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China: Revised Plan 2011

Countries
China
Sources
IFRC
Publication date
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Executive summary

The People's Republic of China, with a population of 1.3 billion people, is the most populous country in the world, and has both one of the most dynamic and fastest growing economies, while at the same time very marked disparities in income distribution, health status and other vulnerability indicators. Extreme poverty remains an ever-present reality in some parts of the country, regardless of China's rapid economic progress.

In recent years, China has experienced a wide range of severe disasters, including the 8-magnitude earthquake which devastated parts of Sichuan and neighbouring provinces in 2008, the 7.1-magnitude earthquake in Yushu, Qinghai province in 2010, along with annual flooding, mudslides, drought and snow fall that have set records in many parts of thecountry. In 2009, natural disasters affected 480 million people in China1, while in 2010, up until August, the cost of economic disasters was already up to CNY 350 billion (CHF 51.24 billion).2 Statistics show that from 1990 to 2008, approximately 300 million people were affected on average each year, with the loss of an average of 3 million homes each year. Those most seriously affected are those already in or very near poverty levels.

At the same time, many of China's people find themselves unable to afford medical care even as the country faces a growing threat from the spread of infectious diseases, such as HIV. The concern of the government tocontrol various infectious diseases, such as the spread of A (H1N1) influenza virus and hand, foot and mouthdisease has put epidemic/pandemic control at the forefront of health issues in China as well.

The Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) plays an important role as an auxiliary to the government at all levels in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. With 33 provincial/regional levels and over 3,000 countylevel branches throughout the nation, RCSC has a mandate to respond to disasters with relief items and recovery plans, and continues to serve its communities with health education and first aid training nationwide.