Panama/Geneva,3November 2020 —Red Cross volunteers and staff in Nicaragua and Honduras have been preparing to deliver life-saving humanitarian assistance ahead of Hurricane Eta’s imminent landfall. The Honduran and Nicaraguan Red Cross have placed trained volunteers on high alert and have pre-positioned emergency supplies, including fuel, tarpaulins and other relief items. In both countries, the Red Cross has been urging people to have food, water, and other necessities available, and to consider personal protection measures, such as masks and hand sanitizer, for emergency go bags. Oscar Gutiérrez Somarriba, President of the Nicaraguan Red Cross’ National Council said: “We are monitoring the hurricane as it moves towards the coast Nicaragua and working with our teams in the areas on the storm’s predicted path to determine the best course of action in response to the conditions and to continue to support vulnerable communities.” Carlos Montes, Programme Director of the Honduran Red Cross said: “The Red Cross is working with communities to ensure they are ready to face hurricane conditions during this COVID-19 pandemic by sharing information about how to be ready for a disaster, along with the latest information about the storm.” Hurricane Eta is the 28thnamed storm of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, tying the record for the most named storms, previously set in 2005. In addition to supporting communities threatened or affected by disasters like Eta, IFRC advocates for measures designed to mitigate the humanitarian impact of these catastrophic events. Effective preparedness and early action saves lives and livelihoods.

September 22, 2020.- Since the activity of Sangay volcano have being increasing from early hours of September 20, the Ecuadorian Red Cross has activated the Early Action Protocol (EAP) with emergency funds from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which will allow it to immediately assist 1,000 families in rural communities that are being most affected. “The first actions have been for our volunteers in Chimborazo, Bolívar and Guayas to participate in the local Emergency Operations Committees. From the Provincial Branches, teams of volunteers were activated for damage assessment and needs analysis. In Bolivar, one of the most affected provinces, supplies such as masks were delivered, "says Roger Zambrano, National Coordinator of Risk Management and Emergency and Disaster Response of the Ecuadorian Red Cross. Due to the ash deposit threshold, the Ecuadorian Red Cross will deliver a thousand family health kits, which consist of N95 masks and eye protection glasses for adults and children, and one thousand animal protection kits, consisting of plastic tarps and tools so that communities can protect their animals and / or their crops. Also, the Cash Transfer Program will be activated through the delivery of IFRC debit cards. Since 2019, the EAP allows the Ecuadorian Red Cross to access funds to be prepared and pre-positioned for an event of this nature and to be able to take early actions immediately. The objective is to establish adequate early actions, using volcanic ash dispersion and deposition forecasts, which allow actions to be taken to protect the most vulnerable families and their livelihoods in the areas most potentially affected by volcanic ash. With this type of intervention, the aim is to better understand the behavior of disaster risks, prevent their impacts if possible, and reduce suffering and human losses. "We cannot prevent the occurrence of natural hazards, but we can use the information available to anticipate their consequences whenever possible," adds Ines Brill, head of the IFRC Delegation for Andean Countries. "Early action and effective preparedness can save people and their livelihoods."

by Melissa Monzon Santa Cruz, August 10, 10:00am. Magdalena gets ready for the arduous day. The situation room is activated. Today, volunteers and staff from the Bolivian Red Cross – Santa Cruz branch will be starting with the mission: to accompany the transportation of three trucks that will carry oxygen to different hospitals in the departments of Cochabamba, Oruro and La Paz. In Bolivia, cases of COVID-19 have been increasing in the last weeks, and in many hospitals, there is a shortage of oxygen. This is why this mission is so important. But it won’t be an easy one, there have been blockades in different parts of the country for days, so getting the caravan to its destination requires great coordination efforts. “The role that each volunteer has played in the operation has been very important, in dialogue with communities. Demonstrating the impartiality and neutrality of the organization and giving the population that confidence that the Red Cross was in a humanitarian mission.”, says Magdalena Choque, head of the team for the humanitarian convoy of the Bolivian Red Cross – Santa Cruz branch. “From the planning area we begun to develop the action plan, the security plan, the risk analysis, in accordance with the operation. A monitoring and logistics teams was activated, and a suitable and trained team was formed for this operation. Also, the monitoring area coordinated with the Cochabamba branch to give continuity to the humanitarian convoy”, she adds. Cochabamba, August 12, 04:00 am. Karla Vogt is awake early, monitoring that the transfer occurs withing security parameters. As the focal point of Safer Access, she ensures that the mission is carried out correctly, taking care of the safety of those who participate in it. It is already 17:00hrs., and the Santa Cruz branch is about to arrive at the meeting point to make the change with the Cochabamba branch; here, other volunteers and staff will take over to continue the journey until the oxygen is delivered to where it is needed. “One of the biggest challenges that we had was to maintain a constant coordination and monitoring; coordination with different organizations and government entities, to avoid subsequent risks. Demonstrating our humanitarian mission, and above all, respect for our fundamental principles, which allowed us to start dialogues and conversations at points of blockage.”, says Karla. “The branches and volunteers in the field have been able to adapt to the different changes, to a tense and difficult situation, and have been able to apply all the principles already instilled. The Bolivian Red Cross has been able to enhance these virtues in the volunteers and that is something very remarkable.” In total, there were more than 28 people, including volunteers and staff, who accompanied the caravan, throughout the six days since it left the city of Santa Cruz until it reached La Paz. The caravan transported 66 tons of oxygen, which supplied hospitals in different parts of the country. Coordination between five branches of the Bolivian Red Cross – Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, Chuquisaca, Oruro and La Paz – allowed that this to be achieved. It wasn’t an easy job, but everyone was convinced of the importance of the operation. “The volunteers and staff were the guardians of that key element to save lives at this time. I think we all had this in mind and put all the efforts, and all our hearts and all our knowledge and skills to achieve the goal”, concludes Karla.

