Partner: Belgian Red Cross - Flanders
Duration: 2013-2014
Budget: 147.840 euro
The Belgian Red Cross - Flanders intends to strengthen the first aid activities of 10 national committees in southern Africa (Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe) via the International Red Cross. In order to bring this to a successful end, however, the idea is to carry out a baseline study first. For this purpose, the needs, legislative frameworks, policy plans and ongoing activities of each of the different countries will be recorded. On 18 February 2013, the Government of Flanders decided to contribute to the funding of this baseline study.
In low and middle income countries 8 out of 10 people who die, die as a result of road accidents. Emergencies account for 45% of the number of fatal casualties and for 36% of the sick and wounded, often with some type of disability. Especially southern Africa seems to report a remarkably high share in these figures. Moreover, the regular health systems in these countries are weakened, as a result of which essential duties are performed by informal carers.
The Red Cross national committees in southern Africa have different capacities. They often lack the required structure, personnel and material. The main advantage is that in their respective countries these committees are recognised by the government as official first aid organisations. Some have received an accreditation for this or have submitted an application for accreditation. That is why it is essential to support these organisations.
Both the World Bank and the World Health Organisation argue in favour of training laypersons to administer first aid as a cheap alternative in southern Africa. It is regarded as a cost-efficient way to meet the needs in the field of informal care, ambulant care and first aid.