Question 1

Reproductive Health

Accepted Answer

The Swiss Red Cross (SRC) supported National Society reproductive health initiatives in Bangladesh, Benin, Bolivia, El Salvador, Honduras, Laos, Lebanon, Malawi, Nepal, South Sudan and Togo.   Behaviour change for better health outcomes In 2024, 1490 health professionals and Red Cross / Red Crescent volunteers received training in sexual and reproductive health, and they in turn supported 220 committees and reached 468 337 people through health promotion activities. 98 123 people benefitted from health care consultations. These efforts led to significant behaviour changes. In the project area in Togo, 82% of women attended four or more antenatal care visits, a 20% increase from 2023. Healthy timing and spacing of pregnancies contributed to better health outcomes for women, newborns, infants and children. At the camp at Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, 94% of individuals received family planning counselling within six weeks of childbirth, increasing contraception use to 42%. In Laos, 89% of health personnel were correctly following standard treatment protocols, a 35% increase. Behaviour change activities in project areas also positively impacted child health, with exclusive breastfeeding rates reaching 98% in Benin, 97% in Laos, 85% in Nepal, 85% in South Sudan and 96% in Togo. At Cox’s Bazar, the percentage of children whose growth was regularly monitored doubled, to 92%.  Curbing sexual and gender-based violence More than 15 000 people in Bolivia and South Sudan were reached with activities aimed at reducing sexual and gender-based violence. Health promoters in El Salvador educated children about their rights and issues related to teenage pregnancy. Protection and counselling services for survivors of such violence were introduced at the primary health care centre at Cox’s Bazar. A recent survey there found that 71.3% of respondents could define acts such as rape, sexual harassment and domestic violence, indicating a strong understanding of the issue.  See the Spotlight on «Reproductive Health» for more results.

Question 2

Infectious Disease

Accepted Answer

The Swiss Red Cross (SRC) and its partners in 16 countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bolivia, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, Lebanon, Malawi, Nepal, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria and Togo) work to prevent and control epidemics through long-term projects, emergency responses and migration programmes, aiming to improve health access, raise awareness and promote behaviour change.  Climate-related infectious diseases on the rise In 2024, the World Health Organization declared mpox outbreaks in Africa a public health emergency, prompting the Ethiopian and South Sudan Red Cross to increase their mpox awareness-raising activities; in South Sudan, for example, 14 staff were trained and reached over 10 000 people. In the face of a major dengue outbreak, the Honduran Red Cross organized 48 prevention campaigns, reaching over 7000 people. When Bangladesh also experienced a large dengue outbreak, in November 2024, the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society launched a response plan that included community-based awareness sessions run by youth volunteers, environmental cleaning and scaling of infrastructure to manage severe cases; it also started to develop an early action protocol on timely action in anticipation of a dengue outbreak. The SRC supported Nepal Red Cross Society efforts to create simplified protocols for heat, floods and dengue, following an outbreak of the disease in 2023. Efforts to reduce malaria and HIV continued. The Togolese Red Cross provided counselling and psychosocial support to 149 people living with HIV, distributed 301 nutrition kits and conducted home visits, helping 91 people reduce their viral loads.  Cholera is a major threat Cholera remained a significant threat in 2024. National Society staff and volunteers engaged in health and hygiene promotion, and behaviour change activities to reduce the burden of cholera. At the camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, National Society volunteers supported a cholera vaccination campaign through a new partnership with the Bangladeshi government and GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance.  In total, over 85 790 people were reached with health and hygiene promotion and behaviour change activities to reduce infectious disease and 20 758 benefited from subsidised health care and transport.

Question 3

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD)

Accepted Answer

Prevention and behaviour change are crucial for combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In 2024, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) continued to strengthen National Society capacities in that regard, providing support to the National Societies of Bangladesh, Bolivia, Ethiopia, Honduras, Laos, Lebanon, Nepal, Togo, Syria and Ukraine. 525 Red Cross / Red Cresent staff and volunteers were trained in NCD prevention and healthy lifestyle promotion, and they in turn reached over 8600 people. Subsidised health care consultations were provided to 68 861 people in need in Bangladesh, Bolivia and Lebanon. In camps at Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, three primary health care centres served 7718 people, with one centre designated as a 24/7 NCD case management hub. The Lao Red Cross and the Nepal Red Cross Society extended services to older people with NCDs.  The SRC supports the work of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to establish a global community of practice for community health. A review of the literature on effective behaviour change techniques for NCDs was conducted, with results to be compiled in a repository.  Psychosocial support and first aid Psychological support and first aid are core services for many National Societies. Thanks to SRC support, Syrian Arab Red Crescent ambulance services were strengthened. In Bosnia-Herzegovina, mobile teams provided first aid and psychological first aid services to 3891 and 521 people, respectively. The National Societies of Bangladesh, El Salvador, Paraguay, South Sudan and Ukraine offered psychosocial support to migrants, returnees and host communities. At Cox’s Bazar for example, 2030 individuals received psychosocial support between January and March 2024.  In Nepal and Bhutan, first aid is part of disaster risk management; school volunteers were thus trained to provide services during disasters. Since first aid can also play a key role in National Society fundraising, the SRC helped the Armenian Red Cross enhance its commercial first aid services.