By Fernando Gandarillas. Paraguay has the third highest incidence of dengue fever in the region. This is the third year in a row where there has been an intense outbreak of the disease. In 2020, the country has had the highest number of cases in its history (over 220,000 cases) and 73 people have died. The cities most affected are Asunción, Mariano, Limpio and Capiatá. The Paraguayan Red Cross has been working since the beginning of the year to support to the emergency in these locations; with the support of the IFRC they implemented dengue response projects reaching 1,280 families. The actions focused on generating educational activities for prevention, hygiene and sanitation, as well as the delivery of protection and hygiene kits. These activities suffered serious complications for their implementation with the appearance of the COVID-19 in the country. The COVID-19 pandemic has complicated the dengue work. "Due to mobility restrictions and social distancing measures, we were unable to continue with the activities we were carrying out in the communities," said Magali Paredes, Health Officer for Dengue and COVID-19 of the Paraguayan Red Cross. Much of the work with the community was done through community meetings, where workshops were used to share information. One of the most important tasks was the creation of community brigades to work on the prevention and response to dengue outbreaks at the local level. Some of the families living in affected areas work in garbage recycling. Many of the recycled items are stored by people in their backyards or in places close to where they live. This is where rainwater collects and where mosquito breeding takes place. Because of this direct link to people's ability to have income, the Red Cross projects were aimed at informing and training community members on how to prevent the spread of mosquito larvae without affecting economic activity. "We felt that there was always an important involvement and interest from community members because they knew that we are aware of this and that we want to work with them to find solutions," said Magali. Another piece of the work that the Paraguayan Red Cross has been doing focused on 12 schools in these cities. They work with children to teach them about dengue prevention measures. But, when the isolation measures were adopted, the children stopped going to school. Due to these circumstances the Red Cross is working to generate a process of training teachers. The Red Cross included a COVID-19 component in community actions since the outbreak of the virus. The creation of community brigades has been key to disseminating information and promoting prevention actions for both dengue and the new coronavirus. In addition, community surveillance mechanisms were created that involve coordinated work between community members and the local Family Health Unit (local public health care point) so that people can report, without fear of being discriminated against, if they have been in contact with people who have tested positive for COVID-19 or if they have been seriously exposed to the virus. "Many times people do not want to report their health condition, if they are showing symptoms or if they have been in contact with people with COVID-19 because they feel observed," said Magali. The Red Cross has worked as an intermediary between the community and this state entity to facilitate conditions that create security for informants. The National Society is working to share information around COVID-19 and dengue fever at the same time. The work carried out by the Paraguayan Red Cross has been sustained with the active participation of dozens of volunteers. One of the most important results of the project has been to achieve empowerment of the people in the affected communities.

