Between sirens and hope: Magen David Adom in Israel continues to provide emergency relief to communities impacted by conflict

This article is based on the emergency response efforts as of 2 April 2026.In Israel, Magen David Adom (MDA) has raised its alert level to maximum, mobilizing all ambulances, intensive care units, emergency motorcycles, and rapid response vehicles nationwide.MDA teams have treated and transported more than 1,700 injured people to hospitals, providing lifesaving care in several cities impacted by missile attacks.They are also conducting secondary transfers of bedridden and ventilated patients from non-sheltered facilities to protected locations, while leading a national blood-donation campaign in secure sites and offering public webinars with clear, life-saving guidance for civilians during missile attacks.Here are the stories of three MDA first responders who share their frustrations and sadness about what they’ve experienced, as well as the satisfaction, pride and hope that comes when lives are saved.‘A feeling of helplessness’“This is something that I will probably, I'll carry with me for life, the feeling of helplessness in being able to help someone in such a dire experience,”says Magen David Adom paramedic Avigail Danino, who was among the first responders who treated the injured after a missile strike on Beit Shemesh in Israel, where nine people were killed and dozens injured.“Sunday morning when the [missile] fall in Beit Shemesh happened, I was one of the paramedics on call with an ambulance,”she recalls. “Once I arrived at the scene I understood that there was a complex destruction area.“One of the people that I had to treat was someone who lives by the crash site. Additionally, he has a brother who lives nearby the crash site, and he knew that his brother went[there] during the sirens to the safe place where the crash occurred.”That’s when the man saw emergency medical personnel removing a body from the place where the missile struck.“He saw a gurney with a body bag over it and he recognized his brother's shoes, and that's how he understood that his brother was killed during the missile attack.”Frustration that ‘doesn’t go away’Magen David Adom volunteer EMT Reuven Harow was also among the first responders who treated the injured after the same missile strike on Beit Shemesh in Israel.“I got here at that point we just looked for how can we help and the way to help find somebody who needs help and take them to the hospital,” he says, recalling the team’s rapid response.“I found a woman who was having trouble breathing. I put her in the ambulance and took her and we got her out of here and then I came back and went to see what else I could do to help.Harow says that as a volunteer for Magen David Adom, he feels proud that he can help friends and neighbors in the city where he grew up and raised a family. “The fact that I can put on my shirt or I can put on my emergency vest, and I can go out and I can help people, and it's a tremendous feeling of satisfaction that I get from the work that I do.”But he adds that because this is happening in his hometown, “the level of frustration that you feel when you can't fix something, it doesn't go away.”'It was a surreal moment' — an MDA paramedic welcomed new life amid the sirensMDA Paramedic Elad Pas was transporting a woman in labor from one of the Bedouin communities in southern Israel, when he realized that the baby was about to be born, and that he would need to deliver the baby himself.“The baby was born blue and wasn’t breathing,” he recalled. “We had to provide ventilation until his condition improved, and he began breathing on his own.”During those tense minutes, the team provided professional medical care while also following safety procedures due to alarms sounding in the area.“It was a surreal moment,” said Elad, who is himself a father of five who has served with Magen David Adom for twenty years. “On one hand, the background noise of sirens and uncertainty; on the other, a newborn baby — a powerful symbol of life and hope. All I wanted was to protect him and give him one more moment of safety.”For Elad, the experience reflects the deeper meaning of his work. “When I’m with a patient, I am completely there for that person,” he explained. “We often face people’s most difficult moments and sometimes, like this time, their very first.”He added that this constant encounter with the extremes of life provides perspective and inner strength. “It reminds me to appreciate health, family, and the everyday things we often take for granted. We see sorrow and loss, but also incredible moments of humanity and renewal.”“Magen David Adom brings together people from all parts of Israeli society — Jews and Arabs, religious and secular, young and old, united by one mission: saving lives. I only wish that this spirit of solidarity could spread further. It truly shows what is possible.”The newborn and his mother are both well.

World Health Day 2026: How quick local action helped a small community in Nepal beat back Cholera

In late October 2025, the quiet rhythm of life in Ward 5 of Chhinnamasta Rural Municipality, was abruptly broken. Families in this remote corner of Nepal’s Saptari District began rushing loved ones to the nearest health post as a sudden wave of Cholera swept through the settlement.Within days, three lives were lost: a young child, a toddler, and an elderly grandparent. For a small, marginalised community already living on the edge, the losses felt unbearable.“We didn’t understand what was happening,” one mother later shared with Red Cross teams. “We only knew our children were getting sick, and so fast.”Most families here depend on nearby ponds and rivers for drinking, cooking, and washing. Those same waters carried invisible dangers.With open defecation widespreadand no proper sanitation facilities, contamination was unavoidable. Illness was common. Reporting it was not.This time, the consequences were devastating. Yet in the midst of this chaos, something powerful began to unfold communities began to reach for one another.When every hour mattersAs cases rose, frontline health workers quickly recognized the signs of cholera. Their swift action set off a chain of alerts that travelled from village lanes to Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), led by the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD).Several months earlier, the EDCD had deployed rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for cholera provided by Gavi. To ensure their effective use for surveillance, a project hosted by the IFRC (the Country Support Platform - Global Task Force on Cholera Control) supported nationwide training of health professionals on the use of cholera RDT kits.This meant that the community got a quick answer what disease they were confronting.For families who had already watched loved ones die, the diagnosis brought both fear and clarity. This time, though, they were not facing it alone. Within days, health authorities, local officials, and humanitarian partners were on the ground.Drawing on the lessons from the cholera outbreak in Birgunj, a neighboring community, just months earlier, the response was very rapid. (The Birguni response was supported in part by funding from the IFRC's Disaster Response Emergency Fund, or IFRC-DREF).In Chhinnamasta, action began within 3–4 days, an achievement rooted not in only in epidemic response systems, but in people: the health worker who raised the alarm, the laboratory teams who worked through the night, the volunteers who went house to house to warn neighbours.While the response in Chhinamasta did not come directly under the Nepal Red Cross response funded by IFRC-DREF, it did benefit from the experiences and lessons learnt from other recent IFRC-DREF operations in Birgunj and other municipalities.Partnerships grounded in trustWhen EDCD asked for support, Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) volunteers became the bridge between institutions and families. They knew the settlements. They knew the languages. Most importantly, families trusted them.Provincial and local health offices, including health posts and hospitals, worked in close coordination. They rapidly convened emergency meetings, clarified roles, addressed logistical gaps, and mobilizied resources for an effective response.These partnerships weren’t abstract. They took concrete shape as health workers held urgent planning meetings under a single light bulb in the district office, or asneighbours helpied Red Cross teams navigate the narrow footpaths between homes.Bringing care to the heart of the communityOne of the turning points came when an Oral Rehydration Point (ORP) was opened right inside the affected settlement. Instead of walking long distances to seek help and losing precious time, families now have life-saving care just steps away.Parents arrived carrying children. Elderly people were supported by neighbours holding their arms. More than 1,200 people received immediate care.At the same time, 31 health workers received management training on cholera cases. These were the same nurses and health assistants who had known these families for years. Strengthening their skills meant strengthening the entire community’s resilience.Protecting families in their daily livesBecause cholera thrives where water is unsafe, families had to be protected not only in clinics, but in their kitchens, courtyards, and daily routines. Nepal Red Cross teams and volunteers facilitated settling these in the communities:Teaching families to treat water at homeShowing mothers how to keep drinking water covered and cleanReminding children when and how to wash their handsSharing messages in the languages people spoke at homeFM radio announcements and e-rickshaw loudspeakers carried urgent messages through the villagesEvery visit, every conversation, helped calm fears and rebuild confidence.A strong collaboration“I am amazed by how the Red Cross works from the central level right down to our communities,” said Dr. Mukesh Poudel, Chief of the Outbreak Section at EDCD. “I look forward to collaborating not only on cholera but also on other public health priorities.”Brahmadev Yadav from the Nepal Red Cross Saptari District branch added: “Even with our limited staff, the way EDCD and the IFRC stood with us was extraordinary. We were recognized and appreciated by local authorities.”Stronger than beforeStopping the outbreak was only the beginning. What happened in Saptari pushed everyone: health officials, responders, and families, to think beyond the emergency. New plans are now in motion to:Formalize partnership agreements between EDCD and the IFRCPrioritize preparedness for other epidemics.The experience in Saptari showed that with rapid detection, coordinated action, community engagement, and strong partnerships, even resilient communities can withstand deadly outbreaks and emerge stronger for the future."With its strong volunteer network and close coordination with government counterparts, the Nepal Red Cross Society continues to play a vital role in the cholera response,“ said Bal Krishna Sedai, acting director of the Nepal Red Cross Society.“In its auxiliary role to public authorities, the National Society stands ready to intensify efforts to contain the outbreak, strengthen community engagement, and build resilience.We call on all partners, donors, and stakeholders to act together to implement the National Cholera Elimination Plan to preventfuture outbreaks.”

