Attachments
Foreword
As we reflect upon the past three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, this report is a testament to the adaptability and resilience of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) network and demonstrates our unwavering commitment to humanity. In this report, we present our programmatic achievements, outline the challenges faced, and highlight the adaptive measures taken to better respond to the evolving situation. With an eye on the future, we distil crucial lessons learned, enhancing our readiness, and refining our approach for continued pandemic response and preparedness.
At the heart of our pandemic response lie our National Societies, supported by an incredible network of 16.5 million volunteers worldwide, who have shown tireless dedication to our cause. Under the coordination and support of the IFRC Secretariat, our network has delivered robust responses in health, water, sanitation, and socio-economic support, directly reaching over 1 billion people, approximately 1 in 10 people globally. This extensive reach has been made possible through targeted public health campaigns, vaccination drives, and direct material assistance, underlining our network’s vital role in the global pandemic response.
Specifically, by mobilizing financial, human, technological, information, and material resources on behalf of National Societies, we helped strengthened healthcare systems, and procured and distributed essential medical supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), and testing kits. Our efforts supported 161 million people to get vaccinated against COVID-19, reducing the virus’s spread, and protecting the vulnerable, particularly in underserved communities.
Beyond direct health interventions, the IFRC network has also addressed the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic. The National Societies, in their auxiliary role, provided food and other in-kind items to 92 million people. Furthermore, we supported the livelihoods of affected communities, delivering cash and voucher assistance to 5.9 million people, bolstering skills, and adopting a gender-inclusive approach in all our interventions.
The IFRC Secretariat’s role has been instrumental in coordinating and guiding this expansive response. We prioritized the care of our volunteers, provided essential Foreword tools, guidance, and resources to our National Societies, and supported business continuity. Through our dedicated coordination efforts, we managed to operate effectively in challenging environments, reinforcing the Secretariat’s value to the network’s overall response.
The IFRC’s 2022 World Disasters Report, Trust, Equity and Local Action--Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic to avert the next global crisis, examined the impact of the pandemic and our response. The report addresses gaps and barriers and offers six essential actions to prepare more effectively for future public health emergencies - especially at the community level. These include: 1) strengthening prevention and preparedness at the local level, 2) leveraging the roles and capacities of communities and local actors through integrated community health systems, 3) designing better global solidarity mechanisms to ensure that pandemic response products reach all communities, 4) protecting communities against the socioeconomic impacts of public health emergencies, 5) collecting local data and harnessing it to adapt public health measures and, last but not least, 6) strengthening legal preparedness for public health emergencies.
In the face of future disasters and crises, our vision remains clear. To address the medium and long-term impacts of the pandemic, we will continue investing in pandemic preparedness programming. We will also focus on strengthening our National Societies’ capacities, as it’s been proven that those better prepared before the pandemic were better equipped to handle its various challenges.
Our future vision aligns with Strategy 2030, emphasising preparedness, agility, and resilience at the core. As we learn from our experiences and refine our strategies, we continue our mission to tackle future crises effectively.
We thank our volunteers, staff, partners, and donors. Your commitment has allowed us to make a significant impact during the COVID-19 pandemic and to prepare for future health crises. Jagan Chapagain IFRC Secretary General