Ethiopian and Swiss Red Cross Societies strengthen their longstanding cooperation

On 9 November 2018, three representative from the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) and higher officials of the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) met in Addis Ababa to strengthen their long standing partnership. The partners discussed and identified issues that needs further attention regarding organizational development and improving resilience.

Whilst in Ethiopia the delegates, consisting of President of the SRC, Mrs. AnneMarie Huber-Hotz, Head of Regional Branch of SRC, Mr. Michael Anderegg, and Deputy Division Head for Africa/America International Cooperation of the SRC, Mr. Fabio Michele Molinari, visited the construction of the Moyale Branch income generating buildings and the various resilience projects in the area that are supported and implemented by the two Societies. In addition the delegates observed and appreciated Moyale’s volunteer education service on personal and environmental hygiene and how it is impacting the community health and wellbeing.

“It was amazing to see such motivated volunteers in Moyale who are deploying very good services and contributing a lot to their society. This is something we should take home and share their story” said Mrs. Huber-Hotz.

The two partner’s society has a long history of collaboration. Since 2011 the SRC has been working together with ERCS on various development projects. Building Community resilience in Moyale and Gambella, Supporting Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Projects in West Arsi Zone and assisting the emergency response in West Guji and Gedeo Zone are the major ones.