Attachments
Appeal number MAAGW002
PEOPLE REACHED
- Climate and environment 30,550
- Disasters and crises 295
- Health and wellbeing 100
OVERALL PROGRESS
Context
Guinea-Bissau is among the world’s poorest and most fragile countries, bordered by Senegal to the north and Guinea to the south. Its Atlantic coast features the Bijagós Archipelago, comprising approximately 88 islands. With a population of about 1.9 million, the country is marked by diverse ethnic groups, languages and religions, reflecting a rich cultural landscape despite its small size.
The political landscape of Guinea-Bissau has been unstable since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, witnessing four coups and numerous attempts at political upheaval. Economically, Guinea-Bissau’s growth slowed to 3.5 per cent in 2022 due to supply chain disruptions and reduced demand stemming from pandemic containment measures. Inflation rose to 7.8 per cent, while public debt reached 80.2 per cent of GDP. Projections for 2023 forecast a further decline in growth to 2.8 per cent, driven by weak cashew demand and exports. The country faces significant risks, including inflationary pressures, political instability, and climate shocks.
Socially, the country grapples with high poverty levels, particularly in rural areas, high unemployment rates among youth and severe food insecurity. The educational system suffers from inadequate facilities and high illiteracy rates, especially among women. Health indicators remain below the sub-Saharan African average, with infant mortality rates at 145 per thousand births, exacerbated by a deteriorated healthcare system and limited access to clean drinking water.
In January 2023, a fire broke out in Menegue village close to Canhabaque. The incident directly affected 413 people without food, shelter, and livelihood, underscoring the need for immediate support. A further 1,652 people (236 households) are indirectly affected by the fire incident; currently providing shelter, food, and basic amenities to affected families.
Key achievements
Climate and environment
In 2023, the Red Cross Society of Guinea-Bissau collaborated with the national civil protection service and ECOWAS to launch a flood mitigation and community resilience project in response to the 2022 floods. The initiative targeted three communities across different regions, focusing on rehabilitating 60 hectares of rice fields and supporting floodaffected families.
Disasters and crises
For the period January to December 2023, the Red Cross Society of Guinea-Bissau strengthened its partnership with the national civil protection service, government agencies, NGOs and other partners to establish a national early warning system for disaster prevention. This collaboration aimed to improve preparedness and response capabilities to reduce disaster risks nationwide.
Health and wellbeing
During the reporting period, the Red Cross Society of Guinea-Bissau addressed evolving health challenges. The National Society continued promoting vaccination through the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention initiative. It collaborated with UNICEF to manage public health challenges, including cholera and COVID-19, while strengthening its partnership with the Ministry of Health for technical expertise, logistical assistance and support for health initiatives.
Migration and displacement
In 2023, the Red Cross Society of Guinea-Bissau enhanced its partnership with the International Organization for Migration by establishing humanitarian service points along key migration routes and expanding services in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. The National Society raised awareness about migration and its impacts through active advocacy and strengthened its capacity to address migration-related challenges effectively.
Values, power and inclusion
In 2023, the Red Cross Society of Guinea-Bissau prioritized dignity, access, participation and safety in its programmes, integrating minimum standards on protection, gender and inclusion during emergencies. It collected and analyzed disaggregated data to ensure inclusivity for people with disabilities. The National Society intensified efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence, promoted women’s involvement in response teams and strengthened community engagement and accountability by involving communities in decision-making processes.
Enabling local actors
The Red Cross Society of Guinea-Bissau held its VIII General Assembly in 2023, electing a new President and governing body members while approving revised statutes to align with its current context. The National Society focused on training newly elected officials in leadership and good governance and provided staff and volunteers with training in protection, security measures and gender issues. It enhanced visibility through a weekly radio programme and a biannual newspaper, raising public and partner awareness. The National Society also conducted high-level advocacy meetings with government officials and the presidency to reinforce its auxiliary role. Efforts to improve management and transparency included implementing a financial management programme. It also advanced digital transformation through IT infrastructure upgrades, enabling online meetings and boosting overall capabilities.