As conflict enters fifth year, humanitarian needs in Ukraine intensify amid deepening energy crisis and funding shortfall

Kyiv/Budapest/Geneva, 23 February – As Ukraine enters the fifth year of the escalation of the international armed conflict, millions are enduring a bitterly cold winter marked by damaged energy infrastructure, rolling blackouts and growing economic and psychological hardship. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is calling for an increase in international support to meet growing humanitarian needs.In exceptionally cold temperatures, the destruction of energy systems has left countless families without reliable heating and electricity. The energy crisis is leaving people unable to cook, heat their homes, use elevators, access healthcare or even call for help during the blackouts. For older people, people with disabilities and those with chronic illness, these disruptions are life-threatening.“Life for many people in Ukraine is the hardest it has ever been,” said Birgitte Bischoff Ebbesen, IFRC Regional Director for Europe. “The energy crisis is a humanitarian crisis, affecting every part of people’s lives, in particular their health and mental health.”Cold homes are putting people at high risk of hypothermia, frostbites, and respiratory illnesses. Long hours spent in the dark, combined with uncertainty and isolation, continue to take a heavy toll on people’s psychological wellbeing. Access to mental health and psychosocial support remains limited, particularly in frontline and rural areas.The Ukrainian Red Cross, supported by the IFRC and its network of partners, continues to respond across the country - from providing emergency assistance at sites of attacks to supporting heating and electricity access, health and social services, mental health and psychosocial support, winter needs, home repairs and livelihoods recovery.However, funding is failing to meet the sheer scale of people’s needs. The IFRC’s Emergency Appeal for Ukraine and impacted countries for 2026-27 has a funding gap of more than 260 million Swiss francs – limiting support at a crucial time of skyrocketing humanitarian needs.“We are seeing that the decline in international funding is already having consequences for people affected by the conflict – delayed repairs of homes and infrastructure, lack of access to basic services, social benefits and medical care. We need urgent investment to avoid an even more severe humanitarian crisis,” added Brigitte Ebbesen.Notes for editorsIFRC network impact in the last four years:60 Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies globally have been responding to the needs of people from Ukraine in 45 countries.Over 133,000 volunteers from 7,100 branches have directly supported people from Ukraine.More than 257 million CHF has been distributed as cash and voucher assistance to 1.87 million people.2.4 billion CHF has been mobilized across the IFRC network through the support and solidarity of the public, governments and corporate partners.The IFRC has revised its Ukraine and Impacted Countries Emergency Appeal to adapt to the changing context four years after the escalation of the international armed conflict. It has a funding requirement of 300 million Swiss francs for 2026-27 to sustain essential services, support recovery and infrastructure restoration, and assist displaced and affected people across the region under all foreseeable scenarios.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] In Kyiv: Mariia Ieromenko, +38 075 318 84 12 Scott Craig, +41 76 370 3575In Budapest: Nora Peter, +36 70 265 4020In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367

Somalia: Complex Emergency

Somalia is facing a worsening humanitarian crisis, with over 2.5 million people in Puntland and Somaliland struggling to survive amid extreme drought, collapsing health systems, and severe food and water shortages. Families have lost their livelihoods, children are at risk of malnutrition and disease, and women and girls face heightened protection risks as community coping mechanisms collapse. The Somali Red Crescent Society is on the ground providing life-saving water, food, health services, and cash assistance, but urgent support is needed to scale up and reach more families in need.Donate now to help the Somali Red Crescent provide life-saving assistance.

Delivering vaccines under fire: Palestine Red Crescent teams risk their lives to protect children’s health in Gaza

Editor’s note: This article was written prior to the latest ceasefire coming into effect on 10 October, which IFRC welcomes and hopes will lead to lasting peace.We call for a massive scaling up of aid and international support for Gaza to alleviate the catastrophic conditions people have endured for the past two years. --It’s April 2023 in the Gaza Strip. Parents are forming an orderly queue outside their neighbourhood health clinic, waiting to get their babies their life-saving immunizations. Demand is high, but the system is running smoothly and vaccines are readily available. The jabs prompt tears here and there, but parents calmly comfort their children and get their records stamped—heading home knowing that their little ones have been gifted the hope of a healthier future.Fast forward two years and the picture could not be more different.It’s April 2025 in the Gaza Strip. The neighbourhood health clinic has been destroyed. Families have been forced to flee multiple times due to the ongoing hostilities. Parents are exhausted and weak from malnutrition, giving the precious little food they can get hold of to their children. They desperately want to get them vaccinated, but the journey to the nearest functioning clinic is fraught with danger. Mothers and fathers find themselves asking: do we risk diseases today, or bombs? They try their best to soothe their children’s tears, but they are constant now.It's in this stark new reality that Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) medical teams and volunteers have been striving to keep their communities healthy and safe.Since April 2025, they’ve been working against all odds to set up and run routine immunization services aiming to protect some of the hardest-to-reach children in Gaza from entirely preventable diseases such as polio, measles and rubella. This work is carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Health, with support from IFRC, and with financial support from Gavi, which isproviding vaccines procured through UNICEF and contributing to operational costs.Here’s what two Palestine Red Crescent doctors involved in the project have to say.My name is Dr Bashar Murad, Director of the Primary Health Care Department. I’m originally from northern Gaza, but I’m now living with my family in Khan Younis. We’ve been displaced eight times since the start of the conflict.I’ve worked for the Palestine Red Crescent since 2000, and I’m currently running our immunization programme in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Gavi and UNICEF.Since the start of the conflict, around 80% of health clinics in Gaza have been forced to close—either due to evacuation orders or because they’ve been damaged. Our mission is to continue childhood immunization and keep protecting children from preventable diseases, even as our health system collapses around us.Currently, Palestine Red Crescent is offering childhood vaccination through five of our 15 medical clinics which are still managing to operate even under incredibly difficult circumstances.Families here face immense challenges accessing health services. Clinics are closing. People are displaced. There’s the constant threat of bombs, sometimes we are forced to evacuate at short notice, and regular power outages severely hinder our work. There’s a severe shortage of medicines and medical supplies, especially for chronic diseases. And with fuel supplies scarce, it can be difficult to transport the limited medical supplies we do have to where they are needed.Recently, famine was officially declared in Gaza—something we had already seen firsthand for some time, with more and more people coming to us severely malnourished. Young children, new and expectant mothers and the elderly are the hardest hit. What is especially cruel is that when children are malnourished, it makes the vaccines less effective.Despite the massive destruction, we must go on. Our staff and volunteers are putting themselves on the line every day to provide health services. We really feel our communities’ appreciation. We are still able to run some of our health facilities, but for how long?We’ve already lost so much: lives, hospitals, schools. We constantly fear for people’s safety. My message is simply this: end the conflict.Dr Bashar Murad, Palestine Red Crescent SocietyMy name is Dr Rami Abu Hamad and I’m from northern Gaza.I began working for the Palestine Red Crescent in 2016. I was working at Al-Quds Hospital until the early weeks of the conflict, then moved to the field hospital in Rafah until the city was evacuated. Since July 2024, I’ve been working at the Dr. Fathi Arafat Medical Centre in Deir al-BalahMy family and I have been forced to flee three times during the conflict. We now live together in a small apartment here in Deir al-Balah. My three children (16, 14, 12) used to be star pupils, but their education has ground to a halt these past two years, which brings me so much pain.We vaccinate around 60-70 children every day at our centre, and we also have outreach teams which head out into camps to reach families who can’t come to us. Access here is incredibly challenging due to the security situation: it’s so difficult to travel anywhere. Many of the children we are trying to help can’t get vaccines because their parents are either injured or killed.The health and living conditions of children in Gaza is extremely poor. A combination of malnutrition, a lack of safe drinking water and poor hygiene has led to outbreaks of skin, digestive and respiratory diseases. Parents here really want to get their children vaccinated, but there are so many competing priorities. Right now, food is the most important thing amid famine and food shortages.I keep going out of pure humanitarian commitment to my community. Despite the extremely difficult and dangerous conditions, I keep serving our people.Dr Rami Abu Hamad, Palestine Red Crescent SocietyIn the midst of conflict, displacement and uncertainty, 60 Palestine Red Crescent Society volunteers are walking from one displacement shelter to another, speaking with families about the importance of childhood vaccination. With empathy and determination, they guide parents on where and how to get their children vaccinated through nearby PRCS health facilities and medical points. Along the way, they identify ‘zero-dose’ children (kids who haven’t received a single vaccine dose), helping ensure that even in the hardest-hit areas, no child is left behind.Gaza used to have extremely high vaccination coverage, but the conflict risks leaving this in tatters. Palestine Red Crescent medical teams are working tirelessly alongside partners to maintain vaccination coverage as best they can and protect children from entirely preventable diseases. As of August 2025, they've vaccinated 20,468 children in Gaza with at least one vaccinedose.To protect these children’s lives, medical staff, like Dr Bashar and Dr Rami, and volunteers are risking their own. Just a few months ago, Palestine Red Crescent nurse, Haitham Abu Issa, who was immunizing children at their Deir al-Balah clinic was tragically killed while off duty. Haitham is one of 51 Palestine Red Crescent staff and volunteers whose lives have been cruelly claimed since the start of the conflict.Every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy and safe. And every humanitarian should be protected and able to carry out their life-saving work without fear. But in Gaza, these basic rights are under siege.For parents and medical staff alike, vaccinating children used to be a part of normal life. Now, it has become an act of courage.We welcome the ceasefire agreed and hope it leads to lasting peace. And we commend the efforts of the Palestine Red Crescent Society to make sure that no child in Gaza is left vulnerable to diseases—because for every child vaccinated, there is hope for life beyond the conflict.

