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Saving lives Changing minds : #7 Aug 2013 - Jan 2014

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A message from the International Federation Dear partners,

Welcome to the 7th external edition of Saving Lives Changing Minds. In this edition you will read about the work of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (the Movement) in the Pacific over the last six months – from disaster response to water and sanitation, first aid, community health and the empowerment of young women.

As Tropical Cyclone Haiyan made headlines in the Philippines, the Palau Red Cross Society was busy at work responding to the cyclone impact in their own community. A few months later, the Tonga Red Cross Society moved quickly to assess and assist the survivors of Cyclone Ian, and teams in the Cook Islands and Kiribati were supporting families affected by water shortages.

November 2013 was a crucial month for the Movement, with the General Assembly and Council of Delegates held in Sydney, Australia. With these global meetings being held in our region, it was an excellent opportunity for Pacific National Societies to showcase their work, and also draw attention to the specific vulnerabilities that can be found here. The decisions made at these fora have set important goals for the post-2015 development agenda.

I hope you enjoy the breadth and depth of activities presented here and that you are inspired by the power of humanity made evident through these stories.

  • Aurélia Balpe, Head of Regional Office, Pacific, IFRC