International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - IFRC

Immunization is one of the most powerful tools we have in the fight against infectious diseases. But in #Mali, fewer than half of the country’s children have received all the essential childhood vaccines they need to live long and healthy lives. With support from IFRC and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance], Mali Red Cross teams are overcoming immense obstacles to find zero-dose and under-vaccinated children and put them on a path to a safe and healthy future. Find out more in this new story: https://lnkd.in/eSzEUztb.

60 years ago, the world agreed: humanitarian action must remain neutral, impartial, and independent. Today, these principles are being eroded. We must protect them.

What an inspiring field visit to Indonesia last week with the #IFRC Donor Advisory Group (DAG)! It was, in many ways, a historic moment: we saw firsthand how the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) has grown into a strong, self-reliant National Society that not only responds effectively to crises but also drives innovation in anticipatory action and resource mobilization. I was deeply impressed by PMI’s ability to mobilize domestic resources and by how closely it works with government and civil society on anticipatory action, a model that clearly shows how success depends on strong policy links and broad societal buy-in. The dozens of youth volunteers we met brought this to life even more: PMI is an organization with deep community roots, widespread public support, and a vibrant future ahead. A few key reflections stood out from the visit: - Anticipatory action works and PMI showed us how powerful it can be when rooted in existing national systems. - Scaling up is essential and the question now is how donors and partners can help build a standardized, scalable vehicle for investment in anticipatory action. - We must think creatively about financing. While anticipatory action can be challenging to fit into traditional government budget lines, it offers strong appeal to multilateral donors, corporates, and individual contributors. Exploring non-grant financing models and pooled investment approaches under the IFRC Global Climate Resilience Platform will be key to unlocking the scale we need. - The IFRC will also continue to expand its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) and the anticipatory action window within it. A big thank you to Sweden and the Swedish Red Cross for their co-chairmanship and active engagement in advancing the DAG’s mission.

Armed conflicts and big emergencies such as wildfires, earthquakes and floods can have massive consequences for our mental health. But not always in the way we think. Here are five myths about mental health in crises, and how we can all be of better support.

Have you ever heard about "golden blood"? Being pregnant, Naide from Turkiye discovered that she had the Rh-null blood type - the rarest in the world, also known as "golden blood". Less than 50 people have it. As she faced complications, she needed an urgent blood transfusion. Thanks to the efforts coordinated by the Turkish Red Crescent, she could get compatible blood within 72 hours. It was the first "golden blood" transfusion operation in Turkiye's history, and it saved Naide's and her daughter's lives.

What connects these moments, decades apart? Humanity. Impartiality. Neutrality. Independence. Voluntary service. Unity. Universality. For 60 years, the Fundamental Principles have guided us to deliver help where it’s needed most.

The Mexican Red Cross is on the ground in #Veracruz, delivering life-saving aid to thousands affected by severe floods. Over 25 tons of food and hygiene supplies have already reached families in Poza Rica, with relief expanding to Puebla, Hidalgo, Jalisco, San Luis Potosí and Querétaro. Volunteers are working hand-in-hand, even rescuing stranded animals, because every life matters. 

With a ceasefire offering a brief respite from violence, attention must now turn to what happens next. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - IFRC is calling for a massive scaling up of aid and international support for Gaza. That includes the opening of all access points, so that lifesaving humanitarian aid can reach people at the scale needed to alleviate the catastrophic conditions they have endured for two years. Our statement 👉 https://bit.ly/4ol1xPD

On 10 October, a 7.4 earthquake struck off Davao Oriental in the Philippines, followed by a 6.8 aftershock. Nearly half a million people were affected. Homes, hospitals, schools, and roads were damaged. Families evacuated after tsunami warnings. The Philippine Red Cross moved fast. Volunteers, ambulances, water, food, and blood supplies are reaching families. Psychosocial support is being provided. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - IFRC is supporting the response and preparing more aid.

What does meaningful collaboration on disability inclusion look like in humanitarian action? 🤔 One powerful example just came to life through a recent webinar co-hosted by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - IFRC and CBM Global. The webinar spotlighted practical examples of inclusive collaboration where both organisations work side by side with Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to reshape humanitarian systems and services. We discussed highlights from: ✅ Bangladesh on integration of rehabilitation services into crisis response ✅ Nepal on disability inclusive disaster preparedness ✅ Kenya on OPD-led advocacy within humanitarian programmes ✅ Australia on joint programming and institutional strengthening Three insightful case studies from these collaborations are now available: https://lnkd.in/g3YDef6d What emerged clearly: when we complement reach with local leadership and inclusive technical know-how, change accelerates and make tangible impact for people in need. What we learned: Inclusion works best when organisations of persons with disabilities are engaged from the start; Inclusion is not an add-on but it’s part of effective humanitarian response; Partnerships thrive when knowledge and capacity align; Local solutions matter — and technical support helps these solutions to scale. Whether you’re a donor, implementer, OPD, or technical partner — there’s a lot to take from this model of collaboration. If you’re exploring similar partnerships or inclusive approaches in humanitarian settings, get in touch with [email protected] or [email protected]. Let’s keep learning and building systems that leave no one behind. #HumanitarianAction #DisabilityInclusion #SystemsChange #Localisation #OPDLeadership #InclusiveResponse #PGI #PartnershipsThatWork #Rehabilitation #InclusiveDRR International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - IFRC Kenya Red Cross Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) Australian Red Cross Finnish Red Cross - Suomen Punainen Risti Stephen Wainwright Sander Schot David Bainbridge Kirsty Thompson Tushar Wali Ben Adams