Responding to public health needs around the world

Topics: Africa
April 05, 2013

Responding to public health needs around the world

In the aftermath of emergencies and disasters, people living in affected communities can experience intense distress.

Areas impacted by violence, strife and natural disasters may also experience the breakdown of hospitals, infastructure and other basic municipal structures. This, in turn, can create public health problems within developing countries and place pressure on fledgling or weakened communities.

World health is a serious issue, and as one of the most active international charity organizations, the Canadian Red Cross is committed to helping people impacted by adversity overcome those challenges and gain the support that they need. The services offered by the Canadian Red Cross allow people to acquire a layer of support during difficult periods and empower themselves to act.

ERU training in Zimbabwe
In October 2012, the Canadian Red Cross sent 13 workers from the Emergency Response Unit and four facilitators to Zimbabwe to receive Community Health Module and the Psychosocial Support Module training. 

The training, which occurs in the field, helps workers obtain a diverse skill set in order to better respond to public health needs after disasters.

CIDA and the Canadian Red Cross
The strategic partnership between the Canadian Red Cross and the Canadian International Development Agency is part of an effort to strengthen its collective ability to respond to humanitarian issues in developing countries and enhance its response to crises on the ground.

"The Canadian Red Cross is an effective channel for Canadians to express care for their neighbours and people around the world," said Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer Conrad Sauvé. "We welcome this strategic partnership since it strengthens the abilities of both the Canadian Red Cross and CIDA to support vulnerable communities and respond to emergency situations where lives are at stake."

Improving the lives of those in need
Around the world, people are impacted by health issues that can polarize communities and leave them feeling more vulnerable than ever. With help from the Canadian Red Cross, those individuals can gain much-needed assistance and become more empowered through the skills and knowledge that they acquire.

In order to offer services internationally, the Canadian Red Cross depends on the support of people like you. With your help, those affected by hardship can start to obtain essential resources.

To make a difference, please donate online or at your local Canadian Red Cross office today. 

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