Latest news with #IFRC
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Health
- Al Etihad
IFRC launches global campaign to combat heatwaves
30 May 2025 22:22 GENEVA (WAM) The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has initiated a global campaign titled "Heat Action Day" to address the escalating health risks associated with extreme a statement issued in Geneva, the IFRC emphasised that extreme heat is often referred to as a "silent killer," disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and individuals with chronic campaign aims to raise awareness about the dangers of heatwaves and promote preventive measures to mitigate their IFRC highlighted that climate change has led to an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves worldwide, necessitating coordinated global action to protect part of the campaign, the IFRC is collaborating with national societies, local authorities, and community organisations to implement heat preparedness plans, disseminate educational materials, and establish cooling centres in high-risk organisation called on governments and stakeholders to prioritise heatwave preparedness and integrate heat risk reduction into national disaster risk management strategies. The IFRC reiterated its commitment to supporting communities in building resilience against climate-induced hazards and ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.
New Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Israel kills at least 61 Palestinians in less than 24 hrs as 14,000 Gaza children face death due to starvation
Plumes of smoke rose Thursday over the northern Gaza Strip, where Israeli military asked Palestinians to evacuate, as Israel's intensified genocidal operations across the territory killed more than 61 people since dawn on Thursday. The latest evacuation warning for parts of Gaza City and neighbouring areas came hours after the United Nations said it had begun distributing around 90 truckloads of aid in Gaza, which the UN described as a "drop in the ocean" as Israel's three month-long blockade of humanitarian assistance has pushed the entire population to a famine-like situation. The World Food Programme (WFP) later said a "handful of bakeries" had resumed making and distributing bread. The Government Media Office in Gaza reported the arrival of 87 aid trucks. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said that "a small number of trucks carrying flour were intercepted by residents and their contents removed". Dujarric said it "was not a criminal act with armed men", but "what I've been referring to sometimes as self-distribution, which I think only reflects the very high level of anxiety that people in Gaza are feeling not knowing when the next humanitarian delivery will take place." Echoing the UN's statement that the meagre aid is just "a drop in the ocean," the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said that Gaza needs some 1,000 to 1,200 trucks a day to address the 'immense' needs of the population. 'The president of the Palestinian Red Crescent today said that a couple of trucks entering is an invitation for killing. People are desperate – we need much more humanitarian aid, we need food, we need water, we need commercial items, we need medicines, formula for babies,' IFRC spokesperson Tommaso Della Longa told Al Jazeera. He stressed that a lack of healthcare is a huge cause of 'silent death' in Gaza, as people with chronic conditions, such as cancer or kidney disease, cannot access treatments like chemotherapy and dialysis because multiple hospitals and other healthcare facilities have been shitting down due to Israel's continues attacks. Israel's blockade of humanitarian aid, including medicines, has also made treatment impossible for those in need. "This is simply unacceptable... Thinking about this [happening] in 2025 is shocking," he said. UN's humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher had on Tuesday said that over 14,000 children could die in Gaza in the next 48 hours if sufficient aid did not reach them in time. Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Fletcher remarked that the aid that entered Gaza after Israel's recent announcement was a 'drop in the ocean' and totally inadequate for the population's needs. Calling the figure "utterly chilling," Fletcher told the BBC that he "wants to save as many as these 14,000 babies as we can in the next 48 hours.' Gaza's Government Media Office (GMO) had earlier this month said that nearly 2,90,000 children in Gaza are on the brink of death due to Israel's blockade of humanitarian aid. 