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

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

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

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 

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

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

What is mpox? Your questions answered.

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

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

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

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

Empress Shôken Fund announces grants for 2023

The Empress Shôken Fund (ESF) is named after Her Majesty Empress Shôken of Japan who – at the 9th International Conference of the Red Cross – proposed the creation of an international fund to promote relief work in peacetime. The fund is administered by the Joint Commission of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which maintains close contact with the Permanent Mission of Japan in Geneva, the Japanese Red Cross Society and the Meiji Jingu Intercultural Research Institute in Japan. The imperial family, the Japanese government, the Japanese Red Cross and the Japanese people revere the memory of Her Majesty Empress Shôken, and their enduring regard for the Fund is evidenced by the regularity of their contributions to it. The Fund has a total value of more than 14 million Swiss francs and supports projects run by National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies that benefit the communities they serve in many different ways. The first grant was awarded in 1921 to help five European National Societies fight the spread of tuberculosis. Since then, more than15 million Swiss francs have been allocated to 171 National Societies. The grants are announced every year on 11April, the anniversary of the death of Her Majesty Empress Shôken. Increasingly, the Fund encourages new and innovative approaches with the potential to generate insights that will benefit our International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. 2023 selection process The Fund received 51 applications in 2022 for the 102nd distribution of income, covering a diverse range of humanitarian projects run by National Societies globally. The applications submitted featured more innovative proposals than in previous years, further confirming the need for the ESF to support innovation and experimentation within National Societies. This year the Joint Commission agreed to allocate a total of 367,187 Swiss francs to 13 projects in Albania, Belgium, Burundi, Eswatini, Fiji, Guinea, Honduras, Indonesia, Paraguay, Sudan, Syria, Thailand and Uruguay. The world’s current crises have impacted the performance of the fund, and ESF Joint Commission members have adjusted the process accordingly. This year the projects selected cover a variety of topics, including first aid and rescue, youth, disaster preparedness, health, and National Society development (NSD). The 2023 grants by theme The Fund continues to encourage new and innovative approaches, and this is clearly reflected in the selection of proposals to receive funding. Some National Societies are incubating and testing their innovative solutions and experimenting with a host of ideas and approaches. With their pilot methodology, they could potentially scale up and implement their initiatives with the support of other funding sources.In this category, the selected grantees are as follows: Pilot methodology The Honduran Red Cross has taken an innovative approach to volunteer empowerment and engagement. The goal of its project is to establish a fund that supports innovative micro-projects developed and led by local volunteers. This will help forge stronger links between the National Society and the communities it serves. It has designed a pilot with 12 micro-projects, responding to an identified need to grow activity at the branch level. The Uruguayan Red Cross is focusing efforts on improving mental health resilience among young people by providing training in schools, creating psychosocial support mechanisms and forming youth brigades. There is a growing need for youth mental health support, and this pilot in two schools will give the team an opportunity to learn and adapt their approach. The Indonesian Red Cross Society will pilot a community-based approach to environmental awareness and food security. A renovated community learning centre will be used to launch the pilot, which will engage over 100 stay-at-home spouses and 30 children. The project aims to tackle emerging issues, such as climate change, while building stronger community connections. Many National Societies have prioritized innovative solutions to combat the challenges of climate change. In this category, the selected beneficiaries, in addition to the Indonesian Red Cross Society, are as follows. Climate change Flooding is one of the most devastating natural hazards. The Belgian Red Cross will engage and empower young people impacted by floods to express and share their feelings on climate change through digital story telling. Simple to replicate and scalable, this initiative has the potential to give us tremendous insight and allow for powerful messages to be shared. As a means of addressing the challenges of climate change, the Burundi Red Cross will engage in implementing activities such as tree planting and promoting improved city waste management. The project is a youth volunteer-led initiative that will reduce youth unemployment. This comprehensive approach will result in significant learning opportunities. The Paraguayan Red Cross will develop a mobile app that will serve as an early warning system and educate communities on how they can respond to flooding in seven community districts. This solution is scalable, innovative and a sustainable approach to addressing community needs. Finally, the last group of beneficiaries will use their grants to address issues related to disaster preparedness, health and youth. In this category, the selected grantees are as follows. Disaster preparedness The Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society will improve data management processes for effective decision-making during emergencies in Eswatini by 2025. The main idea is to integrate and mainstream a mobile phone app dashboard into the existing National Society information management system and increase community participation (affected communities) in information sharing and management. Thailand is prone to natural hazards, which often cause devastating damage and loss of lives. Therefore, the Thai Red Cross Society aims to improve disaster readiness, mainly for earthquakes, by training children and young people using virtual reality simulation. The Sudanese Red Crescent will use the funds to support flood-affected women, providing them with cash, grants and livelihood tools to allow them to start their own business. The aim is to build resilience and longer-term recovery contexts for current and future crises by empowering the most vulnerable in a self-sustaining way. Health The Red Cross Society of Guinea will focus on developing a mobile health app to comprehensively improve the quality of basic emergency obstetric and neonatal care, especially for complex deliveries, with a view to reducing maternal and newborn mortality. Youth According to figures on human trafficking, Albania is a primary source country and the non-EU European country with the second highest number of victims. To address this threat, the Albanian Red Cross will use the grant to train staff and volunteers, with a view to activating peer-to-peer prevention in high schools. The National Society will reach out to other sister National Societies to build a strong network of certified trainers who will raise awareness through peer-to-peer activities. The Fiji Red Cross Society aims to overhaul its current volunteer programme, using the grant to implement end-to-end digitization to enhance the onboarding experience and increase the quality and cost-effectiveness of volunteer management. The idea is to also include community-level training that will generate meaningful learning and be easily replicable elsewhere. At present, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent has more than 18,000 staff and volunteers across its local branches who support it in carrying out its humanitarian mission. With a view to scaling up branch development by complementing other initiatives, the National Society will use the grant to digitize its policies for online courses that can be freely accessed at any time, making training more convenient for its network of staff and volunteers. ESF and learning The Fund constantly strives to generate insights from the projects implemented for the benefit of the whole Movement and to diversify its learning materials. Later this year, the Fund will join with the stakeholders of the other NSD funding mechanisms, namely the Capacity Building Fund (CBF) and the National Society Investment Alliance (NSIA),for a learning event, with the aim of sharing lessons learned and experiences from grantees across the different funds. It is important to recognize the diversity of National Societies within the network and the wide range of NSD support that is needed. The ESF and the other funding mechanisms (which focus more on NSD) operate in a complementary way, and togethertheyhave the capacity to meet this array of NSD and learning needs and support a broader transformation in our network.

