International work supported by the European Union

The Finnish Red Cross supports long-term humanitarian aid and development cooperation with local Red Cross and Red Crescent societies in four countries with funding from the European Union. The work focuses on improving the preparedness of local communities and people for disasters and other crises intensified by climate change, among other things.  

Preparedness for disasters and epidemics in Somalia 

In Somalia, the Finnish Red Cross is strengthening the capacity of the Somali Red Crescent Society and local communities to prepare for and respond to disasters. The work involves developing local early warning systems in cooperation with local authorities and establishing early warning committees that help local communities to identify and prepare for seasonal risks.

The work also involves strengthening preparedness for and prevention of epidemics, including by training volunteers and health workers. The trained community volunteers know how to recognise the early signs of epidemics and pass on relevant information to the authorities. The work on epidemic preparedness also involves improving access to clean water and hygiene and sanitation in communities and health clinics.  

Strengthening early warning systems in Kenya 

The aim is to strengthen the capacity of the Kenya Red Cross and local communities to prepare for and respond to disasters intensified by climate change, such as floods and droughts. The work is being carried out in the Tana River, Homa Bay and Garissa regions in Kenya.  The work involves improving early warning systems in cooperation with public authorities to ensure that early warning messages about disasters reach everyone at the local level.  

Strengthening preparedness for multiple disasters in Burundi 

The Burundi Red Cross is strengthening the disaster preparedness and anticipation capacity of local communities and other actors in Burundi. The work focuses particularly on scenarios where several interrelated risks affect each other at the same time, such as epidemics resulting from flooding. The Red Cross trains village committees for disaster preparedness in communities and improves the ability of public authorities and other actors to anticipate, prepare for and respond to disasters. The work also involves improving the speed of humanitarian action and ensuring that aid reaches the most vulnerable people.  

Improving the mental health of young people in Eswatini 

In cooperation with the Finnish Red Cross, the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society is improving mental health and psychosocial support services, preventing gender-based violence and promoting youth inclusion, social status and education in Eswatini. Young vulnerable people and their families are offered targeted support with the support of the European Union. Young people can access health and social care services and financial support for school and medical expenses, among other things. 

The Red Cross is improving mental health services and psychosocial support by training professionals and raising awareness of mental health issues among young people and their families. The aim is to dispel taboos and prejudices about mental health. These efforts also support the inclusion of vulnerable young people in society and prevent early school leaving. In communities, the Red Cross also raises awareness about gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Text: Minttu-Maaria Partanen

Communications Specialist