Actions taken:
A) Objectives of the pledge
With the support of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement Georgia Red Cross Society as auxiliary to the government in the humanitarian field responds in the frames of epidemical and pandemic risks prevention and risk reduction.
Georgia Red Cross Society in close cooperation with all the key actors in this field, including Ministry Of Internally Displaced Persons From The Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia, National Centre For Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC) and respective international organizations, prevents and responds to epidemic and pandemic risks through the strengthening of its institutional and operational capacities, establishing teams of properly trained community volunteers and raising awareness of communities at risk on epidemic preparedness and response to reduce the possible negative impact of the public health emergencies.
It’s important to highlight that the initiation of this pledge’s implementation was delayed due to the onset of Covid-19 in 2020, as public authorities were primarily focused on pandemic response during that time.
B) Action plan
1. Strengthening the cooperation with the government, non-state actors, key stakeholders, and movement partners.
Every activity or project planned by GRCS is being carried out in close coordination with the Ministry of Health, NCDC, and local health sector decision-makers. GRCS maintains strong working cooperations with all respective state and non-state decisionmakers to support prevention and proper response to epidemics and pandemics.
GRCS was a member of the governmental coordination committee on Covid-19 during 2020-2023 along with other relevant parties operating in the field with the leading of NCDC.
Covid-19 vaccination centres in Mtskheta, Rustavi and Mukhrani were established in close coordination was with Ministry of Health and Centre for Disease Control and Prevention throughout 2021-2023. Since Covid-19 no longer has Global Health Emergency status and there is a stronger need to work towards increasing routine immunization rates the Rustavi vaccination centre stopped administering Covid-19 vaccinations in August 1st, 2023.
From 2023 till now to support and increase routine immunization uptake rate countrywide GRCS is a member of a working group on immunization with all respective parties working in this field such as: WHO, NCDC, UNICEF, World Vision etc.
In frames of the project “Epidemic Preparedness and Covid-19 Response in Armenia and Georgia” a Round Table Meeting was organized on Community Based Routine Immunization with the involvement of the above-mentioned external parties and Local Healthcare Centres of Kvemo Kartli from 5 different municipalities to discuss and agree about joints efforts and activities for increasing routine immunization coverage and indicators.
GRCS was implementing the project “Strengthening resilience of local communities of South Caucasus to health emergencies” which focused on community-based health and prevention of health emergencies during 2019-2022. Project is no longer active although pool of trained volunteers was maintained and awareness raising sessions are being held on a planned basis.
2. Risk assessment in the regions with high risk of epidemic and pandemic outbreaks.
GRCS implemented the Health in Emergency project in 12 municipalities during 2019-2022. The target branches were chosen the way to reach IDP and ecomigrants as one of the most vulnerable communities. The informational educational sessions were developed based on communication with local health authorities, representatives of the emergency services and community members. Based on the health-related risk identified throughout this assessment respective awareness raising sessions were designed and conducted. In frames of the project knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) study was held in communities before the activities started at the community level. The end-line survey was carried out at the end of the project in 2022 to examine the effectiveness, relevance and efficiency of the project activities and measure the degree to which the knowledge has increased because of the project at the community level. According to the survey report, a large majority possess improved knowledge related to issues of health in emergencies compared to the baseline survey findings.
Perception study was conducted in frames of the “Epidemic Preparedness and Covid-19 Vaccination in Armenia and Georgia” on community based routine immunization and Covid-19 in 15 GRCS target branches: Batumi, Zugdidi, Samtredia, Ambrolauri, Kutaisi, Gori, Dusheti, Tianeti, Tbilisi, Rustavi, Gardabani, Marneuli, Tetritskaro, Bolnisi, and Dmanisi. Study aimed to gather general perceptions and attitudes towards routine immunization among children and Covid-19 vaccination. The survey showed improved health risk management understanding, with those fully informed rising from 18% to 30%, and fewer untrained respondents (59% to 34%). Access to information increased (49% to 42%) through GRCS activities. However, lower-income individuals exhibited less interest, possibly due to age. Local authority awareness rose from 44% to 69%, especially in earthquake-prone areas, yet gaps persist in ethnic minorities. Hygiene knowledge improved but remains lacking among some groups. Communicable disease understanding increased, yet gaps persist, notably in HIV/AIDS. Covid-19 awareness is high overall but lower among ethnic minorities.
3. In accordance with assessment results elaboration of risk mitigation and response plans.
GRCS with the support of the external international experts (Magen David Adom) has updated health component in MCP by adding the epidemic scenario and respective response actions during year 2020.
GRCS hotline was established in 2020 as the source of the information providing to the vulnerable population in accordance with their specific needs and challenges. Hotline staff members were trained to provide basic psychosocial support with possibility to refer the selected cases to the respective specialist.
With the support of international and local partners GRCS has established Covid-19 vaccination centres and mobile vaccination units during 2021-2023 to strengthen emergency and routine vaccination capacities in the country. Overall, more than 8000 beneficiaries received Covid-19 vaccines throughout its 3 years of operation. With Covid-19 no longer classified as a Global Health Emergency and a heightened focus on enhancing routine immunization rates, the Rustavi vaccination centre ceased administering Covid-19 vaccinations on August 1st, 2023.
On October 5th, 2022, the 5th Emergency Response Teams global meeting was held by WHO in Yerevan with the purpose to improve the timeliness and quality of health services provided by national and international Emergency Medical Teams and enhance the capacity of national health systems in leading the activation and coordination of rapid response capacities in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, outbreak and/or another emergency. GRCS representatives has attended the respective meeting to strengthen the joint actions towards the Emergency response on the country level.
