His Excellency Thiru Surjit Singh Barnala

Governor of Tamil Nadu &

Parton-in-Chief of IRCS TNB

Dr.Vimala Ramalingam
President

Dr.P.Sivaraj Thiru S.Silambanan

Chairman & Vice Persident Vice-President

Ms.Uma Gopal Tmt.Shanta Diaz

Honorary Treasurer Secretary
Committees

General Committe Executive Committe

Sub Committe

Finance & Admn VT & RC Projects & Buildings Blood Bank

Sub-Committe Sub-Committe Sub-Committe Sub-Committe

Hospital Youth redcross Junior redcross Child Welfare

Sub-Committe Sub-Committe Sub-Committe Sub-Committe


Our world. Our Move

The year 2009 has great significance for the Red Cross and Red Crecent Move-
ment as it marks the 150th anniversary of the Solferino battle which founded the ideal
spirit of volunteerism, the 90th anniversary of the founding the International Federation
of Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and also the 60th anniversary of the Ge-
neva Conventions, which give protection to the most vulnerable people in times of war.
In the true spirit of celebrating the achievement, the International Federation of Red Cross and
Red Crescent Movement has launched an international campaign called “Our World, Your
Move” which identifies 14 most dreadful and pressing humanitarian challenges and encour-
ages every individual to make their possible contributions in order to build a better world.
The year 2009 is also significant to Indian Red Cross Society, Tamil Nadu branch
as it celebrates the 89th year of anniversary. In order to celebrate this important
landmark and being a responsible member of Red Cross family, Tamil Nadu branch
makes every effort to promote this imperative global campaign within its territory.
Indian Red Cross Society, Tamil Nadu branch has been actively dealing six of four-
teen said challenges which are relevant in our context, through its regular activities
like day care hospital, disaster relief activities and its externally funded projects by
other Partner National Societies. This booklet is an attempt to document all our ef-
forts addressed towards dealing the challenges and share with its member volunteers,
academic institutions, other I/NGOs, government departments and the general public.
By sharing this booklet, we hope that they will understand the pressing humanitarian
challenges and be persuaded to make their own move to address these challenges.
I am happy to share this booklet with the belief that everyone understands the fact
that Our World is in a Mess and everyone has the responsibility to make their move
to build a better world. More importantly it is the right time to make that move.

Dr. Vimala Ramalingam

President
Indian Red Cross Society, Tamil Nadu branch

III
 IV

Challenges Dealt by
Indian Red Cross Society
Tamil Nadu Branch
ICRC
Challenge NO
Challenges Page No

12 INCREASED DISASTERS 01
Saving Lives through Community Action.

06 FIRST AID 09
Using community-based first aid to save lives and
reduce divisions.

08 FOOD & WATER 11

Working with communities to improve
food security and access to water.

10 ACCESS TO HEALTH AND CARE 15

Red cross Red Crescent helps to mitigate world-
wide health crisis

14 TORN APART 17
Bringing families back together- challenge

13 VICTIMS OF DISCRIMINATION 20
Global Commitment To Change Behaviour
12.Increased Disasters-
Saving Lives through Community Action

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Our Move in facing the challenge

Disaster Management Program

The sharp increase in the number of natural disasters worldwide in recent

years has prompted the Indian Red Cross Society, Tamil Nadu Branch to de-
vote more attention to disaster preparedness activities. These aim to make
District and Sub Branches and communities more aware of the risks they face,
how to reduce their vulnerability, and how to cope when disaster strikes.

Focus of the DM Program

1. Capacity Building of Red Cross branches

2. Community Capacity Building
3. Emergency Response, Relief and Recovery

Capacity Building of Red Cross Branches

A. Capacity Building to Red Cross Volunteers

• A State Disaster Response Team (SDRT) was established to

ensure swift response during all kind of Disaster. The team in-
cludes 25 well trained members from 17 disaster Prone Districts.

• District Disaster Response Teams have been established in 12

Disaster Prone Districts

• 30 members from 15 districts were trained in First Aid, Search

and Rescue. As a follow-up of this training, initiation is being tak-
 en to establish First Aid, Search and Rescue team at District level.

