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In Brief
Appeal No. 05AA047; Programme Update no. 2, Period covered: 1 April to 30 September 2005; Appeal coverage: 136.1%; Outstanding needs: nil.
Appeal target: CHF 5,843,371 (USD 4,867,448 or EUR 3,820,445);
Related Emergency or Annual Appeals: Tsunami Emergency and Recovery Plan of Action 2005-2010 (28/2004), South Asia Regional Annual Appeal 05AA051
Programme summary: The Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), with support from the Federation and partner national societies, has implemented activities in all core programme areas - disaster management (including reconstruction), health and organizational development with integrated humanitarian values initiatives. One principle challenge during this period has been the long transition period following the change of IRCS leadership. This factor, in combination with discussions on changing procurement procedures and external movement of personnel, has slowed programme implementation. Despite this , there has been a reasonable level of activity at all levels. The confirmation of a new IRCS secretary ge neral and the filling of key positions mean the society will be able to regain momentum in realization of its vision and goals , and programme implementation.
Operational developments
The change of IRCS leadership in March, followed by the departure of certain key staff at the national headquarters, has had a negative impact on the timely implementation of planned programmes and activities. In addition, the tsunami recovery plans which are still being rolled out and a significant flood operation in Maharashtra meant that the national headquarters was faced with a significant workload yet with a shortage of personnel. As a result , implementation of ongoing annual programmes has been slower than expected and below targets. In spite of these challenges, some progress has been made particularly at branch level through branch development and integrated capacity building workshops.
The national disaster management conference and the annual state branch secretary's conference were held in July, which provided opportunities for branches to discuss the various challenges they are facing and look for possible solutions.
The IRCS governing board meeting held in August focused on more urgent issues such as the tsunami recovery plans, recruitment of the secretary general and other staffing issues at the IRCS headquarters.
Health and care
Background
The focus of the IRCS health and care programme continues to be HIV/AIDS prevention at community level through Red Cross volunteer's network, and preparing to respond in public health emergencies. In May, budget for community-based health project was revised from CHF 489,945 to CHF 750,929. The increase was mainly due to the expected expansion of two programmes, that is, Red Cross volunteers and public health in emergencies training. In addition, the revision was necessary to include expenses of the polio immunisation 2004 campaign to be booked in 2005.
The health component of the long-term tsunami recovery programme is due to begin in 2006. Possible activities and budget have been prepared for the states of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This programme is largely based on volunteer networks involved in health and hygiene promotion and psychological support.
For further information specifically related to this operation please contact:
In India: Indian Red Cross Society, Dr S P Agarwal (Secretary General) , email: spagarwalsg@indianredcross.org, phone +91 11 23716441/2 & 3, fax + 91 11 23717454
In India: Federation India delegation, Jim Dawe (Acting Head of Delegation), email: jim.dawe@ifrc.org, phone: +91 11 23324203, fax: +91 11 23324235
In Geneva: Asia Pacific Department, Jagan Chapagain (Regional Officer), email: jagan.chapagain@ifrc.org, phone:+41 22 730 4316, fax: +41 22 733 0395
This Programme Update reflects activities to be implemented over a one-year period. This forms part of, and is based on, longer-term, multi-year planning. All International Federation assistance seeks to adhere to the Code of Conduct and is committed to the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response in delivering assistance to the most vulnerable. For support to or for further information concerning Federation programmes or operations in this or other countries, or for a full description of the national society profile, please access the Federation's website at http://www.ifrc.org
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