Healing far from home: The Egyptian Red Crescent’s lifeline for Gaza’s evacuees

Jordan Red Crescent Hospital brings hope, safety and new life to Gaza’s children

On the first floor of the Jordan Red Crescent Hospital in Amman, the shy smiles of Gaza’s children—who were evacuated for medical reasons last September from the Gaza Strip—intersect with pain beyond their years.Their timid smiles conceal memories of a brutal conflict ongoing for two years, leaving them with invisible and unforgettable wounds. Loss, hunger, bombing, and repeated displacement have made childhood a deferred dream, and even the simplest right to education a rare luxury.The pain is not just a story from the past; it is a daily reality for these children, who suffer from spinal injuries, loss of sight, physical disabilities, and chronic illnesses that weigh down their small bodies that have barely begun to grow."We received several children from Gaza suffering from severe spinal cord and spine injuries,” saysDr. Qasim Sallam, a general practitioner at the Jordan Red Crescent Hospital. “We conducted the necessary examinations under specialist supervision and also provided social care to their companions.""Once the children feel they are in a safe place, their psychological condition begins to improve. We notice a big difference between the moment they arrive and today."Asmaa Abu Ghosh, the psychosocial support officer at the Jordan Red Crescent Hospital.Stories of injury, recovery and resilienceYahya, a 9-year-old boy, is one of 13 children received by the Jordan Red Crescent Hospital for treatment after their medical evacuation from Gaza. His mother, Norhan, recounts that his injury occurred during the second truce on February 27, 2025, while he was playing in front of their house. He was hit by shrapnel, affecting his spinal cord."Yahya began his treatment at the European Hospital, then received two months of physical therapy in Khan Younis at the Palestine Red Crescent Hospital," she says.Although doctors reassure the possibility that he may be able to walk again using an assistive device, Yahya still suffers from pain in his diaphragm, which nearly caused him to choke, along with problems in his intestines and stomach.Hassan is another child injured on June 8, 2025, while playing in front of his house in an area categorized to be safe. He lost his sight due to bombing shrapnel. He underwent two abdominal surgeries, during which a part of his intestines was removed. The shrapnel also injured his toes."Hassan was studying in first grade when the conflict broke out, and at the start of second grade, schools stopped,” says his grandmother, who accompanies him today at the Jordan Red Crescent Hospital.“We moved from Sheikh Radwan in Gaza to Rafah, then to Al-Mawasi in Khan Younis. We thought we would return in two days, but it turned into a year and a half of displacement in tents under indescribable conditions."The grandmother recalls the hardships: "We returned home during the first truce, but it had been bombed, and some belongings were stolen, while others were left in the street. During the second escalation, we stayed despite the fear and hunger. A few days before leaving Gaza for Jordan, we prepared to relocate again to the south; we rented a piece of land, where we set up a tent."About daily life in Gaza, she says: "Hunger is deadly. A kilo of flour reached 180 shekels ($US 55), so how can a family of seven live without income? Surgeons were amputating limbs without anaesthesia due to a lack of resources."She expresses sorrow that Hassan's father couldn’t accompany him to Jordan. He is still in Gaza, hoping his parents will be allowed to join her, as Hassan needs advanced treatment available at a hospital in Britain.Compounded suffering and the struggle for survivalThe stories of complex medical needs and family separation continue. Khadija also arrived in Jordan with two of her children, one of whom suffers from lung, heart, and kidney problems that began during the conflict that erupted in 2008, while four of her other children remain in Gaza.“I don’t want my daughter to lose her future,” she says. “I want her to continue her education in better conditions.” She also calls for the opportunity to bring her other son to Jordan for treatment that is unavailable in Gaza.A safe place for psychological recoveryThe role of the Jordan Red Crescent Hospital is not limited to providing medical treatment for sick children from Gaza and their companions, but also extends to psychosocial support, attempting to mend what the conflict has broken inside them.Asmaa Abu Ghosh, the psychosocial support officer at the hospital, says: "Once the children feel they are in a safe place, their psychological condition begins to improve. We notice a big difference between the moment they arrive and today."But the care here goes beyond therapeutic and psychosocial support aspects to gently touch hearts with rare humanity. The medical, nursing staff, and volunteers work to bring back the features of childhood stolen by the conflict. They do this by creating moments of joy, celebrating children’s birthdays, organizing entertainment sessions and other activities such as hair styling that fill empty days and give them space for laughter and play.In late September, Jordan Red Crescent staff celebrated the birthdays of two girls, Tala and Alma. Alma had a very particular birthday wish:"I want to become a doctor… to treat people just like the doctors at the Jordan Red Crescent Hospital."Mothers' plight and the journey to safetyMothers also face compounded suffering from malnutrition, pregnancy complications, harsh displacement, and constant anxiety for their children. This is especially the case with families split between Gaza and Jordan, where some children were evacuated for treatment under King Abdullah’s initiative to treat around 2,000 children."I am pregnant and need a C-section,” says one mother. “I left my two young children with their father and their disabled grandfather in Deir al-Balah. We rely on the kindness of people there."She continues tearfully: "They destroyed our house, and we moved from Al-Baraka to Deir al-Balah. No food, no vitamins, only lentils and beans. I have not tasted eggs or fruit for months. I leave bread for my children while anemia and malnutrition wear me down."Despite depression and psychological pressures, she affirms that the medical staff at the Jordan Red Crescent Hospital did not neglect her and provided care "like family."Another woman from Khan Younis recounts her struggle with her daughters’ illnesses, one suffering from neurological seizures since childhood, with a condition stable before deteriorating due to theconflict, and the other unable to balance and falling while walking or sitting.Families recount the hardship of accessing medical care amid transport cuts and high costs. One woman describes her daughter collapsing before evacuation, receiving urgent help from the Palestine Red Crescent.Another mother, in Jordan with four children, seeks advanced treatment for her son’s liver disease and she is urging authorities to let her 15-year-old son still in Gaza join them."We spent a year and nine months in a tent, living on aid amid daily suffering," she says. "A hot lentil dish fell on Amir’s back while he tried to get food from humanitarian aid centers that do not meet humanitarian standards, and he got burned. The children competed to fill water and food amid chaos and violence under continuous bombing. Some days, we did not even have a loaf of bread."Her son, Odai, adds: "I am happy in Jordan, but I miss my brother Amir. I witnessed scenes of tension and fear at the distribution centers, where overcrowding and scarcity created extremely unsafe conditions." He hopes to have laser eye surgery to improve his vision, as he has worn glasses since being injured in the 2008 conflict.Despite the painful experiences they endured, the children and their mothers do not lose feelings of gratitude for leaving Gaza and starting a treatment journey that gives them a glimmer of hope. While some families dream of reunion after losing everything, others still demand saving those remaining under the bombing and hunger.About this arduous mission, Zeina Al-Masri, head of the Protection Family Links unit at the Jordan Red Crescent, says: "What always strikes me is the joy in the children’s eyes the moment they enter Jordanian territory. The electricity lights amaze them; they have not seen them for a long time, and their bodies are exhausted from hunger. When we distribute food and light drinks to them, I feel as if something from heaven has descended upon them."A call for continued supportThe life-saving and life-changing work of the Jordan Red Crescent is supported in part by an international Emergency Appeal by the IFRC for the ongoing Middle East crisis. Among many other things, it aims to support patients medically evacuated from Gaza to Jordan, along with their companions, as part of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ efforts to save lives and preserve the dignity of the sick and wounded, in cooperation with the Jordan Red Crescent.These efforts go beyond receiving patients; the Jordan Red Crescent continues to provide essential medical check-ups for Gazans and Palestinians of various nationalities within the framework of a family reunification program, coordinated with 18 accredited embassies in Jordan. The Jordan Red Crescent also sends humanitarian assistance—food and medicines—into Gaza whenever the crossings are opened.Dr. Sallam concludes by stressing the “need for greater financial support to enable us to provide the necessary health and psychosocial support for these children and their companions,” amid expectations of receiving new groups soon.Story by Mey Al Sayegh, IFRC Head of Communications for the Middle East and North Africa Region

Ebola in DRC: A race against time to save lives

Malnutrition Crisis Northwest Nigeria

An estimated two million children suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in Nigeria, yet only 20% are receiving treatment.New primary data collected in July 2025 by the Nigerian Red Cross (NRCS) shows 47% - 47.8% of children assessed are suffering from SAM in three local government areas (Zango and Kankara in Katsina state and Wamako in Sokoto state).The data also shows, in Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto states, of those assessed, more children are malnourished (moderately and severely) than not malnourished.The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an emergency appeal, to support the Nigerian Red Cross (NRCS) in scaling up their response to malnutrition, aiming to reach one million people.Abuja, Nigeria, 19 August 2025 - The malnutrition crisis in Nigeria is escalating and urgent action is needed to save lives. Without immediate intervention, 1.8 million children could die from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). According to new data collected by Nigeria Red Cross Society (NRCS), 84% of healthcare facilities in six northern states reported insufficient stocks of lifesaving ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF). At the same time, many key partners are having to withdraw or halt their programming due to funding cuts.The UN are closing half of their health clinics in northeast Nigeria, while states like Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara in the northwest, have been facing a silent emergency for years. MSF conducted a survey at the end of 2024 which showed some local government areas in Katsina had SAM rates of 6.8% - 14.4%, a far cry from the 47% - 47.8% we have seen in neighbouring areas, July this year. The Red Cross are providing funding for ready-to-use therapeutic food and are channelling community volunteers into healthcare facilities to support the treatment of SAM.Alongside alarming SAM statistics reported in Katsina and Sokoto, are concerning moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) figures. In Maradun, Zamfara, 48.5% of children are suffering with MAM. Without improved community-level surveillance and monitoring of MAM cases, the burden placed on local healthcare services, with the appropriate facilities to treat SAM, will be insurmountable. Red Cross volunteers are embedded within their communities and are therefore well placed to conduct this monitoring. In addition, volunteers are teaching women to make a supplementary food called Tom Brown (a locally produced flour mix of grains, soy and peanuts), which can prevent MAM evolving into SAM.Francis Salako, Head of the Abuja Delegation for IFRC says, “Without additional support hundreds, if not thousands, of children will needlessly die of malnutrition in coming months. The fact that, in some LGAs, around 50% of children are suffering from severe acute malnutrition and may need to be hospitalised to survive, is alarming. We need to raise the alarm immediately. Things are going to get worse.”The IFRC recently launched the Africa Zero Hunger Campaign starting with six countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, DRC, Mali, and Zimbabwe. This bold step focuses on addressing hunger in Africa through lasting, community-driven initiatives. You can learn more about the campaign here.Note to editors:Visuals are available for downloadFor more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected]  In Abuja:Aduratomi Bolade +234 803 389 6862; Lauren Sabin +234 813 121 3919In Nairobi:Susan Mbalu +254 733 827 654In Geneva: Hannah Copeland +41 76 236 9109