Question 4

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)

Accepted Answer

The Swiss Red Cross (SRC) strengthens Sister National Societies and local partners providing activities related to access to water, sanitation, hygiene promotion and waste management in the community, at schools and in health facilities in Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Ethiopia, Haiti, Laos, Lebanon, Malawi, Nepal, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria and Togo.  Expanding access to WASH in SRC project areas In 2024, 159 594 individuals gained access to safe drinking water, 60 164 to latrines and 104 838 to handwashing facilities. Compared to last year, people’s access to safer drinking water sources was improved in South Sudan (by 17%, to 78%) and in Lebanon (by 80%, to 80%). In Togo, in the plateaux region 62% and in the central region 65% of people now use safely managed sanitation facilities, a 45% respectively 34% increase, while Bangladesh saw a 45% increase, to 97%. Handwashing facilities with water and soap were available to 61% of people in Laos and 76% in Nepal.  Waste management and environmental hygiene The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society developed an urban strategy for clean cities and environmental hygiene, collecting over 1268 tonnes of waste in Cox's Bazar that was reused, recycled and/or sold. In Bhutan, over 1200 volunteers participated in waste management campaigns and environmental cleaning operations on the International Day of Zero Waste.  Changing WASH-related behaviour Over 3400 National Society staff, volunteers, teachers and health professionals were trained, in turn reaching 591 983 people with health and hygiene promotion activities. In South Sudan, behaviour change training was conducted to identify the causes of certain kinds of behaviour and implement effective change techniques. Menstrual hygiene management was integrated into school and community hygiene programmes in Laos, Nepal and Togo.

Question 5

Ageing and Health

Accepted Answer

The Swiss Red Cross (SRC) actively supported ongoing ageing and health projects of local partners in Armenia, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, El Salvador, Georgia Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Moldova, Nepal, North Macedonia, Togo and Ukraine, and launched new projects in Benin and Bhutan.  Home-based care The SRC significantly improved access to professional home care services for older people and individuals with disabilities in seven countries in 2024. The number of people receiving quality home care rose by 75% in Georgia, 28% in Kyrgyzstan and remained stable in Armenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Ukraine, but fell by 22% in Moldova owing to a shortage of health workers. In Ukraine, 1510 older people received support, including 384 in Kherson. These efforts reflect the SRC's commitment to addressing the specific challenges faced by older people in situations of conflict and displacement. Client satisfaction varied from 80% in Georgia to 99% in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Success can be reported from Bosnia-Herzegovina in terms of sustainability and cost recovery of home-based care centres. Out of a total of 13 centres, five have become fully self-sustaining. The SRC contributed 25 to 30% of the cost for another five and 100% of the cost for the remaining three, which were opened only recently. Adherence to quality standards remained at 100% in Bosnia-Herzegovina and increased from 90% to 100% in Armenia.    Active ageing SRC projects helped reduce isolation and increase social participation among older people by establishing and running self-help groups. During the year, the number of such groups increased by 80% in Kyrgyzstan, 45% in Moldova and 4% in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Similar groups were established in Bolivia, Laos and Togo by Sister National Societies. In Togo, volunteers from four National Society branches, together with 283 active members of older people's groups, visited 493 people in their homes. In Bhutan and North Macedonia, volunteers were trained in issues related to healthy ageing.  Age-friendly communities The SRC supported five communities in Moldova and one in Bosnia-Herzegovina to join the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities, improving the lives of older people by creating more inclusive and supportive spaces in cities and towns. The good results in Moldova were celebrated by around 180 people at the Change Makers Gala organized together with WHO.