Panama/Port of Spain, 23 July 2020 — The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is preparing a humanitarian response as the Caribbean braces for their first tropical storm of 2020.A hurricane watch is in effect for Barbados, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and a tropical storm watch is in effect for the islands of Tobago, St. Lucia, and Grenada. Heavy rainfall, flash flooding and high winds are expected from Friday night through Sunday night.Effective preparedness and early action in disaster saves lives and livelihoods. The Red Cross is working with communities to ensure they are ready to address possible hurricane conditions during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.Across the Caribbean Red Cross volunteers are sharing early warning and preparedness messages, urging people to have food, water, and other necessities available, and to consider personal protection measures, such as masks and hand sanitizer, for emergency go bags.“Tropical storm Gonzalo has the potential to create a very difficult situation if it makes landfall in the Caribbean, placing greater pressures on vulnerable communities already dealing with COVID-19,” said Walter Cotte, IFRC Regional Director for the Americas.“COVID-19 can also hamper our response to a disaster with public health restrictions in place. Using humanitarian diplomacy, we are working with governments, advocating for flexibility in the regulatory framework to allow access and movement of humanitarian goods to ensure access in case of disaster in the region.”In Barbados, Red Cross volunteers and staff are meeting with organizations and government to update emergency response processes, and have been working with the department of emergency management to support community disaster risk teams and to give psychosocial support training to members of district emergency organizations.To mitigate the impacts of a hurricane and associated flooding, emergency supplies are pre-positioned in key areas throughout the region.Latin America and the Caribbean are regions very prone to disasters. The IFRC advocates climate change adaptation measures to mitigate the humanitarian impact of these disasters.

By Melissa MonzonAt 3695 meters above sea level is Tata Santiago camp, located in the district of Pisiga, Bolivia, on the border with Chile. This camp was conditioned to receive the people who were returning to Bolivia, and who had to comply with mandatory isolation as a preventive measure, before continuing their way to their respective destinations within the country.The camp had a capacity of more than 400 people and was designed so that those who were there could access various services. There were approximately three thousand people who passed through the camp, in different shifts, from its opening almost three months ago, until its closure on Wednesday, July 1st.All the people who passed through Tata Santiago were on their way home in different locations of the country; some traveled alone, some with their families. Many had temporary jobs in the neighboring country of Chile, but in the context of COVID-19, they lost them, and because they didn’t have an income anymore, decided to return to Bolivia.Being able to communicate with their families became very important in the two weeks each shift had to stay in the camp. For this reason, the Bolivian Red Cross granted the service of restoring family links, which allowed people to be in contact with those they love during their stay in the camp.Inter-institutional coordination becomes a key factor in cases like this, and the Bolivian Red Cross knows it well. For this reason, they coordinated with the Vice Ministry of Civil Defence, for actions for the administration of the camp, and with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for the management and coverage of basic humanitarian needs. On the other hand, in coordination with Civil Defence, the capacity of the camp could be increased so that the sheltered had a decent and safe standard of living. In addition, BRC also coordinate with the health system to attend the necessary cases.Finally, coordination was made with each new group that arrived at the camp, for the support in cleaning tasks and food delivery, as well as the co-habitation rules, such as the time of use of each room, and mainly, they underwent constant medical checks during their stay. A didactic room was stablished for the children, where they painted, played and watched movies. In this way, everyone collaborated for a good coexistence.The Bolivian Red Cross has also been supporting the administration of two other camps in the frontiers with Brasil and Argentina. Also, in the response to COVID-19, it has been providing health care and psychosocial support, disinfections services, delivery of food and hygiene kits, and information por prevention and care in Spanish and in native languages.