• 2 District Branch Capacity Building workshops were conducted and

60 Office bearer form 22 districts participated in these workshops.

B. Physical Building

• DM Control Room in State Headquarters has been established

with necessary IT equipments and GIS has been installed with the
support of Canadian Red Cross.

• DM Training Centers, Multipurpose Buildings have been construct-

ed in 7 Disaster Prone Districts.

•Construction of Disaster Management Train-

ing Center in State Head Quarters is under process.

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Community Capacity Building

• Community Based First Aid, Search and Rescue Trainings are or-
ganized at vulnerable communities time and again.

• Community level Disaster management committees have been

established in 10 villages of Nilgiris and Chennai Districts.

• Vulnerability and Capacity assessment has been undertaken in

The Nilgiris District.

• Periodical training camps are organized to create awareness on

Disaster Management to JRC and YRC volunteer

• 200 life jackets were distributed to the fishermen communities in

Tiruvarur district.

• In 6 costal districts 29 Communities completed village mapping to

understand the potential hazards and available resources to miti-
gate the disaster damages.
Emergency Response, Relief and Recovery

• During NISHA Cyclone in November 2008 more than 5000 family packs
were distributed to the Flood affected victims in 10 districts of Tamil Nadu

• After Tsunami various livelihood support and short term recovery

programs have been initiated to improve the living condition of
tsunami victims.

• Psychological support programs was initiated to support the vic-

tims of Tsunami in Kanyakumari District.

• 40 houses have been build and handed over to the Tsunami victims
in Kanyakumari District.

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Savings lives by ealry warning and community action

Community Based Disaster Risk Reductiion project: IRCS belives that invest-
ments in disaster risk reduction (DRR) are much more cost effective than
expenditire on relief and rehabilitation. Moreover, DRR initiatives attempts
build safer communities through which have less exposure to disaster risks.
IRCS TNB has just initiated the community based disaster risk reduction
(CBDRR) project in 6 coastal districts-Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur,
Thanjavur, Pudukottai and Kanyakumari - where integrated programme
for community development (IPCD) is being implemented as post tsuna-
mi reconstriction programme with the support of Canadian Red Cross.

The focus of the project is of two-fold

1. Capacity of buildig Red Cross branches

2. Capacity building of communities

Capacity building of Red Cross branches

• 5-day Master Training of Trainers in CBDRR was organized by
Tamil nadu state branch. 25 existing project staff of IPCD were
 trained as Master Trainers in CBDRR.
• The master trainers will provide training to 362 health promoters
in CBDRR
• District secretatries and select executive members are to be ori-
ented on DRR
• District level disaster response teams are to be formed and
strengthened in 6 districts under this project
• A warehouse is planned to be con struted for effective response
during relief operations
• Geographical information system lab to be set up at Tamil Nadu
state branch, Chennai
• Strenthgthend the linkages between district, state and national
head quarters of IRCS, other NGOs and government departments

Capacity building of communities

• Formation of various community based disaster risk reduction enti-
ties at the community level

7
8

• 364 Community Micro Groups, covering 30 households in each

group are to be formed in 29 communities and they are to be ori-
ented on CBDRR. This is to ensure better participation of everyone
in the community
• Village disaster management teams (VDMT) with representation
of CMG, Panchayat, creche teachers, health promoters, opinion
leaders are to be formed in all 29 communities
• Leadership training and finance management training to VDMT
members
• Disaster Management Task Forces are to be formed in all 29 com-
munities and these teams are to be trained in specialise skills like
search and rescue, early warning, watsan, public health in emergen-
cies, shelter management, psychosocial care first aid etc
• Assisting 29 communities to conduct vulneability and capacity as-
sessment
• Facilitate the communities to prepare village level community con-
tingency plan (CCP) in 29 communities
• Introducing group micro insurance for Community micro group
members as a safety net
06 FIRST AID
Using community-based first aid to save
lives and reduce divisions
Easy availability of first aid providers with always ready to use
first aid kits and manual in the disaster prone villages is an im-
portant component of RC strategy of preparedness towards vari-
ous disasters/emergencies. So IRCS Tamil Nadu Branch promotes
Community Based First Aid by identifying and training the suitable vol-
unteers from vulnerable communities and equipping them with first aid kit
.
• 362 Health Promoters, selected from 29 vulnerable com-
munities affected by tsunami have been trained in C Based
First Aid and deputed as First Aid provider with adequate kits
to extend their live saving services to their own communities

