The
Round-up offers a weekly sample of what our sister Red Cross Societies are working on around the world.
SOUTH SUDAN: The South Sudan
Red Cross is
mobilizing volunteers in the wake of a cholera outbreak which, to date, has claimed 14 lives in the capital city of Juba. More than 100 trained volunteers are going from house to house in affected areas and informing families about cholera, how they can protect themselves against the disease, and what to do in the event a family member falls sick. In addition, Red Cross volunteers are distributing oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration resulting from diarrhoea and vomiting as a result of cholera. Families are also receiving purification tablets and solutions so they can treat their drinking water, and soap to encourage hand washing.
SYRIA: As fighting continues in and around Aleppo, the
International Committee of the Red Cross together with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent is delivering emergency food rations for over 60,000 people displaced by violence in opposition- and government-held areas in the governorate.
PHILIPPINES: When Typhoon Haiyan struck
central Philippines in November, it not only caused thousands of deaths but also extensive destruction to homes, infrastructure and livelihoods, leaving thousands homeless and jobless. Almost seven months on, survivors have to contend with a drastic reduction in living conditions and income. The Philippine Red Cross and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are scaling up support to help survivors repair or rebuild damaged homes, and re-establish ways to make a living through the Early Livelihood Recovery Program. Through the program, individual households and community groups will receive conditional cash grants to start up income-earning activities. The programme will also provide young people, from the most vulnerable families, with scholarships to begin vocational training at accredited institutions.