Geneva/Panama, 1 July 2020–The continued rapid spread of COVID-19 in the Americas and its aggravating influence on disasters and other health emergencies in the region is “extremely concerning”, according to the President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Speaking at a press conference in Geneva, Switzerland, IFRC President Francesco Rocca highlighted his concern about a growing apathy in some parts of the world about the virus: “We have said from the beginning that‘None of us are safe until all of us are safe’.That remains true. The first wave is not over, and we haven’t yet reached the peak of this outbreak.” While in some parts of the world COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted, the situation in many parts of the Americas is worsening. With already more than 5 million confirmed COVID-19 cases and more than 240,000 deaths, the Americas is the region most affected by the virus. Now, there is growing concern that the health emergency caused by the virus could worsen with the arrival of the southern winter, the South American flu season, and the hurricane season in the Caribbean. President Rocca said: “Disasters do not stop. Across Central America and the Caribbean, we are working intensely, together with Red Cross Societies, to prepare for the hurricane season. However, the isolation and quarantine measures that are necessary for halting the virus are making the task of preparedness even more difficult. And at the same time, our response teams are already very active in dealing with the pandemic.” The pandemic is also placing immense pressure on health care and management systems in the region and is having an impact on the ability of health systems and aid groups to respond to other outbreaks, such as dengue. Increasingly, Red Cross volunteers and staff are seeing a co-occurrence of COVID-19 and dengue in many communities, with both diseases affecting the same vulnerable groups, especially people living in overcrowded and underserviced urban areas. The impact of COVID-19 can overshadow the severity of dengue outbreaks by diverting the attention of health professionals from maintaining dengue control at the community level. COVID-19 is also having an impact on migration. Several countries in Central and South America have experienced changes in migratory flows as a consequence of restrictive measures taken in the context of COVID-19. For example, in Central America migrants are blocked in a number of transit countries due to border closures. In other countries, there is a visible trend of "voluntary returns" of migrants to countries of origin, because of a loss of income opportunities and worsening of livelihood conditions in transit and destination countries.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is preparing for the 2020 Hurricane Season in the Atlantic and Pacific regions, as the second storm of the season crosses the northern Caribbean. Walter Cotte, IFRC Regional Director for the Americas, said the prediction of the 2020 hurricane season as an above-normal year, with 13 to 19 named storms, in conjunction with the COVID-19 pandemic, is cause for concern. “Although we are focused on addressing COVID-19 we must also think ahead to preparing for the hurricane season. One of the main challenges is going to be logistical, as public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have caused closures of borders and restrictions on movements.” Red Cross organizations from across Latin America and the Caribbean are sharing messages of preparedness, urging people to have food, water, and other necessities on hand as it may take longer for help to arrive. Red Cross also encourages governments to support humanitarian efforts. “Using humanitarian diplomacy, we are working with governments, advocating for flexibility in the regulatory framework to allow access and movement of humanitarian goods to ensure access in case of disaster in the region,” Cotte said. “Also, to try and mitigate the impacts of a hurricane and associated flooding and landslides we are have pre-positioned about 200 tonnes of emergency supplies in key areas throughout the region.” During a meeting of Red Cross National Societies this week, planning for the hurricane season is under way. Strategies are changing to reflect the reality of COVID-19, for example in Trinidad and Tobago, where they are conducting online refresher trainings with community emergency response team volunteers and shelter managers. Hundreds of Red Cross volunteers are being mobilized across the region to share early warning messages, help communities prepare and support after disaster where needed. Early action and effective preparedness can save lives and livelihoods. Latin America and the Caribbean are regions of the world most prone to disasters. The IFRC advocates climate change adaptation measures to mitigate the humanitarian impact of these disasters, especially in urban populations.

"With what we receive, we don't have enough to eat, or to rent, for anything. We have to sleep in the street and expose ourselves to the virus," says José Gregorio, one of the hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan migrants living in Ecuador. José is part of a population that works in the informal market, selling candy on the streets of Quito. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), there were 330,000 Venezuelans in this country by the end of 2019. The health emergency caused by COVID-19 has complicated the living conditions of migrant populations. One of the main effects is the reduction of their livelihoods. Many migrants obtained their income from businesses or jobs that have been forced to close temporarily because of the emergency. Others work in the informal sector and find it very difficult to pay for their rent, food, health, and access to basic services. The Ecuadorian Red Cross has provided humanitarian assistance with the delivery of hygiene kits and food. In the province of Pichincha, the National Society has delivered 4,630 food kits, while in Guayas, 500 were delivered. In addition, 1,000 hygiene kits were distributed between Guayas, Pichincha and five other provinces. This aid was aimed at people in vulnerable situations, including migrants. "All our actions are coordinated with the state so as not to duplicate efforts and help in the most efficient way. In the case of the Province of Pichincha, we work with the Metropolitan Emergency Operations Centre. Similarly, we have articulated cooperation actions with the private sector, which has been key to mobilizing resources during the emergency," says Roberto Bonilla, technician of the Ecuadorian Red Cross. One of the serious problems faced by migrants is psychological distress. The distance from their families, the anxiety generated during quarantine, as well as the stigma and discrimination they often suffer, are situations that can create depression. The Ecuadorian Red Cross has been using teleassistance to provide psychosocial support. This is a service that is open to the entire community, including the migrant population and involves mental health volunteers who provide support from different parts of the country. According to Roger Zambrano, National Coordinator of Risk Management of the Ecuadorian Red Cross, the institution is currently carrying out a process of preparation for its volunteers with a view to extending its actions on the ground, in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak. "The safety of our volunteers and staff comes first," he says. "We are developing biosecurity protocols and procedures, as well as face-to-face and virtual training. We are also arranging for protective equipment to be sent to our volunteers. The idea is to expand our activities in the country, guaranteeing the well-being of our staff".

