The Red Cross is well-known both in Canada and abroad as a provider of humanitarian aid and relief. Being one of the largest charity organizations in the country, the Canadian Red Cross has the reach and resources to positively impact world health across the globe, from the provinces of Canada to the nations of Africa. Most recently, the Red Cross looked to Ethiopia, where a polio outbreak has been confirmed.
Ongoing outbreak reaches Ethiopia
A polio outbreak has been spreading through the Horn of Africa on the continent's western coast. First confirmed in the Benadir region of Somalia, the virus has spread quickly, with new cases reported in Kenya, South Sudan and Ethiopia. The total number of cases throughout the Horn of Africa reached approximately 200 by mid-October, 2013.
The IFRC and others prepare to provide relief
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) convened a planning meeting composed of eight countries, including Ethiopia, in October to address the spread of polio. The cause of the polio outbreak in Ethiopia was determined to be low vaccination coverage. As such, the IFRC is supporting the Ethiopia Red Cross Society to provide social mobilization activities for the Ministry of Health polio immunization campaign in the country, focusing particularly on high-risk areas of the Somali region.
The Canadian Red Cross lends a hand
Alongside the Government of Canada, the Canadian Red Cross has employed the Emergency Disaster Assistance Fund project to support a response to the polio outbreak in Ethiopia. Through this project, the Government of Canada has contributed $25,000 to support to the Ethiopia Red Cross Society and facilitate the first round of emergency polio immunization. The Canadian Red Cross thanks the Canadian government for it's ongoing support of IFRC emergency response operations.
Beneficiaries will include more than 508,000 children under the age of 5, and nearly 299,000 households across the Somali region. By stopping the further spread of the polio virus, the IFRC and Ethiopia Red Cross could stop countless further cases before they happen.
Canadian Red Cross supporters can make a difference from anywhere in the world by donating to the International Disaster Relief Fund. Help stop the spread of polio - donate today.