Igad gives Red Cross Sh20 million to aid healthcare

IGAD's Director of Administration and Finance, Josphat Onyari, hands over dummy cheques of Sh20 million to Kenya Red Cross Society Board Member Dr. Ramadhan Marjan and the Kenya Red Cross Society at Sarova Whitesands in Mombasa County on Friday, July 12, 2024. The money will be used to help victims of the recent floods in Kenya with medical facilities among other necessities. [Kelvin Karani, Standard]

Frequent disasters triggered by climate change have continued to weaken the capacity of communities to withstand emergencies, Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) has said.

KRCS Secretary General Ahmed Idris said disasters have become frequent, and there has been no time to rehabilitate the damaged infrastructure.

Dr Idris was speaking at the Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort, Mombasa, at the weekend when he received a Sh20 million cheque from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad) to bolster health services affected by floods between April and May.

He regretted that there are many emergencies globally in need of financial support, causing donor fatigue.

The KRCS Secretary General noted that at least 73 health facilities damaged by the recent floods in the country need rehabilitation.

He said communities in Tana River, Homa Bay, Mandera and Garissa require support to rebuild homes and resettle after the recent floods.

Igad Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu said the recent floods displaced more than 300,000 people, destroyed 10,000 homes and crippled essential services, including healthcare.

"This immense disaster demands urgent and decisive action. Igad, in collaboration with our esteemed partners, recognises the pressing need to address the healthcare challenges the affected communities face," said Gebeyehu.

He announced that the donation will help rebuild and strengthen healthcare systems in the devastated areas.

Dr Gebeyehu said that KRCS has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and effectiveness in responding to humanitarian crises across Kenya and has become a trusted partner.

"Over the past year, they have provided emergency assistance to over one million people, showcasing their capacity to mobilize resources swiftly and efficiently," he said.

"Their compassionate actions have delivered life-saving medical care, shelter, clean water and food to those in dire need, embodying the spirit of solidarity and humanitarian service," he added.

Dr Gebeyehu commended KRCS's recent efforts to set up 50 temporary health clinics, distribute more than 100,000 hygiene kits and ensure clean water and sanitation for 200,000 individuals in the country.

Present was Igad Director for Administration and Finance, Josphat Onyari, KRCS Coast region chairman Taib and a board member, Dr Ramadhan Marjan.