At a small school in Myanmar’s Sagaing region, people find safe haven after a devastating earthquake

When 26-year-old Khin Su Wai walks through the shattered grounds of Yadana Theingi Nun Monastery School in Sagaing Region, the memories are painful, but her dedication to her work as a teacher remains unshaken.“I lost everything – my two sons, my husband, and my mother-in-law,” she says quietly.On 28 March 2025, a powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, destroying homes and turning entire communities to rubble. Yadana Theingi Nun Monastery School was among the hardest hit in Sagaing.Sixteen people lost their lives at school, including Khin’s loved ones. Khin has been a volunteer teacher at this school for more than 7 years.“I couldn’t eat or sleep. I didn’t even recognize myself in those early days,” she recalls.Yadana Theingi is not an ordinary monastic school. It is a place where internally displaced people from across Myanmar were hosted even before the earthquake happened. It is a sanctuary for over 100 students (ranging in age from 5 to 18) including novice monks, nuns, and children from diverse ethnic backgrounds such as Chin, Paluang, Shan, Burma, and Pa-O (from the Eastof the country).Everything changedAfter the earthquake, everything changed. Previously seated at desks in classrooms, the children now study on bare floors sharing only one whiteboard. When the main building collapsed, safe sleeping spaces also became limited.“There are not enough places for the children to sleep,” Khin explains. “We do what we can, but it’s very difficult.”In the immediate aftermath of the quake, volunteers from the Myanmar Red Cross – many from communities hard hit by the quake – jumped into action.In response to community requests, they set up tents provided to IFRC by the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) with funding from the Government of the Republic of Korea. These tents offered a critical, temporary safe place for people as they work toward rebuilding their livelihoods, homes and communities.Red Cross volunteers also installed tents in nearby places such as mosques and community areas in Poe Tan Quarter, Sagaing.A comprehensive response enters a critical phaseBut this is only a small part of the support the Myanmar Red Cross delivered. In five states and regions impacted by the quake (Sagaing, Mandalay, Naypyitaw, southern part of Shan and eastern part of Bago), Red Cross volunteers provided tarpaulins, shelter kits, cash assistance, health care, mental health and psycho-social support, safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene services, and many other forms of support.With support of theIFRC Emergency Appealand other International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners, as well as other donors,the Myanmar Red Cross has so far reached close to 200,000 people with emergency shelter, health care, safe water, and cash assistance.This includes over 23,000 shelter kits, 6,000 family tents, and over 13,000 people reached with health care, including through mobile clinics.As we mark 100 days since the earthquake, the IFRC honors the dedication of Myanmar Red Cross volunteers – as well as volunteer teachers like Khin Su Wai – who have given so much to help their communities cope with these tragic events.The IFRC also calls for far greater support for its Myanmar Earthquake Emergency Appeal in order to enable the Myanmar Red Cross to help more people rebuild their homes, re-establish livelihoods, and restore communities.The next 100 days will be a particularly critical phasegiven that rebuilding safe transitional shelter and sustainable livelihoods takes more time and investment than the early, emergency response phase. At the same time, the Myanmar Red Cross will be helping these communities prepare for potential future shocks.Unfortunately, as of now, the IFRC’s Myanmar Earthquake Emergency Appeal has only garnered 22 per cent of the funds that would be needed to help the Red Cross achieve these goals.Reviving displaced dreamsAt the Yadana Theingi Nun Monastery School, the desire to rebuild is strong as many people yearn to get beyond relief and begin pursuing their real life dreams.“I want to help people rebuild the buildings safer,” says 16-year-old novice monk Khaw Gay Shwe, a student at the school. Khaw was displaced due to civil unrest from Chin State. His favorite subject is English, and he dreams of studying overseas to become a civil engineer.Another 12-year-old novice, Aung Khant wants to become a teacher like Khin. Like many of the students, Aung Khant has been helping to clear the debris from the collapsed building outside of school hours.Meanwhile, the young novice monks sleep safely at night inside the tents. “The novices really love the tents,” Khin says with a rare smile. “They aren’t forced to sleep there - they want to. It feels fun for them.”During the day, the children don’t stay in tents because they are exposed to the scorching 40-degree Celsius heat. But come nightfall, the tents transform into places of rest and comfort.For Khin, there is no going back to her old life. “I plan to volunteer at this school for the rest of my life,” she says. “I have nowhere else to go. Even though it’s painful, I will do my best to keep going."I’m truly grateful to the volunteers and donors who provided tents to our school as temporary shelter. There are still a lot of critical needs, from rebuilding the school to securing teaching materials and food. But step by step, we will rebuild."Learn more about the IFRC’s Myanmar Earthquake Emergency AppealOther articles about Myanmar earthquakeIn the wake of Myanmar earthquake, a mother finds strength in helping othersA tale of two emotions: In Myanmar, visiting people whose lives were upended by the March 28 earthquake, I am torn between hope and fearFrom the classroom to the frontlines: In the wake of crisis, ‘Teacher Honey’ transforms from educator to emergency responderMyanmar earthquake one-month on: needs remain massiveGruelling conditions in Myanmar as humanitarian needs remain high following devastating earthquakeOne Week On: IFRC Scales Up Myanmar Earthquake Response Amid Massive Humanitarian NeedsMyanmar Red Cross races against time to save lives after the earthquakePowerful earthquake rocks central Myanmar: Red Cross responds

Israel: Magen David Adom brings life-saving care following recent attacks

Since the escalation of conflict between Iran and Israel on 12 June, Magen David Adom (MDA) - Israel’s national emergency medical service - has been operating at its highest level of alert, mobilizing its full range of emergency response capabilities.With 2,000 ambulances and emergency vehicles staffed and running around the clock, MDA has been at the forefront of life-saving efforts across the country.During the two weeks of hostilities, MDA teams have treated more than 1,300 patients on the ground and transported many to hospitals.Their work extends beyond emergency medical care, however. Teams have been actively involved in urban search and rescue operations, freeing survivors from the rubble of collapsed buildings, and evacuating vulnerable patients, including bedridden individuals and premature infants, using specially equipped intensive care buses.MDA has also launched a national blood donation campaign, and despite the challenging conditions and public advisories to stay at home, collected over 10,000 units of blood.Courage to work under fireThe dangers faced by MDA teams are very real as they respond to emergency calls while missile attacks are ongoing. In just one example, a Mobile Intensive Care Unit team — including paramedic Nitzan Oren, and emergency medical technicians Irit Naor and Eti Cohen — was dispatched to a routine emergency call in the Dan Region on 13 June.While en route, they received an alert for incoming rockets. Following protocols, they pulled over, exited the vehicle, and took cover.A rocket exploded just hundreds of meters away, severely damaging their ambulance. Thanks to their quick thinking, protective equipment and adherence to safety instructions, the three women sustained only minor injuries. “If we hadn’t acted that way, we wouldn’t be here today,” said Nitzan Oren.