• 100 volunteers from marginalized communities (eunuchs and com-

mercial sex workers) were trained in First Aid and given first aid kits

• 30 IRCS volunteers from 17 districts were trained in first aid and

they have initiated to establish first aid team within their own district

• The trained Health Promoters from 29 tsunami affected com-

munities disseminate knowledge on the importance of first aid
and transfer the skills to their own communities. They follow a
standard Red Cross manual in disseminating the knowledge.

9
10

• The trained Health Promoters provide first aid on day-to-day ba-

sis and they are considered most valuable asset within their commu-
nities IRCS ensures periodical replenishment of first kits as to ensure
uninterrupted service in the community.
08 FOOD & WATER
Working with communities to im-
prove food security and access to water

IRCS provides support to communities affected by
disasters to restore their traditional livelihood and to look for bet-
ter alternative livelihood options. The livelihood promotion of com-
munities ensures their food security and thus better living. IRCS

also improves the access to drinking water for these communities.

• Community Development Groups for Restoration of livelihoods

(CDG-RL) have been formed among women and men communities
to collectively use the opportunity to improve their livelihood. There
are 94 CDG-RL with 1880 people who are getting benefit by earn-
ing a better income under CRC supported IPCD Programme which is
implemented in 29 villages from 6 tsunami affected coastal districts

• 5 net mending sheds, 1 fish auction hall and 1 multi-purpose build-

ing were constructed and used by the communities to improve liveli-
hoods, both traditional and alternative, of 3050 families

• 2 CDG-RLs (40 members) in Nagapattinam district have been

11
12

supported with water tankers. These water tankers managed by the

women group fetch portable drinking water for the entire communi-
ty of 7134 persons from outside. This, apart from solving the drink-
ing water problem in the community, also generates income from
selling water for a nominal cost which goes to women CDG-RL

• In order to restore the livelihood of fishermen affected by

tsunami, IRCS provided boats, fishing nets, and ice boxes.

• 40 Boats to 24 men groups which have 480 fisher folk as mem-

bers; 80 ice boxes were given to these boat groups under IPCD
programme supported by CRC
 • 8200 Kg Fishing nets were distributed to 4600 fishermen
(including inland fishermen)

• 25 Women CDG-RL groups from 6 tsunami affected districts were

supported with seed capital amounting Rs 12,54,650 to realize their
alternative livelihood options as to improve their family income. Us-
ing the seed capital these women have started new small business

IRCS Tamil nadu state branch works with women for their socio-
economic empowerment. The women are organized into Red Cross groups
which bring a group of approximately 20 women together and work col-
lectively towards their socio-economic development. The women groups are
encouraged to actively involve in savings and credit activities which pro-
motes their economic independence. Also, coming and working together as a
group has brought them a sense of social recognition within their community.

13
14

• 94 Red Cross Community development groups

for restoration of livelihoods (CDG-RLs) are ac-
tive in 29 communities where IPCD project is implemented

• They have saved up to INR ............... and out of which

INRs ..............have been dispursed as internal loans

• Assets like net mending shed, fish auction hall, multi purpose
center, water tankers, cargo autos created under IPCD pro-
gramme, a tsunami rehabilitation initiative, have been handed
over to these women groups for operations and management

• Moreover these women groups were supported with grants for ini-
tiating new businesses and/or developing their existing businesses
10. ACCESS TO HEALTH AND CARE
IRCS strives to address the health needs of community living in
chronic poverty further intensified by the disasters, through direct commu-
nity based health promotion interventions and coordinating with govern-
ment health departments and communities to bridge the gap between them
.
362 Health Promoters in the community were trained in MCH.
These HPs make door-to-door visit to disseminate knowledge
to relevant people and provide special care to those in nee
d
• These HPs also work with government health department to
reach the government services to the most vulnerable people

• Periodical Health Camps are organized in coor-

dination with the Government health departments

• These HPs have also been trained in HIV/AIDS and soon they will

15
 16

start disseminating knowledge on HIV/AIDS among the communities.

