By M.A. Egge
The Somaliland Red Crescent Society (SRCS) has made significant positive steps in the ease of access to health services for the Burao community.
According to the website of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), it is said that a partnership between the Somaliland Red Crescent Society and the Finnish Red Cross Society has improved access to health care and created better places with facilities to accommodate patients.
The IFRC statement added that the Burao Red Crescent branch has developed its health center to be more convenient to children, promoting access to good health.
Many projects implemented by the Red Crescent in Somaliland are part of disaster risk management and financial support provided to 6,700 families consisting of more than 40,000 people. A number of twenty-six ponds and four water wells have also been implemented.
Furthermore, three thousand farmers have had their fields ploughed enabled by the same gesture.
The commendable steps taken by the organization in 2023 include the delivery of health services to four hundred and sixty thousand people, fifty six thousand people who have been provided with various financial support and two thousand people with disabilities have likewise been supported with facilities alleviating the plights.
Moreover, the organization enabled the planting of more than three thousand three hundred trees in the area.
SRCS-Somaliland needs comprehensive support towards National Community Development efforts to enhance its resilience and preparedness for various emergencies and disasters.
As national elections are scheduled for November, SRCS-Somaliland is calling on its partners to prepare and activate the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF). Given the possibility of logistical challenges increasing during the election period, it is important to ensure that all necessary measures are in place to respond effectively to any potential or critical eventuality, while focusing on long-term development programs.