Islamic Republic of Iran: Red Crescent teams respond to urgent humanitarian needs

During the escalation of hostilities in the international armed conflict between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State of Israel, the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) has had their emergency preparedness and response teams on the ground responding to humanitarian needs.In areas impacted by the conflict, Iranian Red Crescent relief teams have been conducting search and rescue operations as they look for people believed to be trapped under the debris of buildings damaged by airstrikes.To date, more than 8,200 relief and rescue personnel have been mobilized to deliver critical services across various regions. These include search and rescue teams, sniffer dog units, assessment teams, and debris removal specialists. IRCS crews have been combing through the debris and using sniffer dogs to rescue people trapped under the rubble. Meanwhile ambulance teams have provided urgent pre-hospital care and medical evacuations to nearby hospitals for people who have been injured.Moreover, psychological support teams and volunteers have been working on the ground to help survivors cope with trauma caused by the recent attacks. Additionally, the national psychological support hotline, now operating 24/7, has received over 72,000 calls, and more than 9,900 individuals have benefited from specialized mental health services.The IRCS Youth Organization’s BAVAR Teams are also actively engaging with affected communities to strengthen preparedness and local resilience through outreach and education.Meanwhile, safety teams have distributed emergency and safety kits and raised awareness about safety protocols that can save lives during missile attacks.The Iranian Red Crescent has also helped more than 1,100 people displaced by the fighting to find emergency accommodations.First responders under fireThe conflict has also led to the deaths of four Iranian Red Crescent emergency responders.To date, four IRCS staff members (Mehdi Zartaji, Mojtaba Maleki, Amir Hassan Jamshidpour and Yaser Zivari)have been killed in the line of duty, providing rescue and relief services in the provinces of Tehran (2), East Azerbaijan (1), and Hamedan (1).Two of those emergency responders were killed while driving an ambulance to assist people wounded in an earlier attack in the Shahid Baqeri Township in Tehran on 16 June 2025.‎ The damaged and badly burnt ambulance has been put on display in Tehran's Haft-e Tir Square as a public memorial to the lost ambulance crew.Update (2 July 2025): The Iranian Red Crescent Society has confirmed the death of another one of its members amid the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran. Seyyed Ali Akbar Mir Mohammadi, a volunteer relief worker, was killed in an attack while carrying out his humanitarian duties in Isfahan on 22 June 2025. This brings the total number of IRCS staff and volunteers killed during the conflict to 5.In addition, the Iranian Red Crescent says that more than two dozen aid workers were injured during the attacks and are currently unable to continue their relief efforts. IRCS ambulances, helicopters and buildings have also been damaged, according to the National Society.Humanitarian response continuesDespite these challenging conditions, the humanitarian response continues. Damaged infrastructure, blockades, and unsafe roads have hindered aid delivery and complicated coordination, especially given restrictions on regional flights.The presence of unexploded ordnance and other explosive remnants of war adds further danger for both civilians and aid workers, who are often operating in densely affected neighborhoods.Despite these grave challenges, the Iranian Red Crescent remains steadfast in its mission, delivering life-saving support and solidarity to communities in need.Their work is being supported in part by a one million Swiss Franc allocation from the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF), to provide immediate life-saving assistance to 200,000 people affected by the complex emergency.This funding directly supports the Iranian Red Crescent's coordinated search and rescue, emergency health services, and psychosocial support, and contributes to strengthening their overall capacity.

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

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

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

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

Ebola outbreak in Uganda: Red Cross providing lifesaving support to communities as response continues

What is the current situation with the Ebola outbreak in Uganda?“On 30 January, Uganda’s Ministry of Health declared the country’s eighth outbreak of Ebola virus following the death of a nurse in the capital, Kampala. Contacts of this index case were traced. Those who tested positive for Ebola were successfully treated and discharged, triggering the countdown to declare the outbreak over. But then another cluster of cases was detected following the death of a young boy on 24 February. The boy’s mother and her newborn baby had also passed away a few weeks earlier, and their deaths are being treated as probable Ebola cases.”“As it stands, 12 Ebola cases have been confirmed, including two confirmed deaths, with an additional two probable cases—across six districts in Uganda: Kampala, Jinja, Kyegegwe, Mbale, Ntoroko and Wakiso.”“Although we have technically begun the second countdown, there remains a lot of uncertainty and the risk that there may still be cases within the community persists. Epidemiologists and surveillance teams are working hard to identify how these cases may have overlapped, as it is concerning that cases have been reported in different areas spread out across the country.”“We are supporting the Ugandan Ministry of Health, which has activated scenario two of its National Response Plan: ‘sustain’. This means there’s been a delay in the detection of cases outside the known contact list and that we must plan for the next 210 days— the period of at least 10 Ebola incubation cycles—rather than just focusing on the short term.”How is this outbreak different from previous Ebola outbreaks the country has faced, and are there any specific challenges?“There are several key differences to this outbreak. Firstly,cases have been reported mainly in cities and densely populated areassuch as Kampala and Wakiso, compared to the 2022 Ebola outbreak which struck the small town of Mubende. This makes contact tracing challenging due to the high population density, the fact that people are moving around a lot – both domestically and potentially internationally. And it increases the risk of transmission because people live in close proximity, sharing public spaces and transport.”“Secondly, the fact that the first case was detected post-mortem in the national referral hospital presents achallenge for the surveillance system. If it had been detected sooner, it would have been easier to conduct contact tracing and minimize the spread.”“Finally, and very importantly,this outbreak came while we are also fighting another epidemic: mpox. We had already been responding to mpox for some time and we now need to integrate both responses. It also means we have to adapt our risk communication efforts within communities, making sure they are aware of both diseases, the signs to look out for, the ways they can stay safe.”“On the positive side, all Ebola cases that have been confirmed and who have received treatment in this outbreak have been able to survive. Whereas there was a high case fatality rate during the last outbreak in 2022, so far we’re seeing a 100% recovery rate when cases are detected in time.”How is the Uganda Red Cross Society supporting the response?“We are doing a lot of different activities in support of the Ministry of Health, complementing their response and filling any gaps. We are involved incase management, supporting with emergency evacuations of suspected cases and referrals through our ambulance system.”“Our volunteers are doing a huge amount ofrisk communication and community engagement to explain the risks of both Ebola and mpox to the population, encouraging them to take preventive measures and report any unusual health symptoms. This includes addressing any rumours and concerns people have—sometimes we have to convince people that Ebola is even real.”“We have alsoactivated trained Safe and Dignified Burials (SDB) teams across the country who are ready to deploy if someone is confirmed to have died from Ebola in the community. These teams are trained to properly engage the community, helping them understand why the burial needs to happen in a certain way to prevent spread of the disease, and reassuring them. Because it’s a difficult time for the community. We have to get their approval.”How has Uganda Red Cross improved its preparedness for epidemics in recent years, and how is this helping with the response now?“The past few years we have really developed the tools, structures, and the technical capacity required to respond to outbreaks on this scale thanks to support from IFRC and our donors. On the human resource side, many of our staff and volunteers have been trained in safe and dignified burials, community-based surveillance, and risk communication and community engagement. These are personnel we have in-house and deploy straight away—we don’t need to wait for outside help to come in. We also already had equipment—vehicles, communication materials, prepositioned personal protective equipment (PPE) that we could use straight away.”“Something really important is that we already had an operational community-based surveillance system, which has been well-tested over many years. Although this isn’t nationwide, which would require significant resources, it has been an important part of our epidemic preparedness efforts in select, high-risk areas of the country. And we are now working to implement CBS in Ebola outbreak areas as part of our response so that volunteers can report suspected cases for rapid response.”“We have also worked closely with the Ministry of Health and other authorities on epidemic preparedness and response in recent years, which means our role is well-understood and we have good coordination systems in place to work together when disease outbreaks strike.”--For the latest updates on Uganda Red Cross Society’s response to Ebola and mpox,follow them on X orvisit the URCS website.You can also click here to donate to the IFRC’s Uganda Ebola outbreak appeal and support their lifesaving work.In recent years, the Uganda Red Cross Society has worked hard to improve its epidemic preparedness and response with support from:TheCommunity Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3), funded by USAIDTheProgrammatic Partnership, funded by the European UnionAnEbola preparedness emergency appeal(2018-2021) and aDisaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF) operation(2018-2020)

Palestine Red Crescent: Supporting Gaza through winter cold, sudden floods and a crisis of mental health

“We received more than 22,000 aid trucks before the closure of Rafah crossing in May 2024. Since the closure, the Palestine Red Crescent Society only received 58 aid trucks, which is absolutely nothing.”This is how Nebal Farsakh, Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS)’s spokesperson, summed up the tragic humanitarian situation in Gaza, which is now aggravated by harsh winter conditions.Overwhelmed by cold temperatures, heavy rain and flooding, hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza are further at risk of diseases and death. Many are living in tents, open spaces or even on the streets, with almost no protection.“Many families in displaced camps don’t have the clothing and equipment needed to protect them from the harsh weather,”Farsakh continued. “Moreover, recent reports say only 20 per cent of shelter needs are being addressed, leaving more than one million people without adequate places to stay.”Displaced people lacking proper winterization for their shelters face serious threats. Severe weather can damage their shelters, and flooding can contaminate water sources, increasing the spread of diseases.Severe winter conditions, compounded with insufficient aid, have severely hampered the ability of PRCS teams to provide essential support. Yet, the challenges don’t end there.Fuel shortages have crippled ambulance services, forcing evacuations to be often conducted on foot in treacherous weather conditions. This places a severe burden on not only PRCS crews but also on the elderly and people with disabilities who must endure long journeys.The impact of displacement, physical hardship, and the constant fear for their safety and well-being has had devastating consequences on the mental health of everyone in Gaza, especially children.“There is ongoing concern for the mental health of everybody in Gaza, and particularly for children who are so deeply traumatized,” Farsakh emphasized. “There are at least 17,000 unaccompanied children or separated from their parents. Most children are not able to go to school; they live under constant bombing and don’t have access to food.”PRCS mental health and psychosocial support teams are working tirelessly to provide a sense of relief. In shelters across South and central Gaza, they’ve organized events featuring performances, games, and other activities to bring moments of joy to children. But the scale of the crisis is overwhelming.A staggering 1.2 million children in Gaza face a heightened risk of long-term mental health consequences if they do not receive the urgent and critical support they require. The psychological impact of this conflict will likely be profound and lifelong for these children unless they are adequately protected and supported.Without a dramatic improvement in humanitarian access and the flow of supplies, people in Gaza will continue to endure significant physical and mental suffering.Meanwhile, food aid and supplies mobilized by the IFRC network are sitting on the tarmac and in warehousesas the challenges in getting the supplies into Gaza continue.“The aid we have received since the closure of the Rafah crossing is negligible, and this is significantly impacting our relief services. We are unable to do our work. People in Gaza are dying of hunger, cold and diseases because they’re not getting the aid they need.”“This cannot go on.”concluded Farsakh.