National Society Investment Alliance: Funding announcement 2022

The National Society Investment Alliance (NSIA) is a pooled funding mechanism, run jointly by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). It provides flexible, multi-year funding to support the long-term development of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies—particularly those in complex emergencies and protracted crisis—so they can increase the reach and impact of their humanitarian services. The NSIA can award up to one million CHF of accelerator funding to any one National Society over a five-year period. In addition, bridge grants of up to 50,000 CHF over 12 months can help National Societies prepare the ground for future investment from the NSIA or from elsewhere. This year, the NSIA is pleased to announce that the following six National Societies have been selected for accelerator funding in 2022: Burundi Red Cross Kenya Red Cross Society Malawi Red Cross Society Russian Red Cross Society Syrian Arab Red Crescent Zambia Red Cross Society These National Societies will receive a significant investment of up to one million CHF, to be used over a maximum of five years, to help accelerate their journey towards long-term sustainability. Three of these National Societies (Syria, Malawi and Zambia) previously received NSIA bridge awards, proving once again the relevance of the fund’s phased approach towards sustainable development. In addition, 14 other National Societies will receive up to 50,000 CHF in bridge funding: Benin, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Nicaragua, Palestine, Panama, Rwanda, Sierra Leone. In total, the NSIA will allocate 5.4 million CHF to 20 different National Societies this year. This is more than double the funds allocated in 2021 and represents the largest annual allocation since the NSIA’s launch in 2019. This landmark allocation is made possible thanks to the generous support from the governments of Switzerland, the United States, Canada and Norway, and from the Norwegian and Netherlands’ National Societies. Both the ICRC and IFRC have also strongly reinforced their commitment, by allocating 10 million CHF and 2 million CHF respectively over the coming years. The Co-chairs of the NSIA Steering Committee, Xavier Castellanos, IFRC Under-Secretary General for National Society Development and Operations Coordination, and Olivier Ray, ICRC Director for Mobilization, Movement and Partnership, said: “We are pleased to have been able to select 20 National Societies’ initiatives for funding by the NSIA in 2022. Our vision and plans are becoming a reality. We see Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies operating in fragile contexts accessing funds for sustainably developing to deliver and scale up their humanitarian services. This is localization in action and at scale. It is particularly encouraging to see that the NSIA’s two-stage approach, with initial funds providing a springboard to help National Societies prepare for increased investment aimed at achieving sustained impact on the organization and vulnerable communities, is working. We hope to see many more National Societies planning and following this journey. 2022 will be remembered as a milestone for the NSIA. Our ambition is to maintain this momentum and continue to grow in the years to come. We see this mechanism as a valuable and strategic lever to support National Societies in fragile and crisis settings to undertake their journey towards sustainable development.” For more information, please click here to visit the NSIA webpage.

Burundi Red Cross

East Africa: Red Cross raises the alarm over a “triple menace” of floods, COVID-19 and locusts

Nairobi/Geneva, 20 May 2020—A series of mutually exacerbating disasters is unfolding in East Africa, on a scale rarely seen in decades, warned the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Ongoing heavy rain—which has killed nearly 300 and displaced about 500,000 people—has slowed down operations aimed at controlling the worst locust crisis in decades and increased the risk of the spread of COVID-19. Dr Simon Missiri, IFRC’s Regional Director for Africa said: “The ongoing flooding crisis is exacerbating other threats caused by COVID-19 and the invasion of locusts. Travel and movement restrictions meant to slow down the spread of COVID-19 are hampering efforts to combat swarms of locusts that are ravaging crops. Flooding is also a ‘threat amplifier’ with regards to the spread of COVID-19 as it makes it hard to implement preventive measures.” Flooding has left thousands of people homeless, many of them now seeking shelter in temporary accommodation centres where it is not easy or not possible at all to observe physical distancing. As a result, thousands are now at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 or waterborne diseases and need emergency food assistance. “We are facing an unusually complex humanitarian situation. We are worried that the number of people who are hungry and sick will increase in the coming weeks as flooding and COVID-19 continue to severely affect the coping capacity of many families in the region,” added Dr Missiri. “Harsh weather conditions are having a multiplier effect on an already difficult situation and this could potentially lead to worrying levels of food insecurity in the region.” Red Cross teams in the affected countries are rushing to respond to multi-faceted and overlapping crises. To respond to flooding, COVID-19 and locusts, the IFRC has provided over 7 million Swiss francs to Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies in East and Horn of Africa. Red Cross and Red Crescent teams in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda are helping communities mitigate the negative impacts of the triple disaster through community awareness and direct food and non-food support. In Kenya, the Red Cross is conducting assessments in 16 counties, using drones and satellite images. Red Cross teams are also airlifting household items to families that have been marooned by floods. “Flooding is a recurrent phenomenon in the region. To break this cycle, we call upon Governments and partners to invest more in preparedness and flood control methods,” said Dr MISSIRI.