This report covers the period 01 January 2011 to 30 June 2011.

In brief

Programme outcome: The Argentine Red Cross programmes are aligned with the strategic aims of Strategy 2020 to save lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen recovery from disasters and crises; enable healthy and safe living; and promote social inclusion and culture of nonviolence and peace. The capacity-building efforts are in line with Enabling Action One to build strong National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Programmes summary: The Argentine Red Cross (ARC) has worked consistently to implement its country support plan during the first half of 2011. In the midst of relative calm at the national level, the National Society has been able to make considerable progress towards meeting its annual goals. The creation of a new Strategic Plan, aligned with Strategy 2020 and the recommendations of the Inter-American Conference, has been one of the most important achievements during this reporting period. The National Society also elected a governing body. The new authorities are committed to ensuring continuity and stability for the implementation of the strategic plan.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ secretariat, through the regional representation for the Southern Cone and Brazil, which provides consistent accompaniment to the ARC, is equally committed to continuing this multi-faceted support. Close and regular coordination between the regional representation and the National Society guarantees that the ARC leadership, staff and volunteers have the appropriate skills and tools to meet the objectives established in its new strategic plan, as well as the 2011 country support plan for the Argentine Red Cross.Lastly, the ARC alliances and partnerships established at the national and international level have also provided solid foundations for the National Society’s current and future institutional constancy.

The progress made during the first six months of this year in strategic issues related to organizational development, as well as in health and disaster risk management, demonstrate that the Argentine Red Cross is taking firm steps to fulfil its institutional plans and create the conditions to become a well-functioning National Society.