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Awni, his wife Tahrer, and their son Yehya are all members of the Palestine Red Crescent Society’s (PRCS) emergency medical response team. They begin each day not knowing whether it will be the last time they wish one another a safe shift. Since the escalation of hostilities in October 2023, their work has taken them into the heart of the destruction in Gaza, into the remains of what were once vibrant communities. 

Over the last year, many countries in Eastern and Southern Africa have navigated cholera outbreaks due to weather-related issues like heavy rains, floods, and landslides. The Comoro Islands (Comoros), a small country made up of three islands in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa, was among the countries that faced a cholera outbreak. In Comoros,  a significant number of cholera cases affected children and youth.

When it comes to disasters and crises around the world, local Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement staff and volunteers are at the heart of the response— taking action to support people who have been impacted.  

On April 15, 2023, conflict broke out in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, and quickly made its way to other regions throughout the country. This flare-up of violence was the latest threat in a region that has already endured years of violence, instability, drought, and economic hardship.

Across the Horn of Africa, severe ongoing drought is reshaping the lives of millions as the lack of water destroys livelihoods, causes mass migration, and is the reason for increasing malnutrition. Read how the Somali Red Crescent is working to help where it is most needed. 

France Hurtubise, a retired Communications delegate living in Montréal, looks back on her experience in the humanitarian sector and shares her story with us. Over the course of 25 years working abroad, France traveled to four continents and worked in countries heavily impacted by conflicts and disasters. In May 2022, she published “Grandeur et dénuement”, an account of her years with the Red Cross (ICRC, IFRC and CRC) and the UN.

As of early 2023, Haiti continues to experience a major security, social, economic, and public health crisis. Despite the deteriorating security situation, namely tied to armed violence, the Red Cross continues its essential work in support of the people of Haiti. One approach we have taken is providing direct financial assistance for the people who are still recovering from the 2021 Earthquake. To date, the Cash and Voucher Assistance program has enabled 1,400 households in the municipalities of Corail and Pestel, in Grande Anse, to meet their essential humanitarian needs and provides much needed relief during these difficult times.

Sarah Parisio's role within the Canadian Red Cross involves supporting people impacted by disasters through leading teams of fellow humanitarians who respond to emergencies in Canada and around the world. Discover how she brought with her skills developed through responding to emergencies in Canada to an international context and what new knowledge she brought back home in return.