BRCS supports global fight against COVID-19

TDT | Manama

Bahrain Red Crescent Society (BRCS) asserted its keenness to continue working with all entities of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, to support relief and humanitarian efforts intended to mitigate the harmful effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

These efforts concentrate on the most vulnerable segments such as refugees, displaced persons and those afflicted by the pandemic, within the framework of humanitarian relief efforts the society is developing locally and internationally.

This was discussed during BRCS’s participation in a remote meeting organised by the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in the Middle East and North Africa, regarding the global response to COVID-19.

The meeting was attended by 821 participants, including directors and general secretaries of national societies, and it focused on the best ways to activate the relief efforts to tackle this pandemic.

BRCS director-general/acting general secretary Mubarak Al Hadi commented: “The pandemic reveals the importance of the coherence of the international movement and the cooperation of the national societies in strengthening their efforts to confront the virus and their rapid response to the appeals of the international relief organisations, and we must point out that the BRCS is at the forefront to provide material support to the international federation.”

Al Hadi delegated BRCS Public Relations Committee and Member Affairs Committee head Ali Kadhem to attend the meeting. The international federation’s Middle East and North Africa Region office acting regional director Dr Hossam Elsharkawi noted that they are working to develop a comprehensive vision for the “post-coronavirus” stage, and to mitigate its negative repercussions on societies, the economy, and volunteer teams. “We must be prepared to face the subsequent stage, which is more difficult, and we are required to prepare for the most critical situations,” Dr Elsharkawi said.