The Round-up offers a weekly sample of what our sister Red Cross Societies are working on around the world.
INTERNATIONAL: In recent days and weeks, severe monsoon rains have led to landslides and flash floods causing death and destruction across large swathes of South Asia. In Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan, millions of people have been affected and massive damage has been caused to homes and local infrastructure. The Red Cross continues to work around the clock to provide assistance to affected communities. Activities include providing medical care, distributing emergency supplies and assisting evacuation efforts.
SOUTH SUDAN: South Sudan is currently battling a cholera outbreak. Since mid-May, cholera outbreaks or alerts have been reported in seven of South Sudan's ten states. The South Sudan Red Cross has mobilized and trained hundreds of volunteers to spread messages about cholera prevention through home visits and through the use of radio and mobile cinema. Social mobilization and health education through hygiene promotion and mobile cinemas are at the core of the IFRC response in support of South Sudan Red Cross. The South Sudan Red Cross has trained 426 volunteers to disseminate messages to prevent the further spread of disease, as well as distribute oral rehydration salts, water purification tablets and soap. Community-based interventions are vital for strengthening a community’s capacity to cope when access to public services is limited.