The Canadian Red Cross is part of a much larger family. It represents just one branch of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which is the world's largest humanitarian network, made up of 189 different National Societies staffed by more than 13 million volunteers. Together, these non-profit organizations reach 150 million people around the globe, providing humanitarian relief and aiding world health.
Another branch of the IFRC, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent Society (SARC), has been providing aid and assistance to around 2 million people in Syria each month - work which has become considerably more dangerous in light of the current conflict in the country. SARC volunteers have shown exceptional courage - as have the volunteers from other National societies within IFRC who have lent resources and volunteers to the effort.
The conflict in Syria hasn't been the sole need for humanitarian assistance, however. In part because of the on-going conflict, polio has returned to the region. The World Health Organization announced that for the first time since 1995, polio had begun infecting residents of the country, with at least 10 confirmed cases in young children.
"Polio is striking in the midst of an already difficult situation," a United Nations report read. "More than one-third of all hospitals have closed, and more than two-thirds of health workers have fled the country."
This means that access to necessary supplies and services - including polio vaccinations - is scarce. However, SARC has stepped in, cooperating with WHO, the United Nations Children Fund and the Ministry of Health to immunize high-risk areas and avoid the potential for epidemic.
SARC had previously been operating vaccination campaigns for other conditions, including measles, mumps and rubella through its 14 main branches and numerous sub branches. The Syrian vaccine requires only a few drops, which will provide life-long protection to children who receive immunization.
The IFRC outlined the importance of local Red Crescent volunteers, who can provide the essential services to those in need that international organizations cannot, whether due to language barriers or lack of connection on a community level.
"In cooperation with relevant authorities, SARC will organize and sometimes carry out vaccinations in so called hot areas where there is no other health provider," said Hazem Bakleh, M.D., SARC medical services director and the director of the Al Akram Center. "Logistically, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) will provide us with 100 cool boxes to be used for this campaign."
Canadian Red Cross and the Government of Canada are supporting SARC and IFRC health interventions. You can help provide polio immunization where it's needed most worldwide by donating to the Syria Red Cross fund today!