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

Statutory Meetings / 33rd IC Resolution Report / 33rd International Conference / Report on – 33rd IC Resolution 3: Time to act: Tackling epidemics and pandemics together (33IC/19/R3) – Swiss Red Cross

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

    Yes

    The commitments are incorporated into:
    Operational plan

    At the International level

    Explanation:

    International Cooperation: In collaboration with Norcross, Spanish- and Swedish RC Swiss RC has developed the community case management of cholera ERU (CCMC ERU) which is ready for deployment and has been deployed to Malawi in February 2023 to support Malawi RC in the cholera response.

    At domestic level, the Swiss Red Cross has evaluated extensively the covid-response. The evaluation is structured in to 4 parts:
    • Evaluation of the crisis management (in 2020)
    • Reaching vulnerable people in the covid-crisis (in 2022)
    • Volunteer Management (in 2022)
    • Auxiliary Role towards Swiss Authorities (in 2022)

    The results of the covid evaluation inform decision making at every level. In the Swiss Red Cross Strategy, there isn’t any specific mentioning of pandemics, however at the level of operational plans, the preparation for future pandemics is on the agenda.

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

    Yes

    Partner with:
    Government and/or public authorities
    Other National Red Cross or Red Crescent Societies

    Examples of cooperation:

    International cooperation: Norcross, Swedish and Spanish RC have supported the development of the CCMC ERU. The partnership consists not only of HR or financial contribution but it includes shared responsibility and accountability during deployments. The system was tested for the first time in February 2023 where the CCMC ERU was deployed to Malawi. Whilst Swiss Red Cross had the lead, Norcross, Swedish and Spanish RC were equal partners in this deployment.

    At the domestic level, the Swiss Red Cross is part of the Ressource Allocation Management of the Swiss Confederation. During the covid-crisis, the Swiss Red Cross has supported the health system with its volunteers.

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

    Yes

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

    Details about challenges:

    At domestic level, there is a lot of learning after the covid crisis. With time, the urgency of preparing for a new pandemic becomes less. As always, the cost for preparation (planning, stocks of medical material, etc.) is a challenge. We have gained some resilience for a new pandemic in Switzerland, however, we’re probably going to face similar challenges during a next pandemic, as we have faced during covid.

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

    Yes

    Type of Impact:
    Cooperation between Government/public authorities and National Society has been strengthened
    Programming and operations have become more effective and efficient
    Innovative tools/methodologies have been developed and are utilized
    Training and capacity of staff and volunteers has increased (for National Societies)

    Details about the impact:

    International Cooperation: The CCMC ERU, as a public health ERU works closely with the sister national society. The support brought to Malawi Red Cross through this ERU positioned Malawi RC as a unique partner for the operation of ORPs and was recognised by the President and MoH of Malawi. It provided training to volunteers and staff.

    (Domestic: nothing to add)

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

    Yes

    Description of the impact:

    International Cooperation: The objective of the CCMC ERU is to contribute to the reduction of morbidity and mortality due to acute watery diarrhoea. The final operation evaluation showed, that the CCMC ERU has largely contributed not only to the reduction of mortality and morbidity but also helped to decongest overloaded health facilities.

    (Domestic: nothing to add)

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