'At a time when 1.1 million children daily lack the minimum nutritional requirements for survival, this crime is being perpetrated by the 'Israeli' occupation using starvation as a weapon, amid shameful international silence,' the GMO had said in a statement. At least 57 Palestinians have so far starved to death in Gaza, causing international outrage against Israel's alleged weaponisation of starvation, which amounts to a war crime. Under global pressure to lift the blockade and halt the intensified genocidal operations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was open to a "temporary ceasefire", but reaffirmed the military aimed to bring all of Gaza under its control. In an Arabic-language statement on Thursday, the military said it was acting "with intense force" in 14 areas of the northern Gaza Strip, including parts of Gaza City and the Jabalia refugee camp. A map posted alongside the warning showed a swath of territory marked in red, with the army accusing "terrorist organisations" of operating there and urging civilians to move south. (With inputs from AFP)
NDTV
14-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
How To Make ORS At Home: Easy, Affordable And Perfect For Beating Dehydration
Whether you are sweating it out in peak summer, dealing with a dodgy stomach, or just need to bounce back after a long workout, staying hydrated is non-negotiable. Sometimes plain water does not do the job. You need something more powerful to bring back those lost salts and fluids. That is where ORS comes in fast, reliable, and genuinely effective. And the best part? You do not always need to rush to the chemist. You can easily make this homemade ORS recipe using just three everyday ingredients sitting in your kitchen. What Is ORS? A Quick Fix For Dehydration ORS stands for Oral Rehydration Solution, a basic but smart mix of water, sugar, and salt that works like a charm to replace lost fluids. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends ORS as a key tool for managing dehydration, especially in places with limited access to healthcare. It might look simple, but it has saved countless lives by helping people recover from dehydration caused by illnesses like diarrhoea. According to the American Public Health Association (APHA), ORS alone can handle up to 93 per cent of dehydration cases in children under five, especially when diarrhoea strikes. Why Homemade ORS Works So Well This is not just a random mix- it is about getting the ratio right. ORS is designed to help your body absorb water efficiently, using just salt, sugar, and water in perfect balance. Here is why each part matters: Sugar helps sodium move across the gut lining, making sure it gets absorbed properly. Salt draws water into the bloodstream to maintain hydration levels. Water helps carry both salt and sugar throughout the body, fixing the electrolyte imbalance. How To Make Homemade ORS - Approved By Experts The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) shares a straightforward recipe on its official site. It is a great go-to for a quick rehydration fix. Step 1: Wash your hands with soap and water before starting. Step 2: Take one litre of clean drinking water in a container. Step 3: Add half a teaspoon of salt (around 3.5 grams) and four tablespoons of sugar (around 40 grams). Step 4: Stir until everything dissolves completely. Homemade ORS Recipes That You Can Make 1. Rice Water ORS IFRC recommends rice water instead of plain water. It naturally contains potassium and magnesium-great for restoring lost electrolytes and boosting the mix. 2. Tomato Or Cranberry Juice ORS A study by the University of Virginia highlights that tomato or cranberry juice mixed with water and a pinch of salt creates a nutrient-packed rehydration drink. You get the benefit of added vitamins while staying hydrated. 3. Carrot Soup ORS Another IFRC-approved idea- carrot soup as a base for your ORS. It adds flavour and nutrition, making it more appealing for both kids and adults who do not like plain ORS. How Much ORS Should You Drink? Dosage Tips By Age The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shared practical ORS dosage suggestions for different age groups. Here is a quick breakdown: For babies and toddlers: Half a litre of ORS per day. For children: One litre per day. For adults: Up to three litres a day. CDC also advises checking with a doctor if dehydration comes with vomiting or diarrhoea. Homemade ORS helps, but it might not be enough if there is a bigger health issue involved. Some Quick Safety Tips For Making ORS At Home 1. Stick To The Right Measurements Adding too much salt or sugar can do more harm than good. Follow the recipe carefully for it to work properly. 2. Always Use Clean Water Filtered or boiled water is best, especially for children. Dirty water can make the problem worse. 3. Make It Fresh Every Time ORS should always be made fresh. If you need to store it, use a clean bottle and try to use it within six hours. Think of ORS as your home's emergency hydration kit. It is easy to make, costs next to nothing, and works. Learning how to make ORS at home is a simple but powerful step in keeping yourself and your family safe during sickness or heat waves.