Question 6

Blood Safety and Availability

Accepted Answer

Health care services cannot save lives and improve health without safe blood. To increase the blood supply in countries with shortages, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) supports Sister National Societies and partners in Bhutan, Honduras, Laos, Lebanon, Malawi, Moldova, South Sudan and Togo.  Blood availability and voluntary non-remunerated blood donation In 2024, over 800 health professionals, community health workers and National Society staff and volunteers were trained to recruit voluntary non-remunerated blood donors, and more than 73 clubs promoting such donations received support. As a result, over 220 000 people were reached with health promotion and behaviour change activities related to blood donation and 120 834 units of blood were collected. In South Sudan, 68% of blood needs were covered in 2024, 30% more than in 2023. In Laos, coverage was an impressive 91%. The percentage of blood donations from voluntary non-remunerated donors varied by country: 33% in Lebanon, 48% in Laos, 55% in Malawi, 78% in South Sudan and 99% in Moldova. Blood donation sustainability and safety are enhanced by repeat donors, defined as those who donate more than once in 12 months. The highest percentage of repeat donors was recorded in Laos (83%), followed by Malawi (64%), Togo (62%) and Moldova (40%). To improve efficiency, Malawi’s blood transfusion service focused on high-yielding areas and used phone calls and SMS to mobilise donors. The Bhutan Red Cross boosted preparedness by offering voluntary blood group testing at its branches, with 39 volunteers being tested.  Blood safety Significant progress was made in blood safety in 2024. In Laos, Moldova and South Sudan, 100% of blood donations were screened for transfusion-transmissible infections, in line with national protocols. The Lebanese Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service was recertified by the Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies, attesting to its compliance with standards for blood collection, testing, processing and transfusion, and two of the Service’s centres were audited and subsequently accredited by the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health.   The SRC’s continued support has strengthened the blood donation systems in these countries, increased voluntary participation and improved safety, ensuring a more reliable and sustainable blood supply for those in need.

Question 7

Eye Health

Accepted Answer

In 2024, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) supported the eye health programming of Sister National Societies in Kyrgyzstan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Over 206 000 people benefited from eye health consultations; 3985 cataract and 2622 other eye operations were performed. In Kyrgyzstan, operations increased by 12% and surgery quality remained high (92%). In Nepal, 80% of those operated on had good visual acuity after six weeks of cataract surgery (between 6/6 and 6/18).  Over 35 300 children were screened for eye health and 715 health professionals, community health workers and National Society staff/volunteers were trained. Health education reached over 182 750 people.  Remarkable progress In Kyrgyzstan, an important milestone was reached when three eye health protocols, developed by the SRC and national specialists, were endorsed by the Ministry of Health.  Fifty-nine staff were trained, resulting in a 30% increase in eye health services utilisation since 2023. The eye health unit in Bishkek treated 42 babies. Screening for retinopathy of prematurity became possible in all regions of Kyrgyzstan, with 3634 patients being screened by trained ophthalmologists.  In Nepal, the Community Eye Health Centre in Dailekh was upgraded to a surgical centre. In its first year of operation, 525 cataract surgeries were performed, making it easier for people in this remote mountainous district to regain their eyesight.   At Cox’s Bazar, the quality of eye health services and the referral system were strengthened, resulting in a 20% increase in service utilisation and cataract surgeries compared to 2023.    Preparing for 2025 In Western Africa, new programmes for community health with an eye health component co-designed with the Sister National Societies of Benin, Burkina Faso and Togo were developed. Eye health started to be integrated into healthy ageing programmes in Nepal and Moldova. Through a cash and voucher approach in Moldova, 518 elderly people were screened for refractive error and received spectacles. In 2025, the integration of eye health into community health, healthy ageing and migration programming is expected to gain further momentum.

Question 8

Economic Support

Accepted Answer

In 2024, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) provided over 51 000 disaster- and crisis-affected individuals with cash and voucher assistance, allowing them to meet their immediate needs for food and basic necessities, improve health conditions and restore homes and livelihoods. The amount of cash provided to vulnerable people in Bangladesh, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Ethiopia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Malawi, Moldova, Montenegro, Nepal, Ukraine and other countries totalled CHF 3 431 729. Through the Regional Balkan Migration Project, 6243 migrants in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia obtained access to basic services, including first aid, family links services and psychosocial support; 5630 people received food and hygiene items. In Bangladesh, the SRC supported multi-purpose cash distributions for 4078 people during the flood response. In Nepal, it supported assistance for over 5000 people affected by various disasters, addressing basic needs and restoring homes and livelihoods. In Ethiopia, families affected by the protracted drought in Moyale continued to receive cash support, benefiting over 25 000 individuals. Similarly, 650 individuals in Malawi received cash or vouchers to cover food needs.  In Ukraine, 8762 individuals (displaced persons and residents in host communities) received support totalling CHF 2 372 829. In Moldova, over 1000 refugees from Ukraine were provided with cash grants to improve access to health and pay for accommodation, while in Georgia, 200 families from Ukraine received cash to address health needs. Vulnerable families in Kyrgyzstan, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Moldova (over 3300 people) received financial support from a winter assistance project.

