Every year, the whole world celebrates Red Cross and Red Crescent Day on May 8. This celebration marks a stop to salute the work done by volunteers and workers with vulnerable populations. This year, the town of Réo in the Center-West region was chosen to host the official celebration. To announce the activities falling within the framework of this day, a press conference was organized on May 7, 2024 at the headquarters of the Burkinabè Red Cross.
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day has been celebrated since 1948. The date of May 8 is chosen because it corresponds to the birthday of Henri Dunant, co-founder of the Red Cross movement. This year, the theme chosen is “bringing our humanity to life”. According to Denis Bakyono, national president of the Burkinabè Red Cross, this theme aims to promote the importance of gestures of generosity. Our assistance, however small or modest, works miracles in the lives of the people we help. This theme also invites us to understand that doing good feels good,” he explained.
- Denis Bakyono, national president of the Burkinabè Red Cross
Several activities are organized on the sidelines of May 8. Outlining the program, the national president of the Red Cross suggested that it is planned across the country, with members and volunteers of the Red Cross, sanitation operations, visits to the sick, the carrying out of radio broadcasts, a blood donation, a simulation exercise of the Réo municipal contingency plan as well as a screening campaign for precancerous lesions which began on May 6 and which is to continue until May 11. On May 6 and 7, journalists from the Center-West were trained in first aid. During the official celebration in Réo on May 8, household items will be given to 200 households, food kits distributed to 150 host and displaced households as well as materials for the operationalization of the contingency plan.
- Bashir Anwaz Hanifa, ICRC director of operations
The Burkinabè Red Cross celebrates May 8, in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). “The celebration of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is an opportunity for the ICRC to rejoice in the excellent collaboration it has with the Burkinabè Red Cross and to congratulate it for its commitment seamlessly to the people who need it most. Through the CRBF, the ICRC would like to recognize and salute the remarkable work of these men and women who tirelessly give of their time, their know-how, their resources, of themselves and sometimes at the risk of their lives , in strict compliance with the principles of humanity to alleviate the suffering of communities,” suggested Bashir Anwaz Hanifa, ICRC director of operations.
Despite a national context marked by the security crisis which is leading to increased humanitarian needs and reduced access to communities, the Red Cross stands alongside vulnerable populations to provide them with relief and assistance. These actions are carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Humanitarian Action, which coordinates all humanitarian interventions, said Adama Dofini, director of programs. The Burkinabè Red Cross operates throughout the national territory, thanks to its volunteers present almost everywhere.
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- Adama Dofini, program director
This is how during the year 2023, 91,994 people were supported as part of the fight against malnutrition, more than 331,000 people saw their livelihoods improved. Humanitarian assistance was also provided to vulnerable people through the deployment of 250 first aid volunteers as well as the construction of 7,481 shelters and the construction of two stores with a capacity of 250 tonnes each for storing food.
Armelle Ouédraogo
Lefaso.net