[et_pb_section bb_built="1"][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_image _builder_version="3.7" src="http://media.ifrc.org/ifrc/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/20191105_Bahamas-hurricane-dorian_IMG_LS_2-1.jpg" /][et_pb_text _builder_version="3.7"] By Angela Hill, IFRC In the three months since Hurricane Dorian struck the Bahamas, devastating parts of the islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco, the Red Cross has helped thousands of families with emergency, life-saving relief, financial assistance, psychosocial support. As people return to their home island to start recovery, the Red Cross is providing ongoing support. More than six weeks after they evacuated Murphy Town, on Abaco Island, Della and Jacob Davis returned to the place they call home. Like many, they had trouble recognizing their community it was so changed by the Category 5 storm. Della recalls the night of the storm like it was yesterday. She said she remembered the water was up to the windows, and parts of the roof had been blown off when she heard people calling. “The water was so high, my heart wouldn’t allow to let the people stay out there in that time,” she said. “I said … ‘I can’t let these people die out there.’” She invited them all into their home and waited as the water came in higher. “If the water had come up any higher we would have just stood there and died because we didn’t have any other place to go.” Everyone in the house evacuated to Nassau. Jacob said that as people return to Abaco they “try to be there for each other.” Red Cross was able to support the couple with emergency relief. While some people are returning home to Abaco, others plan to stay in Nassau, at least in the near future. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image _builder_version="3.7" src="http://media.ifrc.org/ifrc/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/20191019_Bahamas-hurricane-dorian-IMG_LS_1-1.jpg" /][et_pb_text _builder_version="3.7"] Laurel Dean and her sister Emilyann Johnson evacuated to New Providence island, in the aftermath of the Hurricane Dorian. Both are working hard to get themselves and their families back on their feet. “When you have that mindset, there is nothing else you can do just push forward,” Emilyann said. “You work hand in hand with us,” she said of the Red Cross support the pair received. During a recent financial distribution, more than one family left in tears of joy. Over and over people said how grateful they were, how Christmas is coming and how they didn’t know how they could continue to make ends meet and have a Christmas celebration for their family. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image _builder_version="3.7" src="http://media.ifrc.org/ifrc/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/20191129_Bahamas-Hurricane-Dorian_IMG_LS_1-1-DA.jpg" /][et_pb_text _builder_version="3.7"] Ray and Agnes Cumberbatch hugged every volunteer in the building after they received assistance in Grand Bahama. “I came in here burdened. I had a lot going on, I had a lot on my mind, with the passing of Hurricane Dorian and walking in here just now and then leaving, I’m just ‘wow,’” Agnes said. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Panama/Geneva/Bahamas, 2 December 2019 – Three months after communities across the Bahamas were devastated by Hurricane Dorian, the Red Cross has supported more than 9,000 families by providing emergency relief, psychosocial support, and financial assistance. In the aftermath of the storm, Laurel Dean, her sister Emilyann Johnson, and their children were evacuated to Nassau. Their home on Abaco Island was destroyed, so the sisters are finding jobs, enrolling their kids in school and working hard to get back on their feet. “When you have that mindset, there is nothing else you can do except just push forward,” Emilyann said. The Red Cross is supporting their recovery through financial assistance. Volunteers and staff from the Bahamas Red Cross have been supporting affected communities since Hurricane Dorian made landfall on 1 September. The Category 5 storm remained in the Bahamas for almost two days, causing widespread destruction to homes and infrastructure – particularly on the northern islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco. Three months later, communities have regained teleconnectivity, road access has improved, and ports and airports are operational again. Many residents are starting to return home to Abaco and Grand Bahama to assess the damage to their homes and determine their next steps. Red Cross and Red Crescent partners, including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) continue to support people affected by the disaster. The emergency relief phase is now transitioning into one of long-term recovery. Ongoing interventions include health care, water, sanitation and hygiene, financial assistance, and activities designed to prevent and respond to violence against vulnerable groups. Walter Cotte, IFRC’s Regional Director for the Americas, said: “Extreme weather events like Hurricane Dorian can’t be prevented, but they don’t have to become disasters of the scale we saw in the Bahamas. “We now need to rebuild and repair with the next hurricane in mind, by ensuring communities have stronger buildings and more resilient infrastructure. This will greatly reduce the impact of future hazards by reducing long-term vulnerabilities across the islands and limiting people’s exposure to potentially catastrophic climate-related events.”