The Print
05-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Afghan migrants in Pakistan decry mistreatment, continued arrests amid deportations
According to Tolo News, Afghan migrants called for urgent international support, with the IFRC stating that they have launched an emergency appeal to support returning Afghan migrants. Islamabad [Pakistan], May 5 (ANI): Afghan migrants reported continued arrests and mistreatment by Pakistan as they face deportations, Tolo News reported. Notably, a large number of Afghan migrants residing in Iran and Pakistan are complaining about various challenges in these countries. They criticized the continued arrests and forced returns of Afghan migrants by the police in both countries and called on refugee-supporting organizations to address their problems. As per Tolo News, many Afghan migrants in Pakistan also reported continued arrests and mistreatment by the host country, urging refugee-support organizations to seriously address their concerns. An Afghan migrant in Pakistan, told Tolo News, 'There are 1.4 million holders of PoR cards and 800,000 holders of ACC cards living here who have businesses and cannot wrap up and relocate their work in just one or two months. They are heavily involved in commercial activities in Pakistan.' Another Afghan migrant in Pakistan, said: 'Authorities in Afghanistan are obliged to engage, through mediation by international organizations including UNHCR and IOM and under international documents such as the Geneva Convention, in negotiations with officials in Islamabad and Tehran to resolve the issues of Afghan migrants in both countries.' Tolo News also reported that some of these migrants said that after the invalidation of census documents, Afghan migrants who went to the Kafalat office in Iran were issued exit permits. Meanwhile, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent has issued a statement saying that due to the intensifying return crisis, the organization has launched an emergency appeal to support returning Afghan migrants. Previously, Amnesty International had called on Pakistan to halt the detentions and deportations, stressing that these actions violate the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to places where they face persecution. Deporting Afghan refugees, particularly women and girls, could deprive them of safety, education, and livelihood opportunities. In response to these developments, international organisations and advocacy groups are urging Pakistan to reconsider its deportation plans and honour its commitments to refugee protection, emphasising the importance of ensuring the safety and rights of Afghan refugees to avoid exacerbating the existing humanitarian crisis. (ANI) This report is auto-generated from ANI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
New Straits Times
26-04-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
IFRC: Urgent humanitarian response continues in Myanmar following devastating earthquakes
KUALA LUMPUR: Weeks after powerful earthquakes ripped through Myanmar in late March, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warns that urgent humanitarian needs persist, particularly for shelter, water, sanitation, and healthcare. Concerns over disease outbreaks remain high, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) warning of risks from overcrowded shelters and poor sanitation — a warning echoed by the IFRC's call for urgent clean water and proper sanitation in makeshift shelters. Speaking to Bernama via Zoom, Farah Atiqah Ag Ismail, Delegate for Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting (PMER) with the IFRC Myanmar Country Delegation, said the magnitude 7.7 quake had left a significant trail of destruction across both urban and rural areas, particularly in Mandalay and Sagaing near the epicentre. "Even within cities, the impact is inconsistent. Some buildings remain intact while others beside them are completely destroyed," she said, adding that damage was also reported as far as Bago and Naypyidaw. "People are still living in makeshift shelters using tarpaulins. Access to clean water and proper sanitation remains an urgent need," she said. In response, Farah said the IFRC has deployed mobile health clinics and three water distribution units in the Sagaing and Naypyidaw regions. However, gaps in funding continue to limit the scale of the response. "The emergency appeal has received only a fraction of what is needed. But national societies have started contributing in-kind donations like tarpaulins, kitchen sets and hygiene items," she said, noting that over 4,000 households have received basic aid so far. Six states and regions, namely, Sagaing, Mandalay, Naypyidaw, Bago, Northeastern Shan State, and Magway, were declared emergency zones by the Myanmar authorities. Statistics released by the IFRC as of April 23 indicate that the disaster has resulted in 3,800 deaths, 116 people still missing, 5,100 injured, and over 207,000 internally displaced. More than 400 aftershocks have been recorded since March 28. Despite the complex political landscape in Myanmar, including an ongoing civil conflict, Farah said operations have been largely unaffected due to the Myanmar Red Cross Society's (MRCS) neutral and impartial standing. She said the IFRC launched an emergency appeal of 100 million Swiss francs (US$120.77 million) on March 30 to support relief efforts, while mobilising technical support from both within and outside Myanmar. Farah also highlighted that the IFRC's long-term recovery plans are underway, with transitional shelters being prioritised alongside debris clearance to enable rebuilding efforts. "However, the trauma from aftershocks means many survivors are afraid to return indoors, even when their homes remain intact." Farah said that the IFRC will continue to strengthen the MRCS's capacity by restocking emergency supplies and enhancing contingency planning. She said the IFRC's role is to provide technical and coordination support to national societies such as MRCS, which leads engagement with communities and implements relief operations on the ground. According to the IFRC, humanitarian assistance has steadily scaled up since the earthquake, with 3,354 people reached through three mobile health clinics and over 64,000 individuals gaining access to clean water via MRCS water distribution efforts. Emergency sanitation support has been provided to 32 households in Naypyidaw through the installation of latrines, while 114 households across two camps received hand-washing basins to promote hygiene. In terms of shelter and basic needs, 17,477 people, comprising 3,577 households, have received emergency relief items, and an additional 3,385 people (755 households) were supported with both relief items and cash as part of an emergency shelter package. More than 250 metric tonnes of relief supplies have been delivered to Myanmar from global national societies and humanitarian partners to support ongoing operations. – Bernama