Care and support to physically challenged

The ircstnb has running an Artificial Limb Centre for provid-

ing better alternative and higher dignity to the poorest persons born
with congenital or acquired ambulatory problems by equipping them
with the necessary tools from -------. This includes caliper making, ar-
tificial limbs, leather work and wood works. Since the methodology and
the procedures followed have been outdated, the Artificial Limb Cen-
tre has been renovated and refurbished with necessary warehouse fa-
cilities along with a modern Prosthetic and Orthopedic Laboratory
and a therapy department with the support of the Italian Red Cross.

As part of the rehabilitation project of prosthetic and orthopedic

laboratory, Indian Red Cross Society – Tamilnadu Branch has received 1260
prosthetic and orthopedic aids consisting of tricycles, wheel chairs, calipers,
crutches etc., costing a nominal value of Rs. 65,000/- from Italian Red Cross.
14 CHALLENGE-TORN APART

• Family members are often separated from each other dur-

ing armed conflicts and other situations of violence, disasters and
events that disrupt their lives, such as regular or irregular migra-
tion.

• The Movement can alleviate the anguish of those who are without
news of their relatives if all of its components are ready and able
to respond to their needs, reunite with their families and clarify the
fate of missing relatives.

17
 18

Our Move
• Capacity Building Programme from Gross root Level

• Regular visits to Refugee Camps, Juvenile Homes, Home for Men-

tally Ill, Children Care Homes , and Prisons for foreigners

On 26.04.2009, they reached Trichy and they were taken to shanthivanam

home, Mrs. Jayanthi Moithru waited for her son’s arrival. When the son saw his
mother in front of the Shanthivanam Home, he fell down unconsciously. It has
become very emotional, he run to hug her mother with full of tears. He never
believed that his mother is still alive until he saw her at Shanthivanam home.

A formal meeting was arranged in Trichy by the District branch of Tamil

Nadu Red Cross and Mrs. JayanthriMoithru was handed over in the plea-
sure of District Collector Mr. Soundaiah I.A.S., Chairman of the branch,
Dist Secretary of IRCS, District Branch and many other dignitaries.
• Family reunited at Mandapam refugee camp
• Family reunited at Gummudi poondi refugee camp
• Tracing cell established during tsunami at Nagapattinam district
and 10 persons were traced out.
• Family reunification of unaccompanied minor at Tirunelvli district
• Missing person traced out at London
• Missing person traced out in Switzerland
• Bangladesh girl successfully traced out in Chennai
• Missing person traced out in Sri Lanka

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13 VICTIMS OF DISCRIMINATION
Global commitment to change behavior
VICTIMS OF DISCRIMINATION
Global Commitment to Change Behavior

AIDS-related stigma can lead to discrimination towards people

living with HIV/AIDS. AIDS-related discrimination means that people are
treated negatively and denied opportunities on the basis of their HIV sta-
tus. This discrimination can occur at all levels of a person’s daily life, for ex-
ample, when they wish to travel, use health care facilities or get a new job.

PLHA-Care and support – Hospital project

People with HIV/AIDS can live healthy lives for longer if proper care and
support is provided. Their immune system can be strengthened by medi-
cal treatment, food, rest and exercise. They can cope much better if they
are happy and feel productive. Emotional support and a positive attitude
will help them to avoid depression. A lot can also be done to avoid the
devastating effects that illness and death have on families and children
The program provides comprehensive care to adults, adolescents
and children living with HIV/AIDS and their families and signifi-
cant others. The scope of services includes counseling, testing, out-
patient and inpatient clinical care, nutrition and community support

According to appropriate, physical and psycho-social care, pallia-

tive care is given to PLHA leads to the humanity and support in their
family members and community, and die with dignity and warmth.