Question 9

Shelter and Housing

Accepted Answer

Together with the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) provided shelter and housing support in Kherson and in Western and Central Ukraine for 5435 internally displaced people (IDPs) in 100 collective centres. In preparation for winter, 4731 people received cash grants to cover heating costs or buy equipment used during network outages. In Western Ukraine, kitchens and bathroom blocks were refurbished in four collective centres, and 16 centres received new windows, kitchen fittings and furniture, improving the living conditions of 790 IDPs. The National Society regional branches in Ivano-Frankivsk and Ternopil received equipment and emergency kits to run heating points during winter and in emergencies. In Ternopil, six district branches received equipment to deal with power outages and ensure operational capacity. In Central Ukraine, 51 collective centres received support in the form of light repairs, construction material, kitchen fittings, furniture and fire extinguishers, improving living conditions for 2313 people. In September, an additional 29 centres received assistance, to support the arrival of 1100 IDPs evacuated from the Pokrovsk region. Another six centres were helped to winterise and received equipment. After the earthquake in Nepal, awareness-raising sessions on Safe Shelter Construction were conducted for 59 families. By year end, 585 people had received cash grants for shelter construction.

Question 10

Community based Disaster Risk Management

Accepted Answer

The Swiss Red Cross (SRC) assisted Sister National Societies with 15 disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation projects benefiting over 628 000 individuals in nine countries across South and Central Asia, the Americas and Africa. Disaster preparedness A functional local committee is key for disaster preparedness. In 2024, 91.2% (446 out of 489) of communities monitored in seven programme countries across 11 projects had a functional committee. The level of functionality varied depending on the project duration, from 0% for a project in Bangladesh started in late 2024, to 55-70% for ongoing projects (Ethiopia, Honduras, Nepal, Paraguay) and 85-100% for those nearing completion (Bangladesh, El Salvador, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Togo). In all those contexts, functional committees independently planned and implemented disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation activities in their communities, developing leadership skills and actively seeking better integration into the subnational disaster risk management system. Risk mitigation The SRC supports risk-informed and climate-resilient critical infrastructure and sites for communities and households. It also prioritises the protection, rehabilitation and sustainable management of natural resources. Mitigation measures are decided based on risk analysis, use locally available materials and involve stakeholders (in-kind contributions from communities and cash contributions from municipalities). Nature-based solutions are preferred to grey infrastructure, where appropriate. In 2024, the disaster risk for more than 90 000 individuals in Bangladesh, El Salvador, Honduras, Kyrgyzstan and Nepal was reduced to an acceptable level by implementing functional protection measures in nine different projects. See the spotlight on Community-based disaster risk management for more results.

Question 11

Public Infrastructure

Accepted Answer

In 2024, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) supported the renovation and extension of nine health centres in Laos. Improved infrastructure generally increases people’s trust in, and consequently often also their use of, health services. Specific measures included adding rooms for maternal and child health services in Pakseng District, installing a delivery room and sanitation facilities in Naluang, and supplementing the health facilities in Sobpone, Bandon and Buamkok with delivery rooms, maternity waiting rooms and sanitation facilities. In all of these undertakings, the SRC provided technical support through both a local engineer and an international construction consultant. It received positive feedback from the health workers concerned, according to whom the number of patients significantly increased after the renovations. In Bangladesh, the SRC continued supporting three primary health centres, built and furbished with its assistance, in the camps at Cox’s Bazaar. The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society and its partner organisations operating the centres provided primary health and protection services throughout the year.  In Ukraine, the SRC continued its public infrastructure work support in 2024. It helped the Ukrainian Red Cross Society provide 19 mobile bomb shelters for up to 190 people and make light repairs to two large bomb shelters in hospitals able to hold 280 people in all.

