ReliefWeb

In brief
Programme outcome
This annual report updates the achievements made to implement the 2011 Country Support Plan for the Guatemalan Red Cross (GRC). The Guatemalan Red Cross’ work during the past year was guided by the Guayaquil Inter-American Plan and the Strategy 2020, which puts forward three strategic aims:

1. Save lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen recovery from disaster and crises.
2. Enable healthy and safe living.
3. Promote social inclusion and a culture of non-violence and peace.

Programmes summary
In 2011, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ secretariat contributed to strengthening the areas of disaster risk management, health and care and organizational development of the Guatemalan Red Cross. During the year, the GRC focused on institutional strengthening in the area of disaster risk management with the training of National Intervention Teams, the updating its response plan, and the development of a national policy for risk management. The National Society also participated in regional internships and workshops organized as part of the regional DIPECHO VII project focused on urban risk. At the community level, as part of the national DIPECHO VII project and in alliance with the Netherlands and Spanish Red Cross Societies, the Guatemalan Red Cross continued the implementation of community-based activities for disaster preparedness.

During the reporting period, the Guatemalan Red Cross health department, with the support of the secretariat, continued scaling up their response to HIV through the Federation’s Global Alliance on HIV framework. The HIV initiatives were focused on providing care and support to people living with HIV (PLHIV), HIV prevention with at-risk groups, building a culture based on respect and non-discrimination. Through the Club 25 programme, the National Society has continued working towards their four-year action plan (developed in 2010) for voluntary non-remunerated blood donation (VNRBD) and health promotion among young people. Funding for these activities comes from a pool of global funding from the Swiss Humanitarian Foundation.