Nigerian Red Cross Seeks More Support to Meet Growing Humanitarian Needs in Anambra

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The Anambra State branch of the Nigerian Red Cross Society has called for greater support from government, corporate organisations and the public to meet rising humanitarian challenges amid falling funding for relief operations.

Prof. Charity Emelie, the branch chairman, told THISDAY on World Red Cross Day that the organisation remains a crucial first responder in emergencies, disasters and public health crises throughout the state.

She highlighted that the branch has bolstered its emergency response capacity by training volunteers and equipping a Branch Rapid Response Team (BRRT) to manage disasters and medical emergencies more effectively.

She said, “Humanitarian challenges are rising at an astronomical rate while funding is shrinking. We need vehicles, ambulances, drugs and other essential supplies to continue serving vulnerable communities effectively.”

She appealed to stakeholders—including government officials, development partners, local government authorities and private individuals—to support the society’s humanitarian work, especially its aid to vulnerable people and motherless children’s homes in Onitsha and Nnewi.

Emelie cited recent activities, noting that during the Anambra State elections the society deployed 215 members of its Emergency First Aid Team (EFAT), 465 trained first aiders and three operational vehicles throughout the state.

The teams treated 35 casualties, including cases of fainting, dislocations and other minor medical conditions.

Emelie added that the organisation has expanded humanitarian assistance through partnerships with regional and international agencies. An ECOWAS‑supported intervention programme supplied food items and cash assistance to roughly 1,000 households in Awka North and Ogbaru Local Government Areas.

She further noted that, with support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), more than 1,000 households in Anambra West, Ayamelum and Ogbaru received cash assistance, non‑food items and dignity kits for women affected by disasters.