In a world of global challenges, continued poverty, inequity, and increasing vulnerability to disasters and disease, the International Federation with its global network, works to accomplish its Global Agenda, partnering with local community and civil society to prevent and alleviate human suffering from disasters, diseases and public health emergencies.
This report covers the period 01/01/07 to 31/05/07 of the 2006-2007 appeal.
In brief
Programme Summary: The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) developed its plan of action for 2007, based on activities that were implemented under all its programmes. An unstable political situation in the country (with a state of emergency being declared and a new chief adviser of the caretaker government sworn in at the beginning of the year) resulted in activities delayed and difficulty in communicating with BDRCS personnel. Despite the challenges, however, all programmes progressed steadily in their delivery of services to local communities.
The national society responded to a series of natural catastrophes like cold waves, fires and tornadoes that affected Bangladesh during the reporting period, and made progress in its disaster preparedness initiatives. Under its health and care programme, BDRCS conducted a HIV and AIDS baseline survey, while communities benefited from installed water and sanitation facilities and strengthened blood and avian influenza components. The national society also initiated a process of organizational restructuring and the development of effective systems and procedures like financial and volunteer management systems. Progress continued to be made in integrating humanitarian values as a crosscutting issue in all programme activities.
A mid-term review of the United Kingdoms Department for International Development (DFID)-funded risk reduction programme, was conducted in May. BDRCS also began programme planning exercises for 2008/2009.
Needs: Total 2006-2007 budget CHF 6.49 million (USD 5.28 million or EUR 3.92 million) out of which 61% covered. Outstanding needs are CHF 2.53 million (USD 2.06 million or EUR 1.53 million).
Our Partners: Approximately 41 community-based, national, government-based, international organizations, UN, developmental agencies and partners within the Movement.
Main donors for 2007 so far include the Swedish, Kuwait, Japanese Red Cross societies, Hong Kong branch of the Red Cross Society of China, SIDA through Swedish Red Cross and DFID through British Red Cross.
For further information specifically related to this operation please contact:
Bangladesh Red Crescent Society: Mr. M. Shafiul Alam (Secretary General), email: bdrcs@bangla.net, phone: +88.02.935.2226
Federation country delegation in Bangladesh: Mr. Selvaratnam Sinnadurai (Head of Delegation), email: selvaratnam.sinnadurai@ifrc.org, phone: +88.02.933.7314, fax: +88.02.934.1631
Federation South Asia regional delegation in India: Anitta Underlin (head of regional delegation), email: anitta.underlin@ifrc.org, phone: +91.11.2411.1125, fax: +91.11.2411.1128
Federation Secretariat in Geneva (Asia Pacific department): Hiroto Oyama (regional officer), email: hiroto.oyama@ifrc.org, Phone: +41.22.730.4273, fax: +41.22.733.0395 or Gokce Balcik (senior assistant), email: gokce.balcik@ifrc.org, phone: +44.22.730.4429, fax: +41.22 733.0395