The Round-up offers a weekly sample of what our sister Red Cross Societies are working on around the world.
FIJI: Just as torrential rain began to subside and waters began to recede in some areas, the flood-stricken island
is facing another tropical storm which was upgraded to a Category One cyclone. In the coming days Cyclone Daphne is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds, with the possibility of severe flooding of major rivers, streams and low-lying coastal areas. Staff and volunteers of the Fiji Red Cross Society have been working closely with the Fijian health authorities in responding to the immediate needs of the evacuees. The Red Cross is providing support and care at the evacuation centres, and disseminating precautionary advice on maintaining good health and hygiene to safeguard against disease outbreaks. The Red Cross has prepositioned emergency relief supplies ready for distribution including water purification tablets, water containers, shelter tools, cooking sets and blankets.
NIGER: The scene in front of the integrated health centre in Kofo village summarizes the worst, as well as the best aspects of the situation in Niger, a country severely affected by the drought in Sahel. Nine out of ten children that come to the health centre in Kofo village are malnourished. For the mothers, the figure is eight out of ten. Combating malnutrition in Kofo is a joint effort carried out by three partners. The state provides the building and pays the salaries for the nurses, the Red Cross Society of Niger runs the health clinic and contributes volunteers that give advice on health and nutrition, and the World Food Program supplies the nourishment for the children. This cooperation enables the health centre to serve several villages in the area.
GLOSSARY:
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies