Report on – 33rd IC Resolution 3: Time to act: Tackling epidemics and pandemics together (33IC/19/R3) – Red Cross of Montenegro

Has your State/National Society/Institution incorporated the commitments contained in this resolution into the relevant strategic or operational plans?

The commitments are incorporated into:
Operational plan

At the National, Local level

Has your State/National Society/Institution been working with other partners to implement the commitments contained in this resolution?

Partner with:
Government and/or public authorities
ICRC/IFRC

Have you encountered any challenges in implementing the commitments contained in this resolution?

With challenges on:
Human resources
Lack of specific knowledge/expertise
Lack of capacity and/or support (technical, financial, or other)

Have the commitments contained in this resolution had an impact on the work and direction of your State/National Society/Institution?

Type of Impact:
Cooperation between Government/public authorities and National Society has been strengthened
Training and capacity of staff and volunteers has increased (for National Societies)

Have the commitments contained in this resolution had an impact on the communities that your State/National Society/Institution serves?

Description of the impact:

COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented situation where the whole world faced this type of challenge simultaneously. At the beginning of the vaccination process, it was very important to share trustworthy information on the disease but also to raise awareness among general population on preventive measures and ways how to protect themselves. Red Cross was recognized as one of the main responders and its constant presence in the field enabled continuous communication with the population which also helped in communicating the right messages.
It was important that the Red Cross received support from the IFRC for organizing trainings for volunteers but also for procuring necessary equipment (Uniforms, PPE). This contributed to the safety of staff and volunteers and enabled them to continuously do their jobs. Constant presence on immunization points triggered a lot of attention among the general public, this was especially helpful for the local branches who managed to position as one of the main partners with local authority in time of crises. This helped in positioning the Red Cross even better in the communities.
The fact that the Red Cross assisted in vaccination points, then implemented survey on vaccination hesitancy as a first step in better understanding of people opinion on immunization and how to direct right messages, helped in creating new approach in the campaign. Red Cross of Montenegro shared information about COVID-19 pandemic and prevention measures via distribution of informative material (leaflets and posters), on social media, TV stations and face-to-face with workshops implemented with doctors from Institute for Public Health, Health Centers and RC volunteers, in small groups of people in urban and rural areas.