Panama/Geneva, 27 September 2019–-As dengue spreads rapidly across Central America, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is scaling up emergency assistance to help countries contain the mosquito borne viral disease. In Honduras, more than 71,200 people have been affected by the disease making it the worst outbreak in the country’s history. Nearly one quarter of the cases reported were classified as severe dengue and more than 65 percent of the 128 deaths so far are children under 15. Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Costa Rica are also reporting massive increases in dengue cases compared to previous years. Dr Maria Franca Tallarico, Head of Health at IFRC’s Regional Office for the Americas said: “Dengue is endemic across the Americas, but what is very concerning in this outbreak is that the majority of the cases and deaths are occurring in children under 15. This is due to a lack of immunity in young people to the deadliest of the four strains of dengue currently circulating in the region.” A combination of seasonal rains and warming temperatures are being blamed for dengue’s rapid spread--creating more stagnant pools that are perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. There are rising concerns that this will make the outbreak will be harder to contain. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rising global temperatures rainfall patterns linked to climate change could significantly modify vector-borne diseases and their effect on human populations—making epidemics more difficult to predict and control. Teams of Red Cross volunteers in affected Central American countries have been supporting government efforts to slow the outbreak—providing door to door awareness raising about the disease and how to prevent it. With their unique access to affected communities, the Red Cross volunteers are helping to clean up mosquito breeding sites or accompanying health workers to identify cases. Dr Tallarico said: “The size of this outbreak is unprecedented across Central America. Dengue is a disease that affects the most vulnerable--those who live in places where there is poor sanitation and where mosquitoes thrive. But the disease can be contained if governments and communities work together to raise awareness, access medical care and clean up the environment. This is what the Red Cross teams across affected countries are focused on doing.” The IFRC has launched a regional appeal seeking a total of 2.9 million Swiss francs to support the National Red Cross Societies in Central America to deliver assistance and support to 550,000 people for 12 months. The appeal will focus on community health, water and sanitation and promoting behaviours changes that prevent the decease. Dengue cases have increased 30-fold over the last 50 years, according to the World Health Organization. As one of the world’s fastest growing diseases, dengue is endemic in 100 countries infecting up to50-100 million people a year.

Geneva, 2 September 2019 – Hurricane Dorian has caused extensive damage across the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama in the Bahamas, according to rapid initial assessments from authorities and Red Cross officials on the ground. According to these reports, Dorian’s ferocious category 5 winds and rains have damaged houses and other buildings, leaving many people without adequate shelter. As many as 13,000 houses may have been severely damaged or destroyed. On the island of Abaco, extensive flooding is believed to have contaminated wells with saltwater, creating an urgent need for clean water. Sune Bulow, Head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ (IFRC) Emergency Operation Centre in Geneva, said: “We don’t yet have a complete picture of what has happened. But it is clear that Hurricane Dorian has had a catastrophic impact. We anticipate extensive shelter needs, alongside the need for short-term economic support, as well as for clean water and health assistance.” IFRC has this morning released 250,000 Swiss francs from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to bolster the first wave of the Bahamas Red Cross’ response. About 500 families will receive emergency shelter assistance, including tarpaulins, blankets, kitchen sets, and solar cell phone chargers. The same families will also be provided with unconditional cash grants, which will allow them to repair and replace what they have lost, while also helping to bolster local economies in the short term. IFRC deployed a disaster management coordinator to Bahamas ahead of Dorian’s landfall in anticipation of emergency response needs. Hurricane Dorian is now heading towards Florida and the US’ eastern coast. According to the American Red Cross, 19 million people live in areas that could be impacted by the storm, with as many as 50,000 people in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina potentially in need of emergency shelter depending on its impact. Hundreds of trained Red Cross volunteers, emergency response vehicles and more than 30 truck loads of relief supplies are being mobilized to help people living in the path of Hurricane Dorian. Donate to the Bahamas - Hurricane Dorian campaign: Donate

Caracas/Panama/Geneva/Rome, 31 July 2019 – A consignment of 34 tons of medicines and medical supplies arrived at Caracas international airport this morning from Italy, the president of the Venezuelan Red Cross, Dr. Mario Villarroel, has confirmed.This consignment was sent by Italian Red Cross, with the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and private donors: this is an in-kind donation of 3 million euro to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) 50 million Swiss franc emergency appeal which aims to bring a range of health services to 650,000 people in Venezuela over 12 months.The shipment that arrived today includes essential medicines such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, health disposables and a range of medical equipment such as defibrillators.The IFRC operation is focusing on supporting Venezuelan health centres, including the Venezuelan Red Cross’ health network, with medicines and equipment. The operation will also ensure that hospitals and clinics that are being supported have access to clean water and effective sanitation.Francesco Rocca, President of IFRC and the Italian Red Cross, said: “This consignment will enable us to expand our operation, scaling up our support to Venezuelan health facilities and ensuring that vulnerable people can access this much-needed support. “We know this consignment will not meet all the needs in the country: we call on all partners and donors to support our appeal to alleviate the suffering of the Venezuelans. I thank the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Italian donors who supported us in this new consignment.”Dr Mario Villarroel, President of the Venezuelan Red Cross, said: "Humanitarian aid saves lives and the Venezuelan Red Cross seeks to support the country's health needs. This is support for the people most in need, which has always been the spirit of our humanitarian work.”