Afghanistan: Child malnutrition amidst economic hardship and climate disasters

Kabul/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva – Mobile health teams and fixed clinics run by the Afghan Red Crescent Society are recording alarming cases of acute malnutrition in children, especially in areas where communities are concurrently facing household economic instability, in addition to bearing the brunt of climate-related disasters and the effects of a decades-long conflict.Data from ARCS health facilities and anecdotal accounts shared by Red Crescent frontliner staff and volunteers underline the calls made by other humanitarian agencies, including UNICEF and Save the Children, that funding support is critical to saving the lives of thousands of children. Estimates provided in the beginning of the year indicated that some 2.9 million children aged under five could suffer from acute malnutrition in 2024.Dr. Mohammad Nabi Burhan, Secretary General of the ARCS, says: “The scale of malnutrition in our country is staggering, based on the numbers our mobile health teams and fixed clinics are registering. Severe acute malnutrition can be fatal if left untreated so it is imperative that we take urgent action to save as many lives as we can.”As part of their routine services, ARCS mobile health teams and fixed clinics undertake malnutrition screening, distribute ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF), provide education to communities on how to prevent malnutrition, and refer severe cases for treatment by specialised agencies or in better-equipped hospitals.“Our frontline workers are telling us that dozens of children are not getting timely treatment because our Movement partners have not received sufficient funding to scale up services. This cruel reality leaves three unfortunate options for children who are at most risk: stunted growth, wastage, or death. We must do our best, collectively, to ensure better options for our children,” adds Dr. Mohammad Nabi Burhan.The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is releasing 500,000 Swiss francs from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) to contribute to urgent life-saving interventions by ARCS.Necephor Mghendi, Head of IFRC Afghanistan Delegation, who visited some of the ARCS mobile health teams and fixed clinics in Kandahar two weeks ago, says: “Within the span of an hour I spent with Red Crescent frontliners operating a mobile health team in the Panjwayi district of Kandahar, two out of five children screened had severe acute malnutrition. Parents of these children said they lacked adequate income to obtain food, had already sold assets to survive, and that humanitarian assistance was their last resort.”“Malnutrition in early childhood could lead to long-term physical or cognitive disability. We need to prevent these lasting impacts on children we are able to assist, together with the ARCS,” Necephor Mghendi adds.The IFRC and ARCS are also rolling out programmes aimed at enhancing the capacity of communities and preparing them to withstand future difficulties, such as climate shocks like drought and harsh winters.Dr. Mohammad Nabi Burhan, Secretary General of the ARCS, says: “Even as we support affected children to receive urgent treatment, we must provide durable solutions in a manner that also tackles root-causes and vulnerabilities. These communities have faced head-on crises one after another, yet with sustained multisector support we can support them to become self-reliant and more resilient.”Longer-term ARCS programmes integrate primary and community health services, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions, livelihood assistance, disaster preparedness, disaster risk reduction measures, support for widows, and climate change adaptation, among others.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Afghanistan: Sayed Eshaq Muqbel +93 707 336 040In Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances +60 19 271 3641In Geneva: Hannah Copeland +41 76 236 9109

Mpox Outbreak: IFRC network scales-up preparedness and response across Africa

Statement from Mohammed Omer Mukhier, IFRC Director for Africa RegionThe International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) joins the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in expressing profound concern over the recent evolution of the mpox outbreak across the African Continent. With over 17,000 suspected cases and 500 deaths across 13 countries in 2024, the current outbreak represents a sharp increase—160% in caseload as compared to the same period in 2023 with expected high number of unreported cases. The case fatality rate (CFR) of 3.2% is also alarmingly higher in Africa, compared to previous global outbreaks.The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) accounts for 92% of all cases this year. However, sustained transmission of the new Clade 1b has now crossed borders into Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. Other countries in the Africa region have also reported suspected cases and re-emerging outbreaks. This new variant is affecting a wide range of demographics, with ongoing community transmission occurring without zoonotic exposure, unlike the previous outbreaks in 2022 and 2023.While governments across Africa are taking steps to control potential or ongoing outbreaks, the IFRC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting preparedness and response efforts against mpox within the framework of government plans.In the DRC, the DRC Red Cross is already supporting the government response in Equateur province through risk communication and community engagement, community-based surveillance, and psychosocial support to affected families. Given the high-risk profile of Clade 1b in the eastern DRC and neighboring countries, the IFRC and DRC Red Cross are finalizing a scale-up plan to these areas.The IFRC network, through its 49 National Societies, 18,000 branches, 14,000 staff and 4 million community volunteers across Africa, will leverage its unparalleled reach to support governments as an auxiliary partner. This includes community–based surveillance, risk communication and community engagement, infection prevention and control, water sanitation and hygiene promotion, mental health and psychosocial support, and advocacy for, and direct involvement in vaccination programmes. With extensive community acceptance and access, the Red Cross Red Crescent Societies can play a crucial role in containing the spread of the disease, even in the hard-to-reach areas where the need is the greatest.We commend Africa CDC for its timely partnership in ensuring for vaccine availability and advocate for uptake of the same. We call on all partners to support a sustained and swift scale-up of resources needed to contain this epidemic of continental concern.

For these two humanitarians in Madagascar, investing in women means breaking gender barriers and stigmas

At just 23 years old, Valisoa Liesse Razafisalama is already making a significant impact as a third-year communication student at the Madagascar’s National Tele-Education Center and a dedicated volunteer with the Malagasy Red Cross.Through her involvement in the National Disaster Response Team (NDRT), Valisoa has gained valuable experience raising awareness and providing training following recent tropical storms.However, it has been her initiative to challenge societal norms surrounding menstruation that truly showcased her dedication to breaking down barriers.“As members of the Red Cross movement, active in the humanitarian sector, we advocate for greater recognition of the role of women,” says Valisoa, who is among the roughly 42 percent of Malagasy Red Cross NDRT staff who are women.“We encourage the equitable inclusion of women in community decision-making, breaking with the trend of prioritizing men. We persist in our efforts because as women volunteers, we make significant contributions to the well-being of the communities where we operate.” Not just a women’s issueValisoa observed a prevailing trend where men in her community showed disinterest in discussions about menstruation, viewing it solely as a women's issue. Determined to change this perspective, she organised awareness sessions for both men and women, emphasising the natural and normal aspects of menstruation.By fostering a shared understanding within the community, Valisoa contributed to eliminating the stigmas associated with menstruation and promoting gender equality.In many post disaster situations, fear of talking about menstruation or other health issues can mean that women simply do not get full attention and care they need to stay healthy.Challenging cultural stereotypes With a background in biodiversity and the environment, and extensive experience in humanitarian work, 33-year-old Lova Arsène Linà Ravelohasindrazana exemplifies resilience and determination in challenging gender stereotypes.Working as a project manager for the Malagasy Red Cross, Lova oversees interventions in the Anosy region, were cultural barriers often hinder women's participation in leadership roles.Despite facing resistance, Lova actively promotes women's empowerment, ensuring their involvement in decision-making and community initiatives.Seven percent of decision makers on the National Society’s management team are women and Lova is among them."During interventions, whether it's in the communities or among the people I supervise, the culture still makes it difficult for them to accept women that lead,” she says. “As a project manager, there are times when I can feel it most.“But I also try to understand how these communities in which I work function. How I can make them more aware of what I and others can bring, how to better approach things and what are the approaches to avoid offending people's sensitivities in relation to their culture.” Lova's dedication to advocating for women's rights extends beyond her professional life. She also educates women about their rights and encourages their active participation in various initiatives, contributing to a more equitable society.

From bombing to blackouts: Palestine Red Crescent teams navigate life-and-death challenges to save lives

