ERCS Marks 80th Anniversary With A Panel Discussion

ERCS marks 80th anniversary with a panel discussion A panel discussion that marks 80th anniversary of the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) and its achievements was held on July 8, 2015 at the UN-ECA conference hall in Addis Ababa. Speaking on the panel discussion, FDRE President and ERCS Patron Dr. Mulatu Teshome said the Society should cooperate with different partners to further consolidate humanitarian services. Dr. Mulatu also said the Society should integrate its efforts with NGOs and governmental organizations to register better results in development sectors. The Patron of the Society emphasized the role of the government, ERCS and movement and non-movement partners in providing successful humanitarian services and saving lives. Dr. Mulatu also urged the Society to focus on utilizing local resources as the support it has been receiving from international organizations has declined due to various reasons. The Government of Ethiopia will continue its support to the ERCS, he stressed. ERCS President Dr. Ahmed Reja said on his part the Society has been contributing a lot in health care, water and sanitation, first aid, assisting refugees and returnees, restoring family links, disaster prevention as well as HIV/AIDS prevention and care, among others. Secretary General of the Society W/ro Frehiwot Worku noted that since its establishment, ERCS has done everything within its power to provide humanitarian services to victims and people who are vulnerable to natural and manmade disasters. She has also hailed the role of Red Cross members, volunteers and their families for their contributions over the past eight decades. The Ethiopian Red Cross Society was established on July 8, 1935 as a response to looming humanitarian crisis posed by fascist Italian aggression.