its population too, particularly those living in refugee camps, peripheral neighbourhoods, flood-prone areas and densely populated urban zones. Through this emergency appeal, the IFRC and its membership aim to address the urgent needs of 250,000 people in five regions through health, water, sanitation, hygiene, shelter and food-security interventions.

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.'

Zimbabwe: Water project offers a garden of hope in drought-stricken region

A 37-year-old mother of seven, Patience Makuya is one of many women who have borne the brunt of a devastating drought that has turned once fertile fields into barren expanses.Triggered by the El Niño weather phenomenon, the drought has ravaged Southern Africa, leaving millions facing food insecurity and water scarcity.In Mwenezi, Masvingo Province, a district renowned for its erratic rainfall and high temperatures, the impact has been particularly severe. Here, more than 80 percent of the region received below-average rainfall, leading to widespread crop failures and deepening the hunger crisis.For women like Patience, the daily struggle for survival has become a harsh reality – though a newly created irrigation system and garden is now easing the pressure on many families. "Before this piped water system and garden, we used to walk long journeys to fetch water and leave our children all day with hunger," Patience recalled. "We had no vegetables to give our children to eat with sadza, so we would buy sugar for them to eat with the sadza."This grim reality is shared by many in Mwenezi, where the drought has pushed food insecurity to alarming levels, with nearly half the population grappling with severe hunger.A pipeline of hopeRecognizing the dire need in Mwenezi, the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society, with support from the IFRC, has initiated several life-saving projects aimed at mitigating the impact of the drought.One such project is the Gudomutovhoti Piped Water Scheme, a 2km pipeline network commissioned in May 2024, that has brought much-needed water to the district, transforming lives in the process.The pipeline network supports the 1.5 hectare-nutrition garden, where Patience and many other women from 100 households diligently tend to their allocated plots.For Patience and the women of Gudomutovhoti community in Ward 14, under Chief Neshuro, the piped water scheme has been nothing short of a miracle. In a region prone to irregular rainfall and water challenges, especially in the face of climate change, the scheme has not only reduced the arduous task of fetching water but has also provided the means to sustain their families.Through the establishment of a nutrition garden, Patience and other women in the community can now grow vegetables and legumes, offering a vital source of nutrition. "Our children now have better nutrition thanks to this garden,”Patience says. “We can cook spinach from our garden and feed our families." The nutrition garden has also fostered a sense of self-reliance among the women, who have taken ownership of their plots and are now able to provide for their families, despite the harsh conditions."Many in the community were sceptical and laughed at us for being a part of the project, but now they come to ask us for vegetables to eat from our garden plots and we sell to raise money to either pay for school fees for our children or buy grain to ward off hunger in this drought," Patience shared.Challenges still aheadWhile the piped water scheme and nutrition garden have provided much-needed relief, the challenges facing Mwenezi are far from over. The drought continues to tighten its grip, exacerbating food insecurity and leading to a range of social issues, including gender-based violence, child marriages, and school dropouts."This drought has made these challenges worse," said Abigail Murwira, the district's Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development gender officer. "Couples argue more when food is lacking, and many girls are leaving school to be married as their families seek ways to make a living."The drought has taken a heavy toll on livestock herders, with many animals dying from a lack of water and grazing. The Gudomutovhoti water station is providing critical relief, supplying much-needed water to both the herders and their livestock, easing the drought's harsh impact.The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society’s needs assessment in Mwenezi, supported by the IFRC, underscores the urgent need for a scaled-up response, as called for in the ongoing IFRC emergency appeal for countries impacted by drought and food insecurity in Africa. Without additional support, millions of people in Zimbabwe and across the region will face worsening levels of acute food insecurity, malnutrition, and water scarcity.Patience Makuya’s story is a stark reminder of the human cost of climate change and the critical need for sustained humanitarian efforts. While the ZRCS and IFRC have made significant strides in alleviating the immediate suffering in Mwenezi, and the resilience of people like Patience is inspiring, these facts should not be seen as a substitute for the support they so desperately need.By Rumbidzai Nenzou, IFRC Communications Officer