Question 12

Governance, Leadership and Strategy

Accepted Answer

The Swiss Red Cross (SRC) supports the efforts of Sister National Societies in Armenia, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Georgia, Honduras, Laos, Malawi, Moldova, Nepal, Paraguay, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo and Ukraine to improve governance, leadership and strategy (see the Spotlight Governance, Leadership and Strategy for more information). Strengthened policy and strategy framework In 2024, the Paraguayan Red Cross made notable progress towards strengthening its policy and strategy framework. It consolidated implementation of its health, disaster risk management and youth policies in all 18 branches. The National Society's central leadership demonstrated improved prioritization skills, aligning its efforts with the goals of its Institutional Strategic Plan. This strategic alignment led to a more focused approach, allowing the National Society to obtain and execute projects that directly contributed to the operationalisation of relevant policies and plans. Business continuity The SRC provided vital support when the Sudanese Red Crescent Society’s operations were several disrupted by the ongoing conflict. The focus was on providing guidance on business continuity, restructuring the National Society so that it could adapt to the crisis and restore its operational capacity at both headquarters and branches, and strategic planning for the National Society’s sustainable recovery. Organisational development as a strategic goal The new Togolese Red Cross comprehensive organisational development plan, drawn up in 2024 with SRC support, provides long-term strategic orientation (2024–2030) and an initial operational plan covering 2024–2026. It builds on previous and current initiatives, offering a unified framework to guide and align partner support for the National Society’s organisational development.

Question 13

Resource Mobilisation

Accepted Answer

In 2024, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) supported the resource mobilisation capacities, in particular for private sector domestic fundraising, of its Sister National Societies in Armenia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Ethiopia, Georgia, Honduras, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Malawi, Nepal, Nigeria, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Ukraine, Viet Nam and Zambia. African National Societies and financial sustainability African National Societies, which rely heavily on international funding, find it difficult to ensure financial sustainability. At the request of the Netherlands Red Cross, the SRC helped the National Societies of Ethiopia, Malawi, Nigeria, South Sudan, Uganda and Zambia reduce that dependency and strengthen domestic fundraising. Signal achievements in 2024 included the establishment of technical/digital infrastructure (websites, donation platforms, etc.) and pilot fundraising instruments (charity events). Emergency fundraising in Lebanon Despite a complex and challenging environment, the Lebanese Red Cross continued to scale up its fundraising capacity in 2024. The SRC maintained its role as a technical helpdesk, providing ad hoc guidance and ensuring that recommendations were aligned with best practices in fundraising and direct marketing. After the regional conflict escalated in September 2024 and attacks targeted Lebanese territory, over USD 1.8 million were raised via the iRaiser platform in just one month from more than 15 000 individuals (see the 2022 Spotlight Resource Mobilisation for information on the platform). This is evidence of both the strong public support enjoyed by the Lebanese Red Cross and the untapped potential for more sustained and strategic private fundraising efforts. Face-to-face (F2F) fundraising  The Red Cross Society of Georgia made significant progress on F2F fundraising in 2024, despite challenges such as payment provider issues and donor retention. A pioneer in regular giving in Georgia, the National Society currently dominates the market and was able to raise more than CHF 36 000, exceeding its target, by leveraging existing partnerships with local companies and securing free F2F sites to reduce costs. A mid-2024 assessment conducted together with SRC experts nevertheless revealed that key areas of the National Society’s resource mobilisation system needed improvement to sustain and scale up past achievements.

Question 14

Institutional Preparedness

Accepted Answer

In 2024, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) helped 22 Sister National Societies (Armenia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Georgia, Guatemala, Honduras, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Moldova, Nepal, Panama, Paraguay, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo and Ukraine) enhance local preparedness capacities. The Lao Red Cross significantly improved its coordination mechanism, emergency protocols and resource mobilisation. Thanks to the new Disaster Response Emergency Fund, it efficiently deployed resources from domestic and international donors for emergency operations. The Red Cross Society of Georgia continued to hone its cash and voucher assistance process and optimised its financial and logistics procedures. Building the skills of staff and volunteers was key; the expertise gained was essential for mainstreaming such assistance and designing new projects. The National Society distributed pharmacy vouchers to 200 Ukrainian refugees. In Bolivia, investments in preparedness significantly improved capacities at the national and branch level. As a result, the National Society was increasingly recognised as a trusted local partner and participated in relevant forums and platforms. It strengthened its auxiliary role in disaster risk management and responded effectively and in timely fashion to emerging disasters and crises. In Ethiopia, the National Society branches in Jimma and Dire Dawa conducted readiness checks as part of their preparedness process. Replenishment of the contingency stock in Jimma was a priority. The 150 kits of non-food items purchased were distributed during the emergency response to landslides in July, highlighting the relevance of investing in local partners’ readiness.

