ReliefWeb

This report covers the period of 01/01/06 to 31/12/06 of a two-year planning and appeal process.

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.

In brief

Programme Summary:

The overall implementation of programmes was successful, despite continuing problems related to the unstable political situation within the country, and challenges arising from the poor financial situation of some programmes. The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS), along with the Secretariat, jointly responded to natural catastrophes (storms, floods, tornados and cold wave) that affected the country.

There were significant revisions to the planned activities and budget for 2006. These were primarily due to the changing needs of the population given the increased risk of avian influenza and cases of polio, delays in implementing activities planned for 2006, the limited human resource capacity of the BDRCS (with the deployment of key staff for emergency operations), and the high percentage of administrative costs.

Goal:

The vulnerability of people in Bangladesh to disasters, particularly women, is reduced.

The health status of the most vulnerable is addressed and improved through preventive, promotive and curative interventions.

BDRCS is transformed into a well functioning National Society, effective and efficient in reducing vulnerability by mobilizing the power of humanity.

BDRCS has effectively promoted humanitarian values and influenced change in behaviour by applying the Movement's Fundamental Principles, and contributed to reducing discrimination, whilst increasing tolerance, mutual understanding and upholding the dignity of the individual.

Needs: Total 2006-2007 budget CHF 6.34 million (USD 5.22 million or EUR 3.93 million), out of which 54 percent covered.

Related Emergency or Annual Appeals: South Asia Regional Appeal 2006-2007 (MAA52001)

No. of people we help:

* This figure includes beneficiary numbers for only the following projects – (i) community based disaster management, (ii) Chittagong Hill Tracts development programme, and (iii) earthquake preparedness and response project. Exact beneficiary numbers are not available under the other projects; numbers listed are overall population figures of the target areas.

Our Partners: Besides the consortium of British, German and Swedish Red Cross Societies and the European Union, other partners include the Swiss and Japanese Red Cross Societies, and the Department for International Development (DFID).

For further information please contact:

Bangladesh Red Crescent Society: Mr. M. Shafiul Alam (Secretary General); email: bdrcs@bangla.net; Telephone/Fax: +88 02 935 2226

Federation Country Delegation in Bangladesh: Mr. Selvaratnam Sinnadurai (Head of Delegation); email: selvaratnam.sinnadurai@ifrc.org; Telephone: +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; Telephone: +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; Telephone: +41 22 730 4273; Fax: +41 22 733 0395 or Gokce Balcik; email: gokce.Balcik@ifrc.org; Telephone: +41 22 730 4429; Fax: +41 22 733 0395

To support or find out more about the Federation’s programmes or operations, click on www.ifrc.org