World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2020: #KeepClapping for Uganda Red Cross volunteers
Kampala 8 May 2020 — On this World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, Uganda Red Cross has dedicated this day to to recognize and appreciate the work of our volunteers and staff who are doing everything they can to support communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. They are our frontline workers!
“We always say that the Uganda Red Cross is everywhere for everyone, every day,” said Robert Kwesiga, Secretary General.
“In 2020, this is more important than ever. Our volunteers are hard at work helping vulnerable individuals and communities to protect themselves from COVID-19, and we’re still providing many other services that people need to keep themselves safe and healthy. To an extent they put themselves in “harm’s way” in service to humanity.
“Each and every volunteer in Uganda deserves an applause, and we encourage everyone to #KeepClapping on 8 May.”
Uganda Red Cross volunteers have been active in communities since the novel coronavirus was first detected: helping people to prepare, sharing life-saving health information to stop the spread of the disease, and working to limit its impact on the most vulnerable members of society. They have supported and continue to support the Government of Uganda to reach the most vulnerable people with food, moving from door to door across the country through the National #COVID-19 task force, and through district task forces. Our branch teams through their respective districts have been at the fore front, complementing government of Uganda efforts as guided by the Office of the Prime Minister.
The Red Cross teams are also supporting high risk border points through screening, risk communication, disinfection of heavy goods trucks, among other lifeline services offered, all meant to ensure that Uganda is safe from the Corona Virus.
The Ministry of Health in Uganda issued safety guidelines which our Volunteers have taken up to support crowded markets to ensure adherence as a way of securing the health of the people. Thank you #Volunteers. All the above services have been carried out alongside the work Uganda Red Cross is well known for in Uganda. Every year, we reach more than 2,000,000 people with a diverse range of services tailored to local needs, such as access to safe and clean water, first aid and emergency lifesaving services, disaster response through provision of food and nonfood relief items, disease prevention and infection control through sensitization, Refugee response among others.
Robert Kwesiga, Red Cross Secretary General said: “We may not be physically close during this time of social distancing, but we will always be here for you.
“This is a difficult time for everyone, but I see so much hope in the bravery and dedication of not only our volunteers, but also that of the millions of volunteers and staff members in other 191 countries around the world. This global solidarity will help the world not only survive this pandemic, but also help it to thrive afterwards.
And as disasters and emergencies like the floods, landslides that lead to loss of life, destruction of property, livelihoods, exposing affected communities to Water and sanitation challenges including water borne diseases as experienced in Kasese, Bundibugyo and Ntoroko yesterday start to threaten lives; we still commit to supporting people affected with the resources put to our disposal.
We also have gathered information from 20 other districts affected by adverse climate change effects. We re-emphasize our humanitarian call to serving humanity, while leaving no one behind.
Uganda Red Cross, your partner of choice in saving lives, restoring livelihoods and promoting human dignity.