Question 15

Project Management

Accepted Answer

The Swiss Red Cross (SRC) supports the work of Sister National Societies to strengthen their project/programme management approach in terms of accountability and learning, and to integrate conflict- and gender-sensitive thinking into their project management. Using technology for better information management The Paraguayan Red Cross consolidated major advances in the standardisation and optimisation of its information management and reporting system, in line with its strategic objectives. By using technology and enhancing the capacities of planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting managers, timely and accurate activity and financial reports were produced across the National Society. Protection, gender and inclusion In El Salvador, femicides, violence and mental health issues continued to impact women, girls and adolescents, while youth migration due to limited job opportunities added to the country's ongoing struggles. The Salvadorean Red Cross pursued an initiative, with SRC financial and technical support, focused on equipping staff and volunteers with the knowledge and tools they need to apply policies on social inclusion, gender and protection against sexual exploitation and abuse at all levels of the National Society. The aim is to ensure an inclusive, non-discriminatory approach in all operations. The Ethiopian Red Cross Society continued to strengthen protection, gender and inclusion standards across its programmes and structures. A 2024 analysis showed that emergency medical services were often used by women, especially for maternal care, but also highlighted service gaps in gender-based violence support, chronic disease management and substance abuse treatment. These findings will guide revisions to protocols and training packages. Conflict-sensitive project management In 2024, the SRC and the Red Crescent Society of Kyrgyzstan conducted workshops to deepen the understanding of staff and partners of conflict dynamics in project areas. The workshops addressed conflict sensitivity in project design, inclusive decision-making that engaged marginalised groups, and "do-no-harm" tools that serve to identify and mitigate the risks of exacerbating conflicts, all measures that build trust, ease tensions and ensure sustainable project outcomes.

Question 16

Volunteer Management

Accepted Answer

In 2024, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) worked with seven Sister National Societies (Bhutan, El Salvador, Honduras, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, South Sudan and Turkmenistan) to enhance their volunteer management systems. The aim was to improve volunteer engagement, motivation and overall well-being, in recognition of the vital role played by the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement’s 16 million volunteers worldwide (see the 2023 Spotlight Volunteer Management for further details). Fostering volunteer engagement through regional collaboration In 2024, the SRC helped the Red Crescent Society of Kyrgyzstan strengthen its regional cooperation in terms of volunteer management with the National Societies of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Looking ahead to the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, the three National Societies consulted with each other, coordinated regional initiatives and launched an online learning platform. The regional summer camp in Issyk-Kul brought together over 80 volunteers for interactive training and exchange. All three National Societies have successfully recruited new volunteers but also suffer significant gender disparity (percentage of female volunteers in Kazakhstan: 70; Kyrgyzstan: 68; and Turkmenistan: 59), which suggests that they need to encourage the participation of both male and female volunteers by providing educational opportunities, for example, and addressing barriers to inclusion. Enhancing effective volunteer management After many challenges in the implementation and roll-out of a volunteer management information system, the South Sudan Red Cross was able to provide comprehensive refresher training for staff from all 21 branches using new software that helps manage volunteer registration, induction and training processes more effectively. This is in line with the updated youth and volunteer policies approved by the National Society Governing Council in 2024 and marks an important step towards standardising and strengthening volunteer management practices across the country. Strengthening youth participation During its Second General Assembly, in May 2024, the Bhutan Red Cross Society officially recognised the Youth Volunteers as an organisational unit within the National Society. The creation of the Youth Volunteer Unit reflects the National Society’s commitment to strengthen youth participation in governance and promote the role of young people as agents of behavioural change. The aim is to empower youth volunteers to take on greater responsibility in community engagement and integration across the National Society’s network.

Our Programme Domains

Contents of this page

Health

Total Number of Beneficiaries in Health

individuals were reached through health interventions

social health protection interventions

Our Impact in the seven Health Priorities

Spotlight Reproductive Health

Disaster Risk Management

Total Number of Beneficiaries in Disaster Risk Management

Disaster risk reduction

Disaster response

Cash support

Our Impact in the four Disaster Risk Management Priorities

Spotlight Community-based Disaster Risk Management

National Society Development

Total Number of Beneficiaries in National Society Development

Sister National Societies

transformational initiatives of Sister National Societies

Our Impact in the five National Society Development Priorities

Spotlight Governance, Leadership and Strategy

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