Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up

JAPAN: The Red Cross is scaling up relief efforts to meet the huge needs. To date, the Japanese Red Cross has handed out more than 125,000 blankets and 20,700 emergency kits – including portable radios, flashlights and other supplies – to help evacuees cope with the cold weather and lack of electricity. Other badly needed items, such as diapers, baby food, undershirts and face masks, are being procured from within the country as well. In parallel with the distribution of relief goods, Red Cross planners are also consulting with the local authorities to map out other ways of making survivors’ lives more comfortable during their stay in evacuation centers.

BANGLADESH: Since the current crisis erupted in Libya, the ICRC has been helping thousands of Bangladeshi workers who have fled the country.

SOMALIA: With ICRC support, the Somali Red Crescent Society has opened two new health clinics in conflict and drought-affected regions to serve more than 100,000 people.

WORLDWIDE: The ICRC is helping Latin American prisons eradicate tuberculosis. Meanwhile other members of the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network are addressing TB around the world in places like China, India, and Siberia.