Luimer Guerrero arrived to Bucaramanga, Colombia, over a year ago with his two children, his wife and his mother-in-law on a bus that they took with the help of their religious congregation in Venezuela. Luimer undertook his journey full of dreams and expectations with the conviction that he would have new opportunities to reemerge in a country he did not completely know. And as if it was a sign, the first place they approached was the Center for Solidary Attention and Support (CASA by its acronym in Spanish) of the Colombian Red Cross. There they received information that would be among the most important for him and his family, the explanation on how to obtain the Special Permit of Permanence (PEP), a document that the Colombian Government gives to Venezuelan migrants. For Luimer, that was his first contact with a group of people he now considers a family and an "impressive" organization, the Colombian Red Cross. After this, there were other opportunities; the Colombian Red Cross arrived with medicine and organized health days in the place where Luimer was living together with dozens of people. On another occasion, Luimer says that in the middle of a dental emergency, and without knowing exactly where to go, they approached the humanitarian institution and paid attention to them. “They helped us get to the nearest place where we could get help; I can say that whenever we ask for help we find a helping hand for myself and my family. ” Music, a blessing of life Today, this Venezuelan migrant is a music teacher thanks to the Red Cross staff who encouraged him to teach and to the people who met him and recommended him with his friends. He has 25 students among children, adults and groups of young people who are taught an art that makes their hearts happy and it is also the work that allows him to support his family. Bucaramanga (Santander) has been for Guerrero a space in which he has been able to learn from Colombian culture and at the same time has been an opportunity to be an ambassador of the Venezuelan chords with which he grew up. Music has been and will remain a seal throughout his life. Guerrero insists that to get ahead in Colombia and anywhere in the world you need to have an entrepreneurial mind. For this reason he has formed his StaffGL music academy, and thanks to his entrepreneurship he has been on several stages, one of them the Casa del Libro in Bucaramanga (Santander). His wife, meanwhile, is also working on an espresso coffee initiative. Luimer is hopeful and ensures that with effort and dedication he will keep moving forward.

Buenos Aires/Panama/Geneva, 17 May 2018 – Red Cross leaders from across the Americas and around the world are gathering in Buenos Aires from 21-23 May for the 21st Inter-American Conference of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).The conference will involve leaders and representatives from the 35 Red Cross societies of the Americas, as well as global IFRC figures. Participants will explore a range of issues, including: the rising needs of vulnerable migrants across the region, the increasing impacts of climate change, the Red Cross response to humanitarian crises, the centenary of the founding of IFRC – the world’s largest humanitarian network.Media opportunitiesRed Cross spokespeople are available to speak on all topics related to the conference, as well as on issues of humanitarian concern. Spokespeople include: Francesco Rocca, President of IFRC (Languages: Spanish/English/Italian Diego Tipping: President of the Argentine Red Cross (Languages: Spanish). Miguel Villaroel: IFRC Vice-president for the Americas (Languages: English/Spanish).Other Red Cross experts and leaders are also available on request.

Caracas/Panama/Geneva, 29 March 2019— The President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has announced that IFRC will have unhindered access to bring humanitarian aid into Venezuela to support a major scale up of medical care and other assistance by the Venezuela Red Cross. The announcement comes after a series of meetings this week in the Venezuelan capital Caracas with institutions and humanitarian, social and political groups. Speaking at a press conference in Caracas, IFRC President Francesco Rocca said: “The IFRC will be able to scale up health activities across the country in a manner that is independent, neutral, impartial and unhindered, reaching more vulnerable people.” “In a country torn apart by the struggle between powers, the power of humanity has prevailed. This is a crucial step forward in expanding humanitarian services in Venezuela, with a specific focus on health, saving more lives, and alleviating the suffering of vulnerable people who are facing a dire situation.” With IFRC support, the Venezuelan Red Cross currently runs a network of 8 hospitals and 33 medical clinics. It also offers community-based medical screenings, consultations and disease prevention and hygiene programs. The Venezuelan Red Cross has more than 2,600 volunteers working across the country, including 500 who deliver first aid. “As we scale up our operations, we can count on the committed Venezuelan Red Cross volunteers to reach people in need, whoever they are and wherever they are, with health care as the priority,” said Mr Rocca.

