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A child’s terrible drawing of violence in Myanmar. People in crowded Bangladesh camps gently welcoming those who want to help them. Eager volunteers from the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society also pitching in with much-needed assistance. Just days after arriving, these are a few early impressions from members of the Canadian Red Cross mobile medical team and their Mexican Red Cross colleagues.

For Dr. Salim Sohani, a 35-year career in medicine, global health, and health promotion is not a job, but a passion. “It’s fulfilling and satisfying because it gives me the opportunity to make a difference and put a smile on the face of people,” says Dr. Sohani, a medical doctor who joined the Canadian Red Cross in 2008 after years of humanitarian work in Africa.  
 

​Earlier this month, Canadian Red Cross Vice President of International Operations, Hossam Elsharkawi travelled to Cuba after Hurricane Irma ravaged the country. Here he shares some of the experiences he had alongside his colleagues, Lai-Ling lee, Head of Americas Region and David Campfens, Regional Representative for the Americas. 

As thousands continue to flee violence in Myanmar, children who are unaccompanied or who have been separated from their parents and guardians rely on the protection of others - here is how the Red Cross and Red Crescent is helping. 

The first full day of the Red Cross Red Crescent field hospital in Bangladesh saved the life of 8-month-old Mohammed Haris.

Each year in Bangladesh, the water levels rise and fall with the changes in the seasons. Bengalis are used to floods, but this year was different. For many, the flood waters came with little notice, rose much higher than usual and stayed longer.

So far, an estimated 1.2 million people have been impacted by Hurricane Irma and the powerful storm still poses a serious threat to millions more as it continues to barrel through the Caribbean.

The Red Cross is on the ground, responding to the needs of people who have already been affected, while still ramping up readiness in areas where the category 5 hurricane has yet to make landfall.The Canadian Red Cross already has a presence in the area and is in contact with the International Federation of the Red Cross to support the mobilization of regional teams.

Jean-Baptiste Lacombe recently joined the Canadian Red Cross as Rapid Response Manager with the Emergency Response Team. He answered some questions for us about working as an international aid worker and his new role with the Red Cross.