Emergency health

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Article

I thought I could do it, so I did it

By Olivia Acosta Mariela Bareiro is 43 years old, and she has a degree in nursing, but she stopped practicing two years ago due to a family tragedy from which she is still recovering. "When the Paraguayan Red Cross launched an appeal for volunteers to provide information about the pandemic to the population, I didn't think about it, I needed to do something, to feel useful... I thought I could do it, so I did it”. And that's how Mariela's adventure began on June 8th at the National Call Center. This service, which receives more than a thousand calls a day, consists of a free line set up to guide and attend to citizens' questions and concerns regarding COVID-19, implemented by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare of Paraguay. Mariela dedicates 18 hours a week to this job in the morning, along with 18 volunteers from the Paraguayan Red Cross. Her mission is to provide information on prevention and isolation measures and to schedule appointments for coronavirus testing. "Most people call us to report symptoms of COVID-19, we check them and schedule appointments so they can be tested as soon as possible and confirm if they have the virus. But many times the calls they receive require another type of intervention: "Many people call us because they are very sad, they have lost their loved ones because of the pandemic and they need to vent. We receive training in emotional support, to be able to help them in those hard moments. According to Mariela, many people who live alone feel a lot of anxiety when they present symptom of coronavirus and call to know what to do. "That is when we have to do a good listening, reassure them and finally give precise instructions for them to follow. He remembers a 54-year-old man who had lost his wife and two children: "He had symptoms, but he said he didn't care about having the virus, because he was alone and had no one left... quite often there are some difficult calls like this one. Hopefully all this will help us to be more empathetic, more supportive and more humane". On some occasions, they also receive calls from people who need urgent help: "I remember a dramatic case of a 43-year-old woman who fell down at home and hit her head. Her two daughters, who asked for help from the neighbors, called us because no one wanted to help… both had tested positive for COVID-19 a few days earlier. We had to refer the case to the hospital", she recalls. Mariela started as a volunteer 8 years ago at the Red Cross branch in Ñemby, one of the cities in the Central Department of Paraguay, in the youth Area. She has 4 children who are also volunteers for the organization, the youngest is 13 years old, she tells us. "What I do fills me up and makes me passionate, I feel useful and I give the best of myself," she concludes with a smile. The Paraguayan Red Cross is implementing health, water and sanitation activities to respond to the pandemic. 120 mobile washing stations have been installed in strategic locations and more than 5,000 family hygiene kits have been distributed. The Paraguayan Red Cross is also monitoring health status of vulnerable populations at risk of beeing infected by the virus and works in shelters to support the population returning to the country and having to carry out quarantine. In addition, The Paraguayan Red Cross supports several hospitals in the country in the transfer of COVID-19 patients.

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Article

The importance of good communication in times of COVID-19

Information saves lives; and in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, where there has been an excess of information and false rumors, the Bolivian Red Cross has been developing different actions against disinformation, and to reach out with clear messages to the population. In times of isolation, social media become a great way to stay close to people, and to bring them relevant and reliable information. The Bolivian Red Cross has developed a digital strategy that includes messages presented in an educational way, and videos where volunteers provide advice on different topics such as new ways to greet, how to use masks, how to wash hands, among others. This strategy also includes a series of sessions broadcast on Facebook Live, which have been very well received, since they are not only a way to provide information, but also to listen to the population, and to be able to attend and answer their questions. The first transmission was Myth and Truths about COVID-19, which has reached more than 8,500 users, and which received a series of queries from the public such as “How to disinfect food?” “What care should be taken with a person with disabilities and the elderly?” “Can masks be reused?” and more; all these questions were answered on the broadcast. Since that first transmission, topics such as stress management or relaxation techniques for isolation times, domestic violence, and what comes after COVID-19, have been touched upon. “We consider that the use of social media helps us not only to be able to give information, but also to know what people are thinking, what are their main concerns and doubts around COVID, and this allow us to be able to adjust the messages, so that they can address those information gaps. In addition, it has been a way to involve volunteers who are complying mandatory isolation, and who can help from their homes. In this way, although physically distance, the Red Cross remains close.”, says Mariela Miranda, Head of Communications for the Bolivian Red Cross. But it is known that not everyone has access to the internet, for this reason, messages have also been broadcast through radio spots in Spanish, Quechua, Aymara and Guarani, in different parts of Bolivia. Also, volunteers have been spreading prevention measures in markets, such as hand washing and social distancing, using megaphones. “I want to thank the Bolivian Red Cross for all their work, for all their love and the effort they make, informing and educating us with all the information they provide, whether it is to protect, prevent, or follow a protocol regarding day-to-day health.”, says Ale Marin, one of the most active users in BRC social media. The Bolivian Red Cross is committed and will continue to provide information to all those who require it, in order to clarify doubts and questions of those who need it.

