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Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea: 2023 IFRC network annual report, Jan-Dec (17 October 2024)

Attachments

PEOPLE REACHED

  • Emergency Operations 2,750
  • Disasters and crises 2,750
  • Health and wellbeing 1,528

Appeal number MAAGQ002

OVERALL PROGRESS

Context

Equatorial Guinea covers 28,051 square kilometres and has a population of 1.2 million, divided into the Insular and Continental regions. Despite economic growth driven by oil, poverty and inequality persist, with social challenges such as limited access to education, healthcare and basic services, particularly in rural areas. The country has one of the highest inequality rates in the world, with the richest 10 per cent of the population controlling over 70 per cent of the wealth.

Equatorial Guinea has also made strides in urban water access, slum reduction and legal reforms for child protection, but continues to grapple with climate risks and the need for sustainable development. The country faces health, environmental and social issues, including ongoing efforts to address HIV/AIDS, child protection and deforestation.

On 13 February 2023, Equatorial Guinea declared an outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD), a highly virulent viral haemorrhagic fever. It was the first time the disease had been detected in the country. At the request of the Ministry of Health, several agencies deployed to the affected area in Equatorial Guinea to support the set-up of the response. Key achievements

Climate and environment
In 2023, the Red Cross of Equatorial Guinea advanced its objectives by accessing seasonal and weekly weather forecasts, as well as monthly climate watches, produced for Central Africa by the Centre for Climate Application and Forecasting in Central Africa. Additionally, the National Society participated in a disaster risk reduction conference held in Malabo in March.

Disaster and crises
Between January and December 2023, the Red Cross of Equatorial Guinea participated in online training focused on the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF) evolution and new templates to enhance its response capacity.

Health and wellbeing
For the reporting period, the Red Cross of Equatorial Guinea responded to a Marburg virus outbreak, aiming to assist 380,000 people after a cluster of deaths in Nsok-Nsomo and Ebebiyin. Following the first confirmed case, the National Society collaborated with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Social Affairs on risk communication and community engagement, infection prevention and logistics. It trained volunteers on these efforts in various districts and set up a volunteer database for tracking purposes.

Enabling local actors
During the reporting period, the Red Cross of Equatorial Guinea focused on capacity development by applying to the IFRC Capacity Building Fund and creating a National Society development plan. It pursued legal status for formal representation in the country and planned to conduct induction courses for staff and volunteers. Advocacy efforts included developing a humanitarian diplomacy strategy, establishing communication with government and stakeholders, preparing advocacy materials and aligning with the IFRC Global Advocacy Strategy.

In the second half of 2023, the National Society revised its administrative, human resources, logistical and financial procedures. It planned training on financial coordination and worked to enhance transparency and accountability. Following an IT assessment, it outlined requirements for equipment, management software and intranet installation, as part of its digital transformation efforts.