International Services
As part of the world’s largest humanitarian network, the American Red Cross alleviates the suffering of victims of war, disaster and other international crises, and works with other Red Cross and Red Crescent societies to improve chronic, life-threatening conditions in developing nations.
The American Red Cross accomplishes this goal by working within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement-the world’s largest humanitarian network with more than 180 Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies and more than 100 million volunteers. In all our work, we abide by the seven fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.
International Services initiatives focus on:
Primary health care
Our primary health initiatives focus on reducing child mortality, improving maternal health and combating infectious diseases.
Emergency response and preparedness
Our emergency response activities focus on relief supply distribution, water and sanitation services, and family linking. We also implement disaster preparedness programs to create more resilient communities with a decreased dependence on external relief assistance.
Restoring family links
In collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross, the American Red Cross works to locate loved ones who are missing due to war, natural disasters or civil unrest, and sends Red Cross messages between separated family members.
Dissemination of international humanitarian law
The American Red Cross educates the American public about the guiding principles of international humanitarian law, as set forth by the Geneva Conventions of 1949.
“Each year, measles kills nearly one million children worldwide. The Red Cross partners with other government and non-government agencies to help eradicate measles using vaccinations, disease surveillance and distribution of vitamin A.”