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3 ‘S’ Link Programme

Government hospital of the thoracic medicine, with sanctioned 776 bed

strength and 120 bedded rehabilitation centre to the needs of over 1000
inpatients. It is the largest AIDS care center in India with around 500 patients
visiting the separate HIV out patient department daily and over 400 patients
taking inpatient treatment in 16 HIV wards including one palliative care ward.

Components of 3 ‘S’ Link Programme

SERVICE –
• Hygiene pack for HIV in-patient;
• Nutrition for HIV in-patients;
• Amenities for attending families.

SUPPORT -
• Nutritional counseling for in-patient or their families;
• Counseling support to affected families; follow-up support in their
home districts
STIGMA –
• Awareness generation;
• Sensitization in society;
• Mass campaign with active interaction with HIV infected individual
als
IMPACT
• Increase in Nutrition awareness
• Greater awareness on facts about HIV/AIDS and safe sex
• Psychological support – suicidal tendency averted
• Awareness about Care during Pregnancy
• Increased awareness on Facts about Breast feeding
• ART treatment and follow up

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YOUTH PEER EDUCATION PROGRAMME

Three decades into the HIV epidemic, young people and chil-
dren remain at the heart of the disease’s effects.
People under the age of 25 continue to be disproportionately affected
by the epidemic, accounting for more than half of all new HIV infec-
tions each year. This fact sheet provides the latest data about the current
impact of HIV/AIDS on young people with a focus on those ages 15-24,
including the impact by region, on young women and girls, factors that
make adolescents particularly vulnerable and key components of preven-
tion, care, and treatment interventions.

Objective
Reduction in incidence of new infections among young people through
youth peer education and life skill development

Implementation

• Three districts in Tamil Nadu

(Supported by International
Federation of Red Cross)

• Two districts in Tamil Nadu

(Supported by Italian Red
Cross)
Activities

Capacity Building to the project staff

• Sensitization programs for selected institutional heads
• Selection & Training to peer educators
• TOT workshop for JRC /YRC Counselors
• Preparing peer groups for Out-reach activities
• Community awareness program

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MATERIALS AND METHODS

COMMUNITY CARE CENTRE

AIDS stigma has been widely spreading in the community. Hence,

there is a need for more community care centers for children to pro-
vide love, compassion, counselling, Education, Medical care, Nu-
trition, possible recreation, peaceful atmosphere and special
care to the infected and affected children of positive parents.

Goal

To address the major prevention and control measures components of

HIV/AIDS such as care, support, prevention and stigma in an integrated
manner.

The community Care Centre established in 2004 for the children less than 6
years of age of the HIV/AIDS affected parents are giving care, supplemental
nutritious food, providing pre- school, non-formal play way education, person-
al hygiene. The center is focusing its efforts on raising awareness of HIV/AIDS.

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ICTC/ IEC MOBILE VAN (TANSACS)

• Our Goals is to fulfill our mission of contributing towards mini-

mizing human suffering, especially where health is concerned.
To achieve this, we endeavor to pay more attention to health fa-
cilities for vulnerable population. We concentrate mainly on HIV/
AIDS & STIs awareness programmes so that this epidemic can
be controlled and the incidence of HIV infections is minimized.
•
• The Tamil Nadu state AIDS control society, has allotted 10 mobile
ICTC & IEC vehicles to IRCS District Branches for implementing Infor-
mation, Education and communication campaigns.
Sincere Thanks to Partner National Societies

International Committee of the Red Cross

Swedish Red Cross International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent

Spanish Red Cross Italian Red Cross

Canadian Red Cross American Red Cross

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Seven Principles Of Red Cross

• Humanity
• Impartiality
• Neutrality
• Independence
• Voluntary service
• Unity
• Universality

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