World First Aid Day: Cameroon Red Cross volunteers teach life-saving techniques to a new generation

For the past six years, the Cameroon Red Cross (CRC) has put its commitment to young people into action by imbuing them from an early age with basic first-aid techniques, raising awareness at an early age about how to respond in emergency situations.This year, more than 150 children and teenagers benefited from these hands-on first-aid sessions, which are designed to instill knowledge and inspire the confidence needed for young people to act in the face of a crisis.One of those children was Mathis, aged 10. “It was so enriching,”he says. “I learned a lot about first aid. Thank you to the Red Cross and to my parents for enrolling me”.During a course of sessions that lasted two months, Mathis learned simple but essential first-aid techniques that he could use in the event of a domestic accident, a fall, or a medical emergency.Unlike traditional first-aid training, which often includes technical or medical information, these sessions aim to anchor knowledge and instil reflexes in a way that is adapted to young people and can be built as the child grows. The aim is to familiarize them with first-aid techniques without overloading them with technical information.This pedagogical approach enables children to understand and retain essential gestures such as the lateral safety position, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and stopping a hemorrhage (see the pictures above). In a country where domestic accidents, natural disasters and everyday incidents are commonplace, knowing how to react quickly can make all the difference.And even if the young people are not trained to intervene in a professional manner, this approach gives them a solid basis for acting appropriately before help arrives.Simple gestures for critical situationsAt the heart of the programme, young participants are taught several essential skills. These include emergency extrication, the Heimlich method for choking, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and haemorrhage management. These gestures, although they may seem simple, are of crucial importance when an emergency arises.“Our learning methods combine fun and seriousness to keep children captivated,” says André Nicolas, head of the Red Cross youth service. “They pay attention and take the lessons seriously. We very often receive feedback from parents explaining that the children proudly show them what they have learnt with us."The fun aspect of these sessions is essential to capture the attention of the youngest children while teaching them skills that could one day save lives.”Building a more resilient society Teaching first-aid to young people is also part of a long-term vision.“In addition to this initiative, we have set up Red Cross brigades in schools, secondary schools and even colleges, so that the youngest children are equipped and ready to perform first aid when the need arises,”explains Mr Ayissi, National Director of Disaster Management at the CRC.“By familiarizing children with life-saving techniques from an early age, we know that we are whetting their appetite for first aid”, and the Cameroon Red Cross is helping to build a more resilient and supportive society, he says.Every young person trained in first aid, therefore, becomes an essential link in the chain of intervention in the event of a crisis. This approach not only helps to raise children's awareness, but also has a positive influence on those around them, particularly their families and friends. By sharing what they learn, young people help to spread the culture of first aid within their community.Learn more about the IFRC's approach to first aid:First aid in the IFRC networkIFRC Global First Aid Centre

Africa Region: Mpox Epidemic

A worrying surge in mpox cases and deaths in 2024 is being observed in Africa, with over 17,000 cases and 500 deaths across at least 12 countries in 2024, representing a 160 per cent and 19 per cent increase in cases and deaths, respectively, in comparison to the same period of 2023. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the epicenter of this epidemic with 92 per cent of the total cases in the Africa region. Cases have now been reported in all 26 provinces of the DRC. Cross-border transmission from the eastern provinces of North and South Kivu to non-endemic countries is on the rise, especially into Burundi, but also into Rwanda and Uganda as well as Kenya. Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies across the continent are liaising with their respective Ministries to support their preparedness and response plans. Please donate now and join us in making a meaningful difference for the 30 million people supported by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in this response.

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

Behind the scenes: With climate-change worsening a range of simultaneous challenges, how can humanitarians keep up while also preparing for the next crisis?