Caracas/Geneva, 8 February 2019 – The President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has strongly defended principled humanitarian action, calling on stakeholders in Venezuela and around the world to respect the neutral, impartial and independent nature of the Red Cross’ humanitarian work in the country. Speaking at a press conference in the Venezuela capital Caracas, IFRC President Francesco Rocca said: “The focus of the Red Cross in Venezuela – as it is around the world – is on responding to the needs of the people, without regard for their social status or political views”, said Mr Rocca. “This commitment to humanitarian principles – to neutrality, impartiality and independence – means that Red Cross volunteers are trusted and able to reach communities and people in need. Our work is not political. Don’t politicize us,” said Mr Rocca. The situation in Venezuela is evolving constantly. According to the UN, more than 3 million people have left the country since mid-2017 – an historic phenomenon that has triggered humanitarian relief efforts across the region, while also creating knock-on effects in Venezuela. The Venezuelan Red Cross has more than 2,600 active volunteers across the country and operates eight hospitals and 38 outpatient clinics. In 2018 alone, these facilities provided services to more than 1 million Venezuelans. “I want to also recognize the tremendous dedication and courage of Red Cross volunteers,” said Mr Rocca. “We salute you, we stand with you, and we are ready to scale up and expand our support so that you have the resources to reach all those who need your help.”

Panama/Geneva, 10 September 2018 – The largest movement of people across the Americas in recent years is causing growing humanitarian needs across the region, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said today.According to the United Nations, around 2.3 million people are believed to be on the move. The situation is especially increasing in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Uruguay, Peru, Argentina, Chile, and several countries in the Caribbean.Mr Walter Cotte, IFRC Regional Director for the Americas, said: “America is a continent of migrants, but the volume of people on the move at this time is overwhelming – and so are the humanitarian needs.“We are especially concerned about emerging health needs among migrants and host communities, including the emergence of life-threatening diseases such as measles, diphtheria, malaria and tuberculosis, among others. It is imperative that people have access to basic health care, clean water and sanitation.”In addition to concerns over disease outbreaks, Red Cross volunteers and staff are also warning that people who have non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension are especially vulnerable due to the long delay in getting proper treatment. It is also important to consider actions to promote social inclusion, to enhance mutual awareness and understanding between migrant and transit and host communities.IFRC has launched a 7.4 million Swiss franc regional appeal to bolster the Red Cross response. In addition to health services, the appeal is also seeking funds for efforts to strengthen social cohesion, and to respond to needs created within host communities.Mr Cotte said: “The fast rise in the number of migrants has put a lot of pressure on the region's public health systems and on the social dynamics of host countries.“Our regional appeal and the assistance we provide will focus on the dignified and safe treatment of people across the migratory cycle. The human rights of migrants - particularly children, women, and people affected by human trafficking - must be protected and promoted.”IFRC and National Red Cross Societies are working closely with Governments, national and international humanitarian actors and other partners, including from the private sector.In July 2018, IFRC launched a revised 4.8 million Swiss franc Emergency Appeal on behalf of the Colombia Red Cross, to support 120,000 of the most vulnerable people on the move over a 12-month period.

Panama/Geneva, 31 August 2018 – Help, respect and compassion are needed in response to the massive and continuous movement of people across Venezuela and several other countries in the Americas, the President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said today.It is estimated that between 1.6 million and 4 million people are currently on the move in search of relief from instability or insecurity in their home countries.Mr Francesco Rocca, President of IFRC, said: “It´s been a long time since the Americas has seen such a large movement of people, and the situation is affecting several countries in the region. This will become a very serious crisis if they are met with hostility and exclusion, instead of the help, respect and compassion that all vulnerable people need, no matter who they are or where they are from.”IFRC is increasingly concerned about the safety of older migrants, women and children on the move across the Americas region and has carried out a detailed assessment of the situation in Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Ecuador and Peru. The risk of diseases such as measles, diphtheria and tuberculosis is high, and IFRC is increasing the support given to National Red Cross Societies working to meet the growing humanitarian needs.Mr Rocca said: “Our Red Cross volunteers and staff are reporting high numbers of people on the road with serious medical needs that require urgent attention.“People have many reasons for crossing a border, but all human beings deserve to be treated with dignity and they must be able to access basic health services on their journeys. Lives are at stake, and our humanity must be allowed to extend across borders.”National Red Cross Societies are working together closely to support the most vulnerable people on the move across the region and the host communities they pass through, with a focus on health care, psychosocial support, water and hygiene, shelter, food, protection and the development of livelihood strategies. IFRC is supporting the regional Red Cross network and coordinating with other agencies that are responding to the growing crisis.