Kate Forbes, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), visited Jamaica to observe recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa and the joint work between the Government of Jamaica and the Jamaica Red Cross. She noted the progress made so far, including restored electricity, ongoing food support, and access to medical care in affected communities. She also explained that the IFRC supports Jamaica by providing funding, trained volunteers, and international assistance. As part of this support, Jamaica received water purification systems, mobile health clinics, and international medical teams working alongside local health workers. Clean drinking water and medical services were delivered to vulnerable communities. The visit highlighted the role of Red Cross volunteers, many of whom continued to help even after being personally affected by the hurricane, as well as the strong partnership between the Red Cross and the Government in disaster response.

Preparedness saves lives. That's a fact. Proven. It also saves money. Investing in preparedness is far less costly than having to respond to a large scale outbreak. #communityhealth . Read the success stories below:

There are no excuses. The @IFRC condemns the attack on the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) headquarters in Khan Younis, which resulted in the killing of PRCS staff member Omar Isleem, and injuries to two additional staff members and one civilian who was trying to help extinguish the fire that broke out at the site. Omar, leaves behind his wife and seven children. He had been working at @PalestineRCS for 25 years. This tragic incident is a stark reminder of the dire and unacceptable conditions facing humanitarian workers and civilians in Gaza. We stand in full solidarity with the Palestine Red Crescent Society. We reiterate our calls: - Civilians must be protected. - Humanitarians must be protected. - The Red Crescent emblem must be respected and protected. Our full statement: ifrc.org/press-release/ifrc-…

In Gaza, fuel shortages have reached an emergency level. Over half of @PalestineRCS's ambulances are out of service & only 21 ambulances continue operating under life-threatening conditions. The @IFRC reiterates its call to all parties for safe & unhindered access for aid.

Deeply saddened to learn the deaths of three more members of the Iranian Red Crescent while carrying out their humanitarian mission. Since the escalation began on 13 June, four colleagues from the Iranian Red Crescent Society @Iran_RCS have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty. On behalf of the @IFRC, I wish to express our deepest condolences for these devastating losses. Our hearts go out to their families, loved ones, and colleagues @Iran_RCS during this difficult time. We urgently reiterate our call for the respect and protection of all humanitarian workers.

📍 On May 3, 31 #earthquake-affected households in #KyaukSe Township, #Mandalay received: 🍚 1 rice bags 🍽️ 1 kitchen set 🏕️ 2 tarpaulins 🦟 1 mosquito net 🚺 female hygiene kit 🚹 male hygiene kit 💵 Cash assistance (50,000 MMK each)

"Right now, we are staying strong and doing whatever we can to help." Nilar Sein, a @MyanmarRedCross volunteer in Sagaing Township, is working tirelessly to provide assistance to affected people arriving at Sagaing General Hospital. Her family is safe but her house was also destroyed during the earthquake.

Our aid workers were killed and thrown into a mass grave in Gaza. Our staff’s red uniforms should have protected them. Instead they became their death shrouds. This should never happen again. For the sake of humanity. My op-ed in @guardian: bit.ly/3YiQZpA

The @IFRC condemns the killing of eight @PalestineRCS medics in Gaza. We are heartbroken. These dedicated humanitarians, killed while responding to the wounded, should have been protected. We mourn their loss and stand with the Palestine Red Crescent. Full statement: bit.ly/427LXxp

Latest update from @ifrc acting head of delegation in Myanmar on the current situation and response following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake of Friday #MyanmarEarthquake @MyanmarRedCross

As the response to the earthquake in Myanmar gathers pace, we @IFRC just released emergency funds of CHF 2 million from @IFRC_DREF to support the Red Cross action on the ground. Big thank you to our DREF & Core funding donors who enable us to get people and cash to disasters - fast. An IFRC emergency appeal will be issued tomorrow to support the @MyanmarRedCross in its life-saving response.

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake has struck central Myanmar, causing widespread destruction. The @MyanmarRedCross is responding with emergency teams, despite major access challenges due to collapsed infrastructure & downed communications. Marie Manrique, @IFRC Program Coordinator for Myanmar, provides us with an update. Latest information available here 👉bit.ly/4255bnl

Myanmar Earthquake 📍Major damage reported in Mandalay,Sagaing, Naypyitaw, Bago & Southern Shan. ⛑️MRCS is providing First Aid & Pre-Hospital Care, prioritizing life-saving measures & conducting damage assessments. 🚑A response team is deployed to Mandalay, and the EOC is active.

RT @IFRCAsiaPacific: We are actively monitoring the powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the border between Thailand and Myanmar,…

For five days, nine PRCS EMTs have been missing after coming under fire and being besieged in Rafah. Their families and colleagues wait in anguish, desperate for answers, praying for their safe return. #NotATarget #IHL #Gaza

📍 Gaza | Today, our office in Rafah was damaged by an explosive projectile despite being clearly marked and notified to all parties. We decry the attack against our premises. Civilians and humanitarian workers must be protected. Read more: ms.spr.ly/6013qenvB

One drop at the time, looking at the current problem but also at finding long term solutions, @ZambiaRedCross helps building a better future for the young generation @RodeKruis ifrc.org/article/zambia-chan… @ifrc

After 15 awful months – for hostages and their families, and for the people of Gaza – I’m delighted that a hostage-release and ceasefire deal has finally been reached. I congratulate all those involved in what have been long and difficult negotiations. There is much still to work out. Reconstruction of lives and infrastructure will take years. An essential start is that aid enters Gaza at scale - and our Palestine Red Crescent teams can move freely and reach all areas of Gaza to deliver it, including the north. But today marks a hopeful starting point for a better future. Finally, desperation is tempered by hope.

"At the moment, Port Vila is without water. This is also high priority. We may be looking soon into how we can distribute jerry cans for [people] to collect water." - Dickinson Tevi, Secretary General, @vanuaturedcross abc.net.au/news/2024-12-18/v…

A 7.3 magnitude earthquake has struck Port Vila in Vanuatu with reports of damages in the capital. Trained Red Cross volunteers are on the ground and ready to assist affected communities with pre-positioned relief items.