What we do

Primary health care

Sudan, Gereida, Community Therapeutic Center. A local ICRC nurse prepares some milk for a malnourished chil in the arms of his mother.

Access to primary health-care services, in emergencies as in stable conditions, is a priority if related health problems are to be contained. The ICRC frequently takes action in this area. Its response reflects the level of emergency, the potential for escalation, and the involvement of other agencies. Read full overview

Highlights

Facts and Figures

In 2011 the ICRC:

supported 377 health centres covering over 6.9 million people (already mentioned above)
immunized more than 1.5 million children aged 0 to 5, including over 629'000 polio vaccinations

In images More images

Publications More publications

Medical waste management

The world is generating more waste and hospitals and health centres are no exception.
Mobile health units: Methodological approach

The ICRC has been deploying mobile health units (MHUs) in certain operational contexts. MHUs form part of a strategy involving the provision of occasional ambulatory health services. This strategy is often used in order to reach isolated population groups.

International Review of the Red Cross More articles

- Preventing and limiting suffering should conflict break out: the role of the medical profession

Red Cross Red Crescent Magazine

Fundamental Principles in action: neutrality
In Afghanistan, the arrival of humanitarian organizations in remote areas is sometimes perceived as an intrusion and met with suspicion. In this context, the Afghan Red Crescent Society stresses the principle of neutrality as a vital tool in bringing humanitarian relief.