Ever since armed violence erupted in Israel and the Gaza Strip on October 7, the work of emergency service crews has continued non-stop, often in the most harrowing of circumstances.Every day, Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) ambulance crews head out into the streets of Gaza, saving lives while risking their own, as even ambulances and hospitals have come under attack.Since the beginning, PRCS teams have been tirelessly responding, providing first aid and psychosocial support, transporting the dead and distributing essential aid as the fighting continues.Sadly, four PRCS volunteers lost their lives while on duty, making their colleagues’ work even more difficult as they try to cope with the loss.“To be completely honest, I am afraid, much like everyone else,” Haitham Deir, a PRCS paramedic working at the Rafah branch. “I left my children at home with no access to food, water or electricity. When I’m on duty, I call them periodically to check on them, and this constant worrying is overwhelming, adding to the fact that we face gunfire and constant bombing, and some of us get injured or die.“All of these challenges take a toll on our psychological well-being. Nevertheless, we persist. It’s a moral obligation, and I will continue to work until the very end.”‘Our eyes and ears’Apart from the incessant bombing and gunfire, PRCS crews have been struggling with intermittent communications blackouts, which means there’s often no way for people to call in for an ambulance when there is an attack.This has heavily obstructed their response. However, the PRCS ambulance teams have found creative ways to ensure paramedics can find people when there is an urgent need.“We strategically placed our ambulances, and we had to use our eyes and ears to watch out for bombings,” says Mohammed Abu Musabih, director of operations and emergencies for the PRCS in the Gaza strip. “Teams were then dispatched to areas that were bombed, because that’s where people will most likely need assistance.”“We also placed ambulances near hospitals, and we relied on arriving ambulances carrying injured people to give us information about the location they came from,” he continued. “The ambulance crews then headed off to the location.” Unfortunately, in most cases, even the most creative attempts have been ineffective as PRCS teams find it extremely difficult to reach people in need due to infrastructure damage, roadblocks and military sieges going on in various parts of the city.Supplies running out, winter coming onThe situation inside Gaza hospitals has been all the more tragic, with doctors and nurses resorting to traditional medicine as supplies ran out. Many hospitals were forced to suspend their services due to lack of fuel.Thousands of Palestinians have also sought refuge in hospitals, but after coming under siege, many people - including the sick and wounded - had to evacuate, with nowhere to go.A great deal of affected people in Gaza are currently living in tents or open spaces; this leaves them extremely vulnerable as winter approaches, and with it comes the threat of flooding and the potential spread of disease. PRCS ambulance crews and other volunteers will be there doing whatever they can to ensure people get the best possible care under the circumstances.As of December 11, PRCS crews have provided emergency care to more than 11,000 people and they transported the bodies of more than 3,500 people who died due to the fighting. Crews in the West Bank have cared for more than 3,000 injuries and transported more than 80 people killed in the conflict.“Ever since the hostilities began, the Palestine Red Crescent Society teams and volunteers were on the frontline saving lives, day-in and day out, with no break,” says Hossam Elsharkawi, regional director for Middle East and North Africa.“The unprecedented level of challenges they faced is beyond comprehension. We highly salute them; they have shown humanity at its best. In parallel, we call on the international community to fast-track diplomatic solutions that address root causes, including an end to the inhumane siege on Gaza, and enable more humanitarian aid to get into all parts of Gaza, including fuel.”

3 billion mosquito nets shipped to prevent malaria

Geneva – 30 Nov 2023 / On the same day the World Health Organization releases its 2023 World Malaria Report, the  Alliance for Malaria Prevention (AMP) reveals that a significant milestone has been reached. Three billion insecticide treated nets (ITNs) have been shipped since 2004 to prevent malaria, most of them to countries in sub-Saharan Africa. These ITNs are estimated to be responsible for two-thirds of the reduction in malaria cases over the past decades. Thanks to the efforts of national malaria programmes and partners, about 68% of households across sub-Saharan Africa own at least one net. Most of these nets have been bought via funds from The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the United States President’s Malaria Initiative, UNICEF and the Against Malaria Foundation (AMF).  In 2022 alone, more than 190 million ITNs were distributed globally by National Malaria Programmes in malaria endemic countries. Of these 180 million were distributed in sub-Saharan Africa.  Petra Khoury, Director of the Health and Care Department at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which houses the Alliance for Malaria Prevention (AMP), said:  “Three billion is a staggering number – a number reached by phenomenal efforts by people in many countries. Those nets have, over two decades, saved countless lives. Malaria will continue to be a threat, particularly in a warming world. But insecticide treated nets are the most effective tool we have to tackle it.”    In 2004, Togo rolled out the very first nationwide mosquito net campaign targeting children under five years of age with an integrated package of life-saving interventions. Twenty years and six ITN mass distribution campaigns later, Dr Tinah Atcha-Oubou, coordinator of the Togo National Malaria Control Program (NMCP), says the mass distribution of bed nets has had a dramatically positive impact on malaria mortality and mobility. Dr Atcha-Oubou says the NMCP in Togo is aiming for malaria elimination.   ‘We have a vision for our country, a Togo without malaria. We want to free communities from the burden of malaria to improve the economic growth of Togo. Malaria prevention strategies have shown promising results, we also have access to efficient tools to reach this goal. We are hopeful that we can eliminate malaria in the same way that many other countries already have’.   Access to and use of mosquito nets are essential to keep Togo on track for malaria elimination. Investments from partners at national and international level must continue to ensure that the country can keep working towards this goal.  The Alliance for Malaria Prevention’s Net Mapping Project has been independently tracking net shipments from the very first national campaign in 2004 in Togo. Funded by the United Nations Foundation through the United to Beat Malaria campaign,andledby the IFRC, the Net Mapping Project data informs the World Health Organization’s World Malaria Report each year, feeding into modeled estimates of ITN coverage across the globe.  Global partners commented on the milestone:  ‘Nets are one of the best tools in our arsenal in the fight to end malaria. The U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative is proud to support this historic milestone and applauds the work of AMP and our partners to strengthen the capacity of national malaria programs to distribute nets to the communities that need them most and to track and report data.’  Dr. David Walton, U.S. President’s Global Malaria Coordinator  “The Global Fund remains committed to improving the lives of communities suffering under the burden of malaria. Helping the countries we support ensure optimal vector control coverage is a cornerstone of our malaria strategy. The milestone of 3 billion ITNs should be celebrated and act as catalyst to further drive towards achieving and sustaining this life saving intervention.”  Scott Filler, Head of Malaria, Technical Advice and Partnerships Department, Global Fund  "This landmark achievement of shipping 3 billion insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) represents a crucial step forward in our fight against malaria. The widespread distribution of ITNs with intensive Behaviour Change Communication at community level has contributed significantly to reducing malaria transmission, protecting vulnerable populations, and saving lives.   Keziah Malm, National Coordination of National Malaria Elimination Program in Ghana  Further Information: In the last few years, an increasing proportion of ITNs shipped have contained active ingredients designed to mitigate the effects of insecticide resistance. In 2022, of the 281.5 million ITNs that manufacturers delivered to malaria endemic countries, 47% were treated with a synergist, pyrethroid-piperonyl butoxide (PBO), and 8% were dual active ingredient ITNs, which have combined insecticides with different modes of action.  While protecting people from malaria remains critical, the global community also recognises the environmental footprint of ITNs for vector control from the point of manufacture through exit from the supply chain given the heavy reliance on plastic for the nets themselves and their packaging. Responsible collection and disposal of plastic waste at the point of distribution and as nets become unserviceable for malaria prevention is, therefore, an integral part of many national malaria programmes’ vector control strategies.  Global and national stakeholders and partners are working together to find solutions to limit the amount of waste generated and to ensure more sustainable and environmentally focused supply chains for vector control with ITNs.    Despite the efforts of national malaria programs and their funding, the latest World Malaria Report notes that global malaria cases and deaths in 2022 were higher than in 2019, mostly due to the disruption of services during the COVID19 pandemic. Countries most affected include Pakistan, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Uganda and Papua New Guinea. The World Health Organization estimates that there were 608’000 malaria deaths in 2022 – 32’000 more deaths than in the year before the pandemic.   The 2023 World Malaria Report also highlights that the funding gap between the amount invested in malaria control and elimination and the resources needed continues to widen. It grew from US$2.3 billion in 2018 to US$ 3.7 billion globally in 2022. Despite the shortage of funding, continued research and development to address insecticide resistance reinforced efforts of national malaria programs and their partners to deliver services to all populations at risk. Significant work to generate sufficient funding to support national malaria strategic plans remain critical in ensuring that the fight against malaria remains on track towards the WHO 2030 targets.    For further details please contact: [email protected]   Andrew Thomas   International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent +41763676587  Tommaso Della Longa   International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent +41797084367  There are spokespeople available to talk about this announcement, including Petra Khoury, the IFRC’s Director of Health and Care.    Partners:   The Alliance for Malaria Prevention receives funding support from USAID, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and the United Nations Foundation (UNF).  Since 2013, the Net Mapping Project has been funded by the United Nations Foundation and the IFRC. 

Central African Republic: Red Cross project gives a boost to a weakened health system

