The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Federation) has issued an emergency appeal seeking 16.75 million Swiss francs to support the Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS) in its efforts to deliver relief assistance to 60,000 families (nearly 350,000 people), affected by ongoing instability in much of Iraq.

“A positive response to this emergency appeal will enable us to continue providing badly needed humanitarian assistance during the winter period to the most vulnerable groups like single parent families, the handicapped, unaccompanied children and those affected by the conflict for whom Red Crescent volunteers may be the only source of help,” said Mazin Salloum, Secretary General of the Iraqi Red Crescent.The appeal also covers needs such as the rehabilitation of health care centres, the training of 5,000 first aid workers, participation in national polio and measles immunization campaigns, the rehabilitation of water treatment plants in rural areas, the provision of a mobile water treatment unit, and further helping the Iraqi Red Crescent to expand and strengthen its humanitarian network throughout the country.