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The Gambia Red Cross Society was established in 1966 as a national humanitarian organization, auxiliary to the public authorities, particularly to the Ministry of Health as well as to the Medical Services of the Armed Forces, in accordance with provisions of the Geneva Conventions and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. It was admitted to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in 1975.
As part of its mandate, the Gambia Red Cross Society comple- ments the efforts of the Government in the following areas: health services, disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness and response, empowerment of children and youth, promotion of and capacity development on international humanitarian law, livelihoods, restoring family links, first aid training, and responding to emergencies. The National Society has seven branches, one in each of Gambia’s seven administrative regions which allows it to rapidly respond to various local crises and relief needs.
The National Society has a core of trained and available volun- teers and staff, and at headquarters level has proficient staff in disaster management; cash and voucher assistance; shel- ter; water, sanitation and hygiene; emergency assessments; community engagement and accountability; health and care; planning, monitoring evaluation and reporting; protection, gender and inclusion; and finance. The National Society is also equipped with three advanced life support and six basic life support ambulances, manned by paramedics trained in pre-hospital and health care services. The ambulances are strategically positioned to respond to emergencies country- wide, with 24-hour availability.
In 2022, the Gambia Red Cross Society reached approximately 13,000 people through its disaster response and early recov- ery programmes.