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Article

Philippine Red Cross identified as key humanitarian partner of government in fight against COVID-19 under landmark Bayanihan to Heal as One Act

The Bayanihan to Heal as One Act has been signed into law last March 23, 2020 to ramp up efforts to fight COVID-19, including social safety nets and PhilHealth medical assistance to health workers and volunteers who risk their own lives in order to save the lives of others. Government will provide emergency subsidy to around 18 million low income households, to ensure that families have access to food and other basic needs in light of the heavy economic cost of the pandemic. “Finally! The Senate has adopted our amendments. Kung kinaya ng ibang bansa na lampasan ang pandemic na ito, kaya rin natin. To the Filipino people – yes, we can and yes, we will. Fight we must, win we must!”, said PRC Chairman and Senator Richard Gordon via Facebook, referring to his crucial amendments to the law, paving way for the P100,000 safety net for each healthcare worker infected by COVID-19, and a P1 million allocation each for bereaved families of healthcare workers who pass away in the line of duty. To better address COVID-19, the legislation identifies Philippine Red Cross as a key partner of the government in the distribution of goods and services to prevent and respond to the effects of the pandemic. As “auxiliary” to the public authorities in the humanitarian field, the Philippine Red Cross, supported by its worldwide Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners, is mandated by the Philippine Red Cross Act (RA 10072) and international law to provide life-saving humanitarian aid, alleviating the suffering of people wherever they may be found. The Bayanihan to Heal as One Act emphasizes and strengthens this auxiliary role of the prime humanitarian volunteer organization in the country, to support and supplement government efforts in these challenging and volatile times. Even prior to the passage of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, Philippine Red Cross staff and volunteers had been mobilizing resources and providing relief assistance and pandemic prevention kits to communities, through Red Cross Chapters in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. 1,137 liters of disinfectant solution had been donated to the Bulacan Red Cross Chapter, which it will then distribute to hospitals, barangay tanods, and other community frontliners. The Davao de Oro Red Cross Chapter provided tents to serve as 14-day quarantine facilities for some passengers traveling from other parts of the Philippines, with Compostela Red Cross Chapter providing beds and water, ensuring respect for human dignity in humanitarian aid. Philippine Red Cross Headquarters had also set up a 24/7-hour Red Cross hotline (1158) to address questions regarding COVID-19 symptoms and precautions, with volunteer doctors advising whether hospitalization may be required. Volunteer social workers also provide mental and psychosocial support to callers as part of Philippine Red Cross’ support to mental health. This helps decongest overwhelmed medical facilities by providing a first layer screening. There have been 128 calls received, the highest volume on March 24 after the new law was passed. There are currently 53 call center volunteers, and Philippine Red Cross welcomes more volunteers to serve the increasing volume of callers each day.

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Article

Iraqi Red Crescent paramedic: 18 hours of work is not enough

Imad Sabah’s life changed more than 15 years ago, when he met an Iraqi Red Crescent Society’s volunteer collecting donations for displaced people in Anbar. When Imad heard how people had to leave all their belongings behind and seek safety away from home, and how the Red Crescent was supporting them, he was touched and decided to join the RC himself. Since that date, as a RC volunteer and an active member of the emergency response team, Imad has been an important part of the ongoing humanitarian work of the Iraqi Red Crescent Society during many difficult situations Iraq has witnessed over the years. After joining the Red Crescent, Imad Sabah has been trained on various humanitarian skills such as first aid, psychological support, disaster management and response. Imad, who always carries his first aid bag with him, has saved the lives of hundreds of people. Lately, since the demonstrations started in Baghdad, he has been leading the emergency first aid team rescuing the wounded either on site in Tahrir Square or transporting them to nearby hospitals. Working for more than 18 hours a day, Imad and his team refuse to leave the site of the demonstrations even during their breaks. “I don’t feel tired, even though this work is very stressful. My team and I work in Tahrir Square in Baghdad, where we provide first aid for the injured. For more critical cases, we transport the injured to hospital and help the medical staff to manage the influx of people”, Imad explains. The best reward Imad and his team get is from the people they help. “We feel their love and appreciation. As soon as they see our logo, they allow us to help them, they give us access and they trust us. This is the best kind of a reward: access to those who need us.” On a personal level, Imad has recently married another Iraqi Red Crescent volunteer - with whom he promised to spend the remaining 6 hours, after 18 hours a day saving lives.

