Red Cross Anambra Appeals for Support Amid Rising Needs

The Nigerian Red Cross Society's Anambra State branch, led by Prof. Chariti Emeli, is seeking increased support as humanitarian needs escalate.

During an event marking the 2026 World Red Cross Day at the society's headquarters in Awka, Emeli emphasized the organization's critical role in emergency response during disasters and public health crises. She noted that the branch has strengthened its emergency response capacity by training volunteers and equipping a rapid response team.

In the recent Anambra State governorship election, the society deployed 215 members of its emergency first aid team, alongside 465 trained first aiders, to manage 35 casualties. Emeli disclosed that the organization is expanding its humanitarian assistance through partnerships with regional international agencies, including ECOWAS, which is providing food items and cash assistance to 1,000 households in Ogbaru.

However, she warned that humanitarian challenges are increasing at an alarming rate due to dwindling funds, urging stakeholders, including government officials and private individuals, to support the society's work, particularly for vulnerable populations such as motherless children in Onitsha and Nnewi.