IFRC-DREF in Action

Battling the Floods: Bangladesh's Monsoon Crisis

Bangladesh is facing a severe flooding crisis due to torrential rains and surging rivers, especially in the northeastern regions. Millions of people have been affected, with significant damage to homes and livelihoods. In this episode, Hasibul Bari Razib, Senior Manager for Humanitarian Response and Shelter at IFRC Bangladesh, provides an in-depth overview of the situation.
Razib explains the origins and impact of the floods, which began in June and have affected over 8 million people. He discusses the efforts of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society in responding to the crisis, including early warning systems, emergency health services, and the distribution of essential supplies like safe drinking water and food. On 9 July 2024, the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society activated its Early Action Protocol for Floods, as the trigger was reached according to the Global Flood Awareness System (GloFAS) forecast. Razib also highlights the importance of cash assistance to help affected families meet their urgent needs.
Join us to learn more about the relentless efforts to support the flood-affected communities and their ongoing challenges during the monsoon season.

Measles Epidemics in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In an alarming development, Bosnia and Herzegovina has seen an abrupt surge in measles cases in recent weeks. In January, only a few dozen cases were reported; by March, that number had increased to more than a thousand. This disease, notably dangerous for children, prompted the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies's Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF) to allocate over 100,000 Swiss francs to aid the Bosnia Herzegovina Red Cross's response efforts.
The Bosnian Red Cross's Health, Care and First Aid Coordinator and manager of this outbreak response, Jasmin Nikšić, explains the current situation around measles and other infectious diseases in the country. He further elaborates that five large cities have declared measles epidemics. Additionally, the Sarajevo Canton is grappling with a pertussis outbreak (whooping cough), another severe disease that has already claimed two children's lives.
The Bosnian Red Cross has been monitoring the situation since January, intervening when the epidemiological peak was reached in March. They are currently launching massive campaigns for the promotion of vaccines and general health protection over the next four months, funded through IFRC-DREF.
Relevant explanations for the decrease in immunization are speculated to be linked to COVID-19 related fears and misinformation regarding vaccines, leading young parents to refuse to vaccinate their children. 
In response, the Red Cross in Bosnia is working to support the complex health system structure and provide reliable data on the country's health conditions. Community health mobile teams are being formed to educate citizens about vaccination and healthier lifestyles, with particular attention to parents, pregnant women, children, and vulnerable communities such as the Roma community.
Finally, as part of World Immunization Week, the public's attention is drawn to immunization's significant role in combating vaccine-preventable diseases, dispelling misconceptions, and promoting trust in science-based healthcare interventions.

DREF in Action episode 4

Bolivia is facing droughts, water shortages, and record-breaking heat, with temperatures recently reaching 40.3°C. Bolivian Red Cross is set to provide vital assistance to 5,000 people. 

DREF in Action episode 3 - DREF Insurance

DREF has proven to be the simplest, fastest, most transparent, and localized way for IFRC's member National Societies to access reliable international, short-term emergency funding for community action in all kinds of disasters when needs surpass the resources available at the national level. The new insurance backstop will be a critical safety valve for DREF’s life-saving work, ensuring the DREF can continue to meet the needs of today while standing ready for the crises of tomorrow.

DREF in Action episode 2 - extreme flooding in Slovenia

Slovenia is facing its worst floods in decades. DREF has allocated 999,726 CHF to the Slovenian Red Cross to provide immediate assistance to 40,000 people in the most severely affected areas, offering relief items, water, sanitation, first aid, and mental health support. Tune in to this podcast episode as Matic Slapšak, a Public Relations representative from the Slovenian Red Cross, takes you to the heart of the devastating floods in Slovenia.