The government has expressed satisfaction with the work that the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) is doing to alleviate human suffering across the country.
This was said by Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri in a speech read on her behalf by her deputy Levy Mayihlome at the belated World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day commemorations held in Gweru yesterday.
This year’s commemorations are running under the theme Keeping Humanity Alive, and are a call to celebrate those who give their time, and sometimes their lives, to ease the suffering of others and protect their inherent human dignity.
“Zimbabwe Red Cross Society is an important civic society organisation whose contributions are critical in addressing the needs of the vulnerable,” Muchinguri Kashiri said.
“This is the reason why the Zimbabwe Red Cross is a permanent member of the country’s disaster preparedness mechanism at all levels.
“It is pleasing to note the excellent cooperation and symbiotic working relations that exist between the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society and the International Federation of the Red Cross.
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“I urge the two humanitarian organisations to continue to cultivate and foster such an enabling environment not only for their mutual benefit, but society at large.”
Muchinguri Kashiri said the work of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent is increasingly becoming important given the recurrence of conflict and natural disasters the world over.
“Dealing with emergency situations of this nature demands a multi-sectorial approach.
Muchinguri Kashiri said ZRCS has also been instrumental in fostering and maintaining family links for migrants as exemplified by its activities at Tongogara Refugee Camp, Beitbridge Border Post and at the Roadport in Harare.The Restoration of Family Links programme is being supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
ZRCS national president Edson Mlambo said this year they were highlighting the universal, human, and diverse aspects of the movement by drawing focus on Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and workers and their involvement within communities.
“Our volunteers and workers are often the first ones to step up and support those around them, upholding humanity in the face of adversity as they navigate some of the most challenging and remote environments to reach those who need it most,” he said.
“As Zimbabwe Red Cross, we pride ourselves in always being the first in, and never out when an emergency happens due to our community presence.
“For example, we have seen how our teams were the first to respond to the cholera outbreak in Mapanza (Chiredzi), Marange – Buhera, Hopley (Harare) and across the country.
Mlambo said hard-to-reach and vulnerable communities in the semi-arid Mwenezi district had their boreholes rehabilitated and a piped water scheme at Gudomutovhoti, bringing the scarce commodity closer to homes and enhancing the communities' nutrition through gardens.
Several ZRCS volunteers and youths were rewarded for their outstanding efforts in their respective communities.
Locally, there are 20 000 ZRCS volunteers.