4. Providing health protection and personal protection equipment for the Emergency Response Teams (ERT) volunteers.
National Disaster Response Teams were fully equipped according to the standards set forth by both GRCS and IFRC. Each volunteer involved in the Covid-19 response was provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure their safety and effectiveness in mitigating the spread of the virus. Such comprehensive measures helped bolster the resilience of response efforts and contributed to a more coordinated and effective response to the challenges posed by the pandemic.
5. Retraining of the existing emergency response teams (ERT) for epidemic and pandemic prevention and control.
Approximately 1,100 leader and community-based volunteers within National Disaster Response Teams were trained in Health in Emergency topics (including hygiene and sanitation promotion, community-based surveillance, and epidemic control for volunteers) throughout 2019-2022. All of them were equipped with PPE.
In June 2023 GRCS participated in simulation of emergency management organized in frames of the Prevention Preparedness Response to Natural and man-made Disasters in the Eastern Partnership (PPRD. The simulation was attended by Georgian volunteers as well as representatives and volunteers of Italy, Ukraine and various Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies. It is worth mentioning that GRCS participated in this event on an annual basis throughout 2019-2023.
Throughout 2021-2023 Countrywide and Local First Aid Simulation exercises were conducted in the target branches. Approximately 50-70 volunteers were involved in these simulation exercises. The aim of the exercises is to assess and improve FA knowledge and practical skills, to raise public awareness and promote First Aid. The GRCS branch representatives had the opportunity to exchange through visiting the neighboring branches and attending the simulation exercises. In the frames of the event the participants have been providing first aid in various scenarios such as road accidents, fire, earthquake, and everyday emergencies. Participants – those who played roles of casualties/victims as well as first aiders were Red Cross volunteers. The events were attended by the representatives of the Georgia Red Cross Society Headquarter, the International Committee of Red Cross, local municipalities, media and other stakeholders.
Throughout 15-17 February 2024 the Georgia Red Cross Society staff and volunteers together with the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Italian Red Cross were actively participating in an international field exercise on rapid response field laboratories. This event was organized jointly by the World Health Organization (WHO), the IFRC, and the Robert Koch Institute. The Georgia Red Cross played a pivotal role in coordinating emergency response activities, fostering cooperation with laboratories, and enhancing community health, in line with its auxiliary function to the government. This engagement highlighted its commitment to global health and safety initiatives. In addition to its role within the scenario, the Georgia Red Cross Society had also the responsibility of providing first aid as needed. Therefore, during the 3 days GRCS FA team with 2 tents was present. (out of scenario)
6. Advocate with national health authorities and ministries of emergency situations for the inclusion and clear definition of National Society role in country response plans/agendas.
GRCS organizes coordination meetings tailored to each entity’s role. Regular working sessions were held between GRCS and NCDC representatives to discuss matters pertaining to International Health Regulations (IHR) and Community-Based Surveillance (CBS). The focus on CBS signifies its importance as a sector requiring substantial support from GRCS. These meetings served as crucial platforms for information exchange, strategic planning, and alignment of efforts to effectively address the challenges posed by the pandemic. By fostering collaboration and communication between GRCS and NCDC, these sessions facilitated the implementation of coordinated strategies aimed at enhancing surveillance systems and strengthening response mechanisms. Through such concerted efforts, GRCS aims to bolster the resilience of communities and mitigate the impact of Covid-19 by ensuring robust surveillance and response capabilities at both local and national levels.
7. Support for local health authorities in the implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR) and other relevant public health laws and regulations in emergencies, model disaster law etc.
GRCS was involved in the risk mapping activities organised by WHO and NCDC JEE (Joint External Evaluation) based on the IHR approach.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that there is a need for strengthened cooperation and better cross-sectoral coordination between relevant stakeholders on national level as well as more investment in preparedness activities. GRCS was negotiating the MoU with the NCDC regarding the integration of the community-based surveillance (CBS) in the NCDC surveillance system. Although due to the shifting focus towards Covid-19 pandemic had significant impact on this process. GRCS will continue advocating and working towards the above-described issue in frames of other partnerships and collaborations with NCDC.
8. Enhance mechanisms of inter-sectoral coordination with the main RCRC Movement, WHO, UNFPA and other UN agencies and International NGOs at the field level.
GRCS, with the support of the IFRC, has developed the joint working plan with the WHO covering the main health related topic in the country including Emergency Preparedness and MHPSS.
In January 2022 meeting between representatives of the Ministry of Health (LEPL Emergency Situation Coordination and Urgent Assistance Centre), Expert of the UNFPA Program/Director of Hera XXI and Georgia Red Cross Society. During the meeting partners applied to the GRCS with a request to consider cooperation and partnership for fulfilment of the Educational Program on Reproductive Health issues during emergency situations. The initial draft of the module was developed by the Hera XXI team, and it is agreed that Ministry of Health will provide official letter to the GRCS to initiate fundraising among international partners to finalize and submit the respective document for state accreditation. This matter is currently under discussion. GRCS referred to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) with the aim to obtain funding soon.
C) Indicators for measuring progress:
1. Number of GRSC staff capable to train volunteer instructors – 200 persons
2. Number of community volunteer trainers properly trained to disseminate correct knowledge and information further into their own communities – 1011 community volunteers.
3. Number of local communities capable to cope with health-related consequences of disasters and crisis – 107 communities and 43985 direct beneficiaries.
4. Number of simulation exercises to demonstrate their capacity to response to health-related consequences of disasters and crisis – 7 central level with 12 municipalities and 2 sim ex per local branch 12 in total.
5. Number of copies of informational educational material – 5000 copies
6. Number of meetings with the relevant key stakeholders – 6 meetings
7. Project progress reports, media, partners, and beneficiaries’ feedback – in place
D) Resource implications
The State and/or National Society will determine the resources that may be required to carry out this pledge based on the objectives and actions they choose to take in their specific context.