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Press release

IFRC to bring humanitarian aid into Venezuela

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

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Article

“I have seen my children suffering” – tackling chicken pox in Bangladesh’s mega-camp

Three-year-old Mohammed Sofit lies on the cold bare earth inside his family home. For the past 24 hours he has been suffering from chicken pox – an all too familiar ailment in the sprawling Kutapalong camp, built into steep hillsides close to the Myanmar-Bangladesh border. While the common childhood illness is generally low risk, chronic overcrowding in the camps near Cox's Bazar mean the disease is able to spread rapidly among the population. With over 34,500 cases of the disease reported since December, the worry is that this illness risks compounding many other vulnerabilities of the people who live here. “I have seen my children suffering” Fatema Khatun, a mother of four, lives nearby in her small shelter in the Kutapalong mega-camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Among her four children, three are already affected by the recent outbreak of chicken pox. Fatema’s youngest daughter, one-year-old Nusrat has been suffering from chicken pox for five days. Two of her other children have had the tell-tale itching for two days. “I wasn’t much worried at the beginning,” said Fatema. “Everyone in my neighborhood was saying it will go away, but I have seen my children suffering for the past few days. That’s when I came here, and it takes an hour of walk to get here.” Fatema visited one of a handful of Red Cross clinics in the area. They treat a wide variety of health conditions among the people displaced by violence in Rahkine, Myanmar. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the recent chicken pox outbreak is spreading fast in the densely populated settlements in Cox’s Bazar. The nature of the disease, as any parent knows, is that it is very contagious. But it is also particularly miserable condition in the hot, stuffy tents that perch precariously on these hillsides. “Stay clean and washed” Abdus Sattar lives in a nearby area of the mega-camp. Two of Abdus’ five children have chicken pox. Abdus was asked to come to the clinic close to his home on the advice of a Red Cross and Red Crescent community mobilizer. These volunteers, recruited from the camp, go door-to-door to ensure people are getting appropriate and timely information. At present, they are spending a lot of time speaking to families about chicken pox. “After talking to the doctor, I came to know about the dos and don’ts during this period,” said Abdus. “My children should not scratch the body. We should cut the nails short, stay inside the mosquito net, drink plenty of water and stay clean and washed.” It has been a month since the beginning of the chicken pox outbreak, and still patients come with a fever, a cough, itching, and scabs. In severe cases these scabs can become infected. Dr. Faisal from the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society is working in the clinic that saw Abdus. “This disease is a contagious kind,” he said. “We are advising patients to stay in their homes. Non-affected family members should come to the health center to receive advice and medicine.” Health messages on the wireless Noor Mohammad usually attends a community safe space run by the Red Cross and Red Crescent to weave fishing nets with his friends. This week the 65-year-old has instead listened to a radio programme, broadcast to community groups on mobile speakers via USB, about the chicken pox outbreak. “It’s been two days since one of my grandsons has been affected by chicken pox,” said Noor. “Today I have listened to the radio show and got to know what should be done. I also learned that the nails must be trimmed, the person must be kept clean and needs to have a shower once a day. I will go home today and tell my daughter to do the necessary things.” Caring for a newborn Back in the home of Mohammed Sofit, his mother Saynuwara sits quietly by his side. “My husband is working,” she said stoically. “So we have not had time to take him to the clinic.” Beside young Mohammed lies her young daughter Tamana. She is just 16 days old. Checking the temperature of her son, Saynuwara said: “I feel a pain in my stomach because we cannot go home. I worry about my children’s future – there is no education here.” With support from IFRC and sister National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society has been tackling the chicken pox outbreak from the very first day it began. To date, we have provided health care to 1,451 people suffering from the disease at six health facilities in the mega camp. 191 volunteers continue to go door-to-door of 13,370 households and disseminate key messages to 66,850 community members to ensure that people receive correct medical advice for this and other health conditions.

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Article

Philippines: Red Cross responds to deadly measles outbreak

More than 8,440 cases of measles – including 136 deaths from the disease - have been recorded in several regions of the Philippines, including the capital city Manila. In response, the authorities are working with the Philippine Red Cross and the World Health Organization to ramp up public information campaigns and vaccination activities in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan. The Red Cross is also employing interventions to increase vaccine coverage and care and support for people currently in hospitals. Although cases of measles have been on the increase in the Philippines in recent years, there was a 547 per cent spike from 4,000 cases in 2017 to 21,818 cases in 2018. More than 200 people died, most of them children.

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