It’s become a bit of a cliché in recent years to say that emergency response and recovery is becoming increasingly complex. But behind every cliché there is often a reflection of hard reality.In a world in which climate change, new technology, rapid societal changes and political instability have become the norm in many places, humanitarian organizations are increasingly being asked to multi-task on a grand scale. They must not only meet immediate needs of people impacted by several simultaneous emergencies — drought, conflict and displacement, as examples — they must also keep a lookout on what’s coming next and work with communities to prepare, raise resources and develop their capacity to respond.Consider some of the many overlapping crises impacting many countries in Africa. Floods, desert locust invasion, communal violence and conflicts, drought, food insecurity, epidemics and population movements are just some of the compounding issues facing communities across the continent.“As an example, Ethiopia has been in a very long period of prolonged drought,” says Rui Oliveira, IFRCRegional Operations Manager in Africa. “This has been happening since 2020, affecting about 20 million people. Plus, there has been a conflict for more than two years in the north of the country and a cholera outbreak that has persisted for a long time.”On top of that, Ethiopia has receivedthousands of people fleeing violence in Sudan since fighting broke out there in April 2023. More recently, in early August, the Ethiopian Red Cross has responded to a series of landslides that have claimed the lives of at least 250 people and spurred an emergency appeal from the IFRC.As one of the leading providers of humanitarian assistance in the country, the Ethiopian Red Cross is under constant pressure to respond to these simultaneous crises. At the same time, it must maintain preparedness capacity and develop contingency plans that span from headquarters to local branches.What's left for the next crisis?At a time when funding is often not available to adequately cover emergency response needs, there is not much left over — and not enough interest among donors — to support long-term development of local response capacity.“Unfortunately, despite the fact that the Ethiopian Red Cross’s response capacity is known to be strong, the National Society has not been able to raise the necessary funds to provide a continuous response to all these crises”, said Rui Oliveira.On the continent’s western region, Togo is also confronting a series of overlapping crises. These include a persistent conflict that is driving mass population movements,a large and continuous flow ofmigrants through its borders, and unpredictable floods that impact agriculture and food security.The escalation of the conflict in neighouring Burkina Faso, marked by attacks on civilians, suggests that the influx of people seeking safety in Togo will continue. Last November, the IFRC issued anEmergency Appeal for CHF 4 millionto respond to the needs of an estimated 58,000 people (between displaced and host communities).“Unfortunately, it would be difficult for us to give an estimate of how long this difficult situation will persist,” saysJoel Aziadapou, Head of the Togolese Red Cross Information Department.“The needs are still enormous and not all the displaced people have received assistance yet. From the Togolese Red Cross, we are making significant efforts to assist the displaced population in the long term, with the support of Movement partners”.The Togolese Red Cross has the human resources to respond to this crisis, with over 65,000 members and volunteers committed to the humanitarian cause throughout the country’s 311 local branches. However, the challenge lies in logistics and relief capacities:“We are working on updating our disaster response capacity in order to respond effectively. This will enable us to draw up an action plan based on ongoing assessments. The idea is to have an up-to-date situation so as to respond more effectively as we identify the gaps”.As seen by Gerard Koffi Egah, Secretary General of the Togolese Red Cross, expectations for the National Society’s response are very high."I would like to thank the Movement partners for all they have done to support us since the outbreak of the Sahel crisis so that we can address this emergency in an effective and sustainable manner and, above all, to provide comfort to the most vulnerable communities”.But the National Society still needs the continued support of its partners to mobilize resources and strengthen its response capacity in order to meet increasing demands over time, he says.A trail of humanitarian needsAccording to Tom Omollo, IFRC’sManager National Society Readiness and Development in the Africa Region,Togo’s status as a transit corridor for migration, means the Red Cross is also taking on another challenge that impacts the entire region.“Productive youth want to migrate to other places, such as Europe, to work and improve their lives for a better future,”says Omollo. “Unfortunately, that leaves a trail of humanitarian needs along the corridors.“Without any African policy on migration to fall back on, we have to interpret the policy instruments of each and every government and local authorities and advocate on behalf of the migratory community to ensure shelter, food items, clothing, and preserve their dignity”.In Oliveira's opinion, the level of crisis and complexity in the Africa region, including population movements, is not going to decrease and National Societies need to transform the way they prepare to response:“This transformation needs a huge investment in terms of preparedness to make sure National Societies are more resilient to operate in different crises simultaneously, as they are already doing, reinforcing their operational capacity”,he said.Around the world, Red Cross Red Crescent volunteers ensure that migrants are#NotAlone. Learn more about thisIFRC campaign, featuring stories and insightful information on how the IFRC network strives to make these journeys safer and more dignified.

