Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia National Red Cross Society has started a statewide “$1 Initiative.” The humanitarian organization is facing a significant financial problem that could jeopardize its emergency response activities throughout Liberia. The request is made in connection with the withdrawal of two major foreign funders, USAID and the Swedish Embassy in Liberia, which Red Cross officials say has left disaster response efforts severely underfunded.
The Swedish Embassy alone provided almost 40% of the organization’s annual program budget last year, according to Gregory T. Blamoh, secretary general of the Liberia National Red Cross Society, who described the loss as a major setback during the launch in Monrovia. “It is like having ten dollars and suddenly four dollars are taken away, while your responsibilities remain the same or even increase,” he explained.
According to Blamoh, the financing issue is occurring at a crucial moment as Liberia approaches the height of the rainy season, which increases the likelihood of flooding, storms, fires, and other humanitarian crises. The Red Cross Secretary General noted that at least six counties have reported fire occurrences between January and March of this year, and powerful storms have already damaged homes in Nimba County and Lofa County.
He added that many vulnerable families still heavily depend on humanitarian aid, particularly those who live in areas that are vulnerable to flooding and those who have lost their homes and means of subsistence due to fire outbreaks. “People come to us expecting help, and sometimes it is difficult to tell them we cannot respond because there is no money. That is one of the hardest parts of this work,” the Secretary General said.
He stressed that excessive heat, greater flooding, and stronger storms are becoming more common nationwide as a result of climate change. In an effort to lessen damage to the environment and increase climate resilience, Blamoh said that Red Cross is also collaborating with rural communities to promote tree planting and prevent slash-and-burn farming methods.
The head of the Red Cross emphasized that maintaining workers’ health is also essential to the country’s productivity, pointing out that a healthy workforce supports government revenue creation through taxes and helps businesses stay productive.
“A safe workplace is a productive workplace, referencing recent workplace health outreach campaigns conducted in businesses, international organizations, and government ministries, including the Ministry of Finance where over 1,200 workers were reached,” he said.
With the goal to fund humanitarian efforts across the country, the Red Cross Boss launched the $1 Initiative, urging companies, ministries, organiZations, and regular people to donate at least $1 each month. He thinks that modest contributions from a large number of people can build a robust national support network that can save lives in times of emergency.
Col. P. Edwin Tisdell, Deputy Director for Operations of the Liberia National Fire Service, also spoke and promised to work more closely with the Red Cross on community awareness, rescue efforts, and fire prevention. However, Deputy Director Tisdell praised Red Cross volunteers for their sacrifices, saying both institutions often respond together at scenes of tragedy where families lose homes, businesses, and loved ones.
Recalling his years of service with the organization throughout Liberia’s civil war, His Honour Roosevelt Z. Willie, a former Red Cross Secretary General and Criminal Court “A” Judge, also promised to support the campaign. He said the Red Cross volunteers continue to put their lives in danger to help people, characteriZing the organization as one of sacrifice, bravery, and discipline.
The $1 Initiative, according to the Red Cross, is more than just a fundraising effort as the rainy season gets more intense; it is a nationwide appeal for solidarity to make sure that no Liberian experiencing calamity is left without hope.
Reported by: Prince Saah
