In response to the AH1N1 pandemic, the Caribbean Red Cross Societies are supporting the health care system in preparing communities to respond to AH1N1 cases in their neighbourhoods. With funding from USAID to the Red Cross Americas zone office in Panama, staff and volunteers of the Caribbean Red Cross National societies will speak directly with community members to share information on how to reduce the transmission of the virus.
These teams will also help persons to understand the AH1N1 virus better; its incubation period and personal hygiene practices to reduce spread of the disease. Public information materials will be shared in the communities to reinforce the public health messages. Already the Aruba Red Cross Branch (see article posted on June 19th) gave assistance to the Department of Healthcare of Aruba in the screening process of the passengers/crew members of a cruise ship; helping these persons to return home.
In addition to the community work, the Guyana, Jamaica and Belize Red Cross will each work with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to raise awareness on hygiene and prevention of AH1N1 for institutions; e.g. elderly homes, children, prisoners. These activities are only undertaken with the support of the health authorities nationally to reinforce preparedness and prevention in country. Thus the Red Cross will continue to work with the national health authorities and PAHO in sharing the messages to build safer and healthier communities.
Red Cross volunteers and donors interested in supporting these programmess should contact their national Red Cross Societies. We look forward to your support!
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