In part of Nigeria hard hit by drought and heatwaves, Red Cross volunteers are helping farmers find natural solutions

Like many young people in Nigeria, Saratu Aboki was introduced to the Red Cross in grade school, when she learned a range of first-aid skills to care for herself and others in emergencies.Over the years, she trained many others in first aid and in doing so she learned to speak many of the 29 languages spoken in her home state of Nasarawa.But even though she always had a strong love for the environment and the natural world, she says she was never very interested in one of the biggest activities in her home state: farming. Despite the fact that farming makes up a big part of the economy in Nasarawa, she didn’t know much about what it took to grow the food that ended up on her table.That was until she saw how much the farmers were suffering due to the dual impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic – which put a halt on nearly all trade for farmers for several seasons -- and the prolonged heatwaves and droughts in the years since.Saratu knew she wanted to do something to help. After all, the farmers were the lifeblood of their area, bringing in income and producing the yams, sesame seeds, casava and maize beloved and needed by everyone.“After the Covid-19 pandemic, the small-scale farmers in my community had a hard time getting back on their feet because during the crisis they could not take their product to market to sell,” Saratu says. “They lost a lot of their crops, especially the perishable ones. They lost almost half of their livelihoods.”After the pandemic eased up, it didn’t get much better. The normal rainy seasons weren’t coming as usual. After losing so much, farmers could no longer afford supplies like fertilizers that they needed to put on their crops of wheat, rice, melon, cassava yams and maize.“The farmers had this ritual where, at the end of each harvest, they clear their fields by setting fire to the remains of the plants in the field,” she recalls. “So I started to think about how to convert the leftover plant material into organic fertilizer.”“When the IFRC was calling for applications for its ‘Limitless’ project at the Solferino Academy, for people who have innovative ideas, I saw it as an opportunity for me to help the people of my community to get back on their feet,” she says. ‘So excited to share’With support from her local branch, Saratu’s first step was to organize training sessions with about 120 farmers, who came from 15 communities in the area. The trainings went well and the farmers were receptive.In the coming months, Saratu and other branch volunteers organized trainings in 10 other communities, where they invited farm leaders from various communities in the hope that they would share the knowledge with other farmers.The composting process they proposed to the farmers is relatively simple, though it is hard work. First, the farmers collect all the leftover plant stalks and leaves. Then they make a pit and put the organic material inside.After that, they add some topsoil and some fresh plant material. Then sprinkle occasionally with water over the next three or four months. After that, the compost is ready to be put on the fields, in time for the next planting season.But it’s also not so simple. It’s important to get the right balance of materials and to give the process enough time. Too much of one ingredient – or not enough of another – can inhibit the composting process. Also, if the compost is not cured properly, it can be too strong and hurt the crops’ growth.It’s been a joint learning process, and Saratu stays in constant touch with farmers as an evolving experiment as they refine their technique and continue to share ideas.“They call me at all times of the day and night,” she says with a smile. “They are so excited to share what they’ve learned as they try new techniques and successes. They call me and say, ‘You have to come to my village and see my yams.’”“One farmer told me that last year, he got an increasing yield and was able to buy a car and that car is now helping get his produce from farm to the community. He doesn’t have to pay money to convey the produce to the community any longer. Also, he says his kids have gone back to school. I told him I was so happy.”“It keeps me going because I know it’s protecting our ecosystem, the communities and people’s health — and it’s making money for the farmers.”Helping people displaced by violenceThe project has now expanded to other states in Nigeria. In Benue State, Saratu and other volunteers have done many trainings in camps for people displaced due to violence between herding and farming communities.“The idea is to train them so that as go back to their homes, they have something to fall back on,” she says. “A lot of the displaced people lost everything and they have to go back to farming. A lot of them are not able to afford the supplies they need.”So far, the volunteers have trained more than 2,000 farmers. They also show a similar process to women who manage gardens from which their families get much of their daily food. In this case, the compost is made mainly with cow dung, chicken dropping and rice husks.From first-aider to farmerNow, many years after learning first aid as a young student, Saratu is still also a first aid volunteer who offers trainings in first aid wherever she goes. But she also has a new found love for farming.“Now I am putting these farming skills to the test myself,” she says. “I plant around my house and I do different tests, trying other things, mixing different ingredients to make the compost.”For example, she says, if you apply too much compost to a patch of sweet potatoes, you might end up with plants that produce a lot of leaves but not much of a fruit, or in this case the root. Now that she’s got the farming bug she wants to keep developing her own green thumb. “I just learnt it on my own,” she says. “I was someone who did not really like farming. But now I love it.”“I intend to farm really big now. I want to grow maize and rice. Presently, rice is one of crops that is very expensive so I would like to experiment on techniques so it can be grown more affordably.”“But I have a lot to learn. I am still on the journey.”

