The Anambra State branch of the Nigerian Red Cross Society says it has provided humanitarian and health support to more than 5,000 people across the state.
It appealed for increased funding and logistical support to address growing humanitarian needs.
The appeal was made during the 2026 World Red Cross Day celebration in Anambra State, held under the theme, “United in Humanity.”
Speaking at the event, the branch Chairman, Prof. Charity Emelie said the organisation had continued to play a frontline role in emergency response, disaster relief and community healthcare services despite financial constraints.
She said the society had trained communities in first aid and emergency response while expanding health and humanitarian outreach programmes across vulnerable areas of the state.
According to Emelie, “The branch strengthened its disaster response capacity through its Branch Rapid Response Team (BRRT), a specialised volunteer unit trained to respond to emergencies and public crises.”
She disclosed that during the Anambra State elections, the Red Cross deployed 215 members of its Emergency First Aid Team (EFAT), alongside 465 trained first aiders and three operational vehicles across the state. The teams treated 35 casualties involving fainting, dislocations and other minor medical emergencies.
She said an ECOWAS-supported programme enabled the branch to distribute food items and cash assistance to about 1,000 households in Awka North and Ogbaru Local Government Areas.
In addition, she said more than 1,000 households in Anambra West, Ayamelum and Ogbaru benefited from cash support, non-food items and dignity kits for women through assistance provided by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
“The humanitarian challenges are increasing at an astronomical rate while funding is dwindling.
“We need vehicles, ambulances, drugs and other relevant materials to continue serving vulnerable communities effectively,” Emelie said.
She called on government institutions, development partners, corporate organisations and private individuals to support the society’s humanitarian activities, particularly its programmes for vulnerable persons and motherless babies’ homes in Onitsha and Nnewi.
Emelie also commended the State Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his wife, Nonye Soludo, for supporting the activities of the Red Cross in the state.
Earlier, the branch Secretary, Kingsley Okoye appreciated stakeholders for their continued support and urged stronger collaboration to ease the hardship faced by vulnerable residents.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, represented by Barrister Chekwube Ezekwike, praised the Red Cross for its humanitarian services and pledged continued support.
Lady Emilia Ezeokenwa, mother of the APGA National Chairman and a founding member of the Red Cross Society in Onitsha, called for stronger public support for humanitarian activities. She was honoured with the “Doyenne of Humanitarian Services” award during the event.
Founded in 1863 by Swiss humanitarian Henry Dunant, the Red Cross remains one of the world’s largest humanitarian networks, with millions of volunteers and staff operating in nearly every country.
The Nigerian Red Cross Society focuses on assisting vulnerable populations affected by disasters, disease outbreaks, conflicts and poverty, especially in remote and underserved communities.
