This report covers the period 01/01/2009 to 30/06/2009
In brief
Programme purpose: The Federation secretariat in the Americas Zone seeks to provide all possible and relevant support to the 35 Red Cross Societies of the Americas with the aim of increasing their capacities, skills and tools; to assist them in reaching a greater number of people living in conditions of high vulnerability and risk; to enhance their work in strengthening community resilience, as well as to be present where and when needs are greatest and the Red Cross can make a difference.
The Americas Zone Office leads and coordinates this support through its Regional Representations, in line with the International Federation's New Operating Model, building the membership's capacity to deliver the Global Agenda and to build stronger National Societies in the areas described in the Framework for Action, in line with the objectives and strategies prioritized in the Inter-American Plan 2007-2011. The Americas Zone Office also has a strong role in advocating for the work of the Red Cross in the Americas in international fora.
Programme summary: The arrival of the Zone Health and Care and Disaster Management Coordinators, as well as of the Human Resources Manager and other key staff, has allowed for increased coordination and better use of human resources in the Zone Office.
In the area of Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Management, preparations have continued for the Global Alliance on Disaster Risk Reduction, and the Americas Disaster Management Reference Group met in February. Since the arrival of the Zone Disaster Management Coordinator, the first meeting with the continental disaster management team took place. The Centres of Reference are on a path to broaden their scope of action and of services to reach National Societies throughout the Americas.