Tree-planting champions of Sierra Leone: Leading the fight against climate change, one seedling at a time

With her watering can in hand, Mariam Albert carefully sprinkles each of the many tree seedlings that cover the ground around her. Someday these young trees will bear fruits and nuts, and provide oil, cacao and wood for local communities. Just as importantly, they will help diminish the impacts of climate change and deforestation, while providing a vital source of local income.The tree seedlings were planted by Miriam and others in a community nursery as part of the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society’s (SLRCS) Tree Planting and Care Project. As one of the project’s Tree Planting and Care Champions, Miriam sees her hard work as not just a duty; it is a passionate pursuit to secure a greener and healthier future for generations to come.“I take deep pride in seeing my community embrace our initiative,” she says. “The trees not only provide green cover but also benefit families nutritionally and economically. This is because we focus on fruit trees like cashew, oil palm, cacao, avocado, and timber trees such as Gmelina”.Her role as a Tree Planting and Care Champion goes beyond tending for plants. It’s also about inspiring a sense of environmental stewardship among fellow members of the Gbandi community, within the Baoma chiefdom of Bo District, Sierra Leone.Her responsibilities are multifaceted. She mobilizes the community, educating them on the importance of nurturing seeds, transplanting them, and providing ongoing care. Her leadership is pivotal in organizing regular community activities centered on environmental conservation.Funded by the Icelandic Red Cross and implemented with support from the Finnish Red Cross, the SLRCS’s Tree Planting and Care Project aims to combat deforestation, promote biodiversity, and mitigate climate change. It’s a vital response to the urgent need for environmental action in Sierra Leone and beyond.5 billion new trees across Africa by 2030The tree planting in Sierra Leone is part of a larger initiative that spans the African continent. In the face of increasing natural disasters and humanitarian crises in Africa, which are exacerbated by climate change and conflict, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) launched the Pan-African Tree Planting and Care Initiative in 2021.This initiative tackles these challenges by integrating environmental interventions with traditional humanitarian aid. It emphasizes large-scale tree planting and nature-based solutions to enhance climate adaptation, disaster-risk reduction, and improved food security.With a goal to plant and care for 5 billion trees by 2030, the initiative promotes sustainable practices, strengthens community resilience, and advocates for stronger policies that support environmental protection.Trees play a critical role in absorbing carbon dioxide, thus mitigating the causes of climate change while adapting landscapes to its consequences. They also reduce soil erosion, conserve biodiversity, and enhance water quality.The SLRCS empowers individual women, like Mariam, to lead and facilitate the tree-planting process in their respective communities. These women champions establish and maintain nursery sites, mobilize community members, and ensure the ongoing care of the trees until they reach maturity.To date, there are 52 dedicated women champions in 52 communities actively involved in similar efforts in Sierra Leone. Together, they have planted more than 55,000 trees, roughly 60 per cent of the project’s goal. SLRCS's planting efforts are ongoing, with the expectation that these numbers will continue to grow as champions like Mariam persist in their work.