IFRC's Muriel Atsama and Bienvenue Doumta, head of communications at the Central African Red Cross, visited several of these facilities and filed this report. It's 7.30 am when we arrive at the Sakai health centre. On the benches outside, several patients are waiting to be examined by Don de Dieu, who is the head nurse that day. Among the many patients sitting on the benches is Rebecca, who is holding her sick daughter in her hand. "My family and I used to come here for consultations when we were ill," she says. "The nurses treat us well and we get free medication”. Located about thirty kilometres from the capital, Bangui, the Sakai centre receives patients from 36 villages. Renovated in 2020 by the Central African Red Cross (CARC), it previously consisted of a single building made of earth and was in a state of advanced deterioration. Now the centre now has two buildings, including a maternity hospital, a room for maternal, child-health and family-planning, a child consultation room, and a child hospitalisation room. There is also a dispensary with a five-bed hospital ward, a treatment room, a laboratory, and a pharmacy. In previous years, the centre had only the bare minimum to accommodate and treat patients. The renovation and equipping of the centre by the Red Cross has been a breath of fresh air for the whole village. The aim of these renovations was to make the Minimum Package of Activities, a basic standard for heath services, available to the people here. "The health centre has changed a lot and has really improved," adds Rebecca. "We can see it in the equipment the nurses use to look after us. Today, more than ever, we come here for consultations, and we're satisfied." For Don de Dieu, these improvements also make it possible to offer hospital services to a greater number of people, consistently and over a longer period. "Thanks to the project, we have benefited from solar panels that provide continuous electricity," he explains. "We can now carry out patient examinations at any time and store our products in better conditions". The centre has also received an incinerator for waste management, as well as beds, office space, a waste-sorting shed and a borehole for pumping water from the ground. "Thanks to this new facility, the number of patients attending the Sakai health centre has increased exponentially", adds Don de Dieu. "From around a hundred patients a month in the past, we now welcome more than 500 patients from the surrounding villages.” Pride of the village A little further on, we meet Charles, the chief of the village of Sakaï. He explains that this new building is the pride of his village and the surrounding villages. What's more, his entire community gets safe drinking water from the borehole. "The borehole at the Sakaï health centre is a source of water that serves the whole community," says Charles. The Sakai health centre is not the only one to have benefited from these rehabilitations. A total of 14 other health centres across the country and one hospital have received a wide range of equipment, including an ambulance, an X-ray machine and other equipment required to meet the necessary standards. Our visit continued at Bangui University's Faculty of Health Sciences, where we were welcomed by the Dean, Professor Boniface Koffi. "Thanks to the Red Cross and its donors, all the offices have been renovated,” he said. “The roofs of some buildings have been replaced, as has the electricity. We have also received office furniture, around 1,200 chairs and tables for the comfort of our students, as well as around twenty microscopes.” The University of Bangui was founded in 1969, and the two buildings that make up the Faculty of Science and Health were constructed in 1970 and 1980. Since then, they had not been renovated, and crises weakened them. A perfect illustration In addition to this equipment, the Red Cross has equipped the faculty's digital library with 35 desktop computers, eight laptops and video projectors. "We are very grateful for this major donation from the Central African Red Cross, which has breathed new life into our faculty,” he concludes. “But as you know, the hand that receives asks for more. We would like to have many more classrooms to accommodate and train even more students. Our country badly needs them for the well-being of the population". Our journey ends at the Central African Red Cross University Institute for Paramedical Training, where we are welcomed by Honorine Konzelo, Director of the Institute studies. Created in 2010, the initial building was constructed at the CARC headquarters. Following the crisis that hit the country, the institute was relocated to an abandoned primary school that was in urgent need of renovation. Today, it has three laboratory rooms, a library and lecture theatres. The Red Cross is also paying the salary of the staff accountant, who has also worked as a teacher since the project began. "Our institute is a perfect illustration of the Red Cross's commitment to the well-being of young people, who need high-quality training, and to the population, which needs qualified health workers," says Ms Honorine. The CAR health system reconstruction project has been implemented by the Central African Red Cross since 2018 thanks to technical support from IFRC. Funded by the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KFW), the project is in its second phase of implementation, which will run until 2026.

IFRC Secretary General statement at the High-level meeting of the General Assembly on Universal Health Coverage

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. UHC political declaration marks one of the most ambitious gatherings on health. I am happy to share the perspective of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies on this important topic. Through our experience reaching 1 billion people with health services during COVID-19, I can tell you that a primary health care approach is the only way we stand a chance to achieve universal health coverage and to ensure no one is left behind, both in times of crisis and stability. Resilient health systems focused on primary health care (PHC) with enough trained health workers, data capacity, and well-functioning basic services are better prepared to prevent and respond to health emergencies. Health emergencies often differ from other emergencies in their complexities, their scope, durations, and in response approach. Here are the shifts needed to embed the PHC during health emergencies, this comes from the IFRC study on recent COVID19 pandemic: First and foremost: trust. Governments must do the groundwork to build trust with the public before health emergencies - people won’t use even the best health systems if they don’t trust them. How do we do this? -Proximity: People trust people they know, such as community members. -Education: People trust what they understand, via health literacy programmes. -Listening: People trust those who listen to them and act on their concerns, such as trained community engagement specialists who gather feedback and analyse it. -Access to services: People trust those who address their needs, including their basic health and social protection needs. -Ownership: People trust measures they feel ownership of and are consulted on. Second is equity. Do not exclude anyone. Equity is fundamental element of embedding PHC during emergencies. Migrants, refugees and other disadvantaged communities are the worst impacted by health emergencies. We need to address formal and informal barriers to access to health and other essential services, including stigma and discrimination. Data driven decision making significantly helps to ensure inclusion. Embedding a PHC approach requires integrating health information systems to facilitate real time data sharing and evidence-based decision making. Finally, local action. Strong Community Health Systems that combine the power of communities and technologies: We must prioritize health systems strengthening at the community level, with a well-resourced and protected community health workforce to match. To do this, a much greater portion of existing health financing needs to go to the local level. Universal health Coverage plans must be tailored to the communities they serve by putting them at the center of policy design. It is groundbreaking that governments have committed in paragraph 104 of the declaration to involve local communities in the design of universal health coverage plans, and to find ways of enhancing participatory and inclusive approaches to health governance. Excellencies, humanitarian needs are only growing, and global health is at a crossroads: without systemic change, we will only achieve health for some, and not health for all. Strong governance and leadership are expected of all of us. In the decades since the Alma-Ata Declaration, the international community has focused more on diseases rather than on individuals, and on treatment rather than on prevention. We can’t continue down the same path and expect a different result. Today must represent a shift towards a community-driven, primary health care-first model to global health systems. Thank you.

New IFRC podcast introduces the 'People in the Red Vest’

When disaster strikes, the sight of someone wearing a red vest is a sign that help has arrived. It’s a powerful symbol of hope and comfort amid the chaos following an emergency, worn by members of the IFRC and its 191 member Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies. And now it’s also a symbol of our brand new podcast. Launching on 12 September across all major streaming services, People in the Red Vest is a twice-monthly podcast that features inspiring stories of people from across the IFRC network. They’ll speak about their personal experiences of responding to the world's biggest humanitarian crises and what inspires them to keep going. The first episode features IFRC Secretary General Jagan Chapagain, who talks about his recent missions to several countries in Africa impacted by an acute hunger crisis, and to Slovenia, hit by severe flooding. He also speaks of his upcoming trip to New York for the United Nations General Assembly and shares what inspired his own personal humanitarian journey. “One thing that always stuck into my head was something Albert Einstein said, ‘You live a real life by making a difference in someone else's,’” said Chapagain, who was 14 when he became a volunteer for the Nepal Red Cross. Keenly interested in science from a young age, Chapagain is an engineer by training. But it was his first job, helping refugees in Nepal, that steered him down the humanitarian path. “Just listening to the refugees’ stories, their dreams and plans for their families... in many ways, that cemented my belief that if you want to live a satisfied life, you should do something for others,” he adds. Upcoming guests include: A regional leader in the fight against food insecurity in Africa, Ambassador Mahabub Maalim, who also serves as advisor to IFRC’s response to the current hunger crisis in Africa (now impacting 23 countries). He shares his thoughts on how to break cycles of food insecurity in the face of the climate crisis, as well as his own personal experiences growing up with hunger in eastern Kenya. Nena Stoiljkovic, a leader in the world of humanitarian and development finance who serves as IFRC’s Under Secretary General for Global Relations, Diplomacy and Digitalization. She talks about her life-long passion for using innovative financing and partnerships to help people and communities bounce back from hardship, as well as her experiences as a woman leader in the still male-dominated world of finance and development. Future episodes will also include people working at the heart of IFRC emergency and recovery operations around the world, as well as volunteers and leaders from its member National Societies. They will share their own compelling and inspiring stories and their thoughts on new trends in technology and humanitarian response, how to make our operations more inclusive and equitable, and what makes them to keep going despite the mounting challenges. In each episode, the guests will also tell us what the Red Vest symbolizes to them. If you’re curious, subscribe and join us wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Three months after the Kakhovka Dam disaster, Ukraine Red Cross still stands by affected communities

When the Kakhovka Dam in southern Ukraine collapsed in June, a torrent of water poured over downstream towns and farmlands, reducing homes to rubble and leading to the tragic loss of many lives. The flood swept up everything in its path, washing farm animals, unexploded mines, hazardous chemicals and dangerous bacteria—such as salmonella, E. coli, and cholera—down toward the Dnipro-Buh Delta on the Black Sea. The Ukraine Red Cross Society’s (URCS) response to the dam disaster was swift. From the moment the dam collapsed, their volunteers began evacuating people from flooded areas and distributing essentials such as food, hygiene products and water purification equipment. Psychosocial support specialists were also on hand to help people cope during those difficult first days. But recovering from a disaster like this doesn’t happen overnight. Three months on, URCS teams remain firmly by the side of communities to help them get their lives back on track. “People's needs have changed but have not disappeared," says Serhiy Moroz, a URCS volunteer. "In many populated areas, people are attempting to return to their previous lives in damaged housing and amidst disruptions in centralized water supply services. Often, water systems are simply non-existent, leaving people to suffer from a lack of clean water. This creates significant household challenges as well as risks to public health." The IFRC recently deployed an Emergency Response Unit or 'ERU'—a team of specialized personnel and equipment from across the IFRC network—to Kropyvnytskyi city to support the Ukraine Red Crescent Society’s work restoring access to safe water. Marco Skodak, the ERU team leader, details their efforts: "We're launching Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) activities in response to the dam's destruction. URCS volunteers are undergoing training to provide assistance, and, working alongside our specialists, they are already on the ground conducting needs assessments and establishing crucial water purification systems and pipelines." By training up the Ukraine Red Cross Society in this way, the IFRC network is ensuring that communities get the long-term assistance they need to recover, and that volunteers have an even greater ability to respond should a similar disaster ever occur in future. -- Click here to learn about how the IFRC is supporting local humanitarian action, including the different types of ERUs we can deploy. And click here to learn more about the IFRC’s work in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.