Patrick Elliott

humanist

[Uganda Red Cross Society @UgandaRedCross]

In the bustling town of Bwera in Kasese District, along the busy Mpondwe border crossing to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, cross-border movement remains a lifeline for trade, livelihoods, and regional connection.
However, the ongoing risk of Ebola virus disease has made strengthened public health measures essential to protect both travelers and border communities.

In line with guidance from Uganda’s Ministry of Health, all travelers are now required to undergo routine temperature screening and mandatory handwashing at key transit points. These simple but highly effective infection prevention practices play a vital role in breaking potential chains of transmission, especially in high-traffic settings where exposure risk is elevated.

Reinforcing these national efforts, the Uganda Red Cross Society has taken a leading humanitarian role on the ground in Bwera. Our volunteers are strategically stationed at bus parks and entry points, where they provide both practical support and health education to travelers. Their work goes beyond enforcement of hygiene measures, they actively engage communities, demonstrating proper handwashing techniques and explaining why consistent hygiene is critical in preventing the spread of infection.

At every bus park entrance, these trained volunteers ensure that no traveler boards a vehicle without first cleaning their hands, offering guidance with dignity, care, and respect. Their presence has become a visible symbol of reassurance in a period of heightened public health concern.

Through these coordinated efforts, the government leadership, community compliance, and the unwavering support of the Red Cross movement Bwera’s response reflects a strong, united front to safeguard lives, maintain safe mobility, and protect families on both sides of the border during this challenging time.

#EbolaResponseUG2026
@BinanceAfrica @IFRC_DREF @IFRCAfrica @ifrc @MinofHealthUG

[Uganda Red Cross Society @UgandaRedCross]

Joint Red Cross Movement communiqué on Ebola response in Uganda. We stand in solidarity with affected communities and frontline responders, supporting coordinated action, prevention, and care efforts to help stop the outbreak.
We are the Red Cross. We save lives!
#EbolaResponseUG2026
@IFRCAfrica @IFRC_DREF @ifrc @ICRCUganda @ICRC_Africa

[Charmar News🇺🇬 @CharmarNews]

Japan strengthens #Uganda’s fight against #Ebola with emergency grant https://t.co/nHZIV3Fyyj @MinofHealthUG @UgandaRedCross @nakasiita

[Uganda Red Cross Society @UgandaRedCross]

Stay calm. Stay alert. Stay informed. Protect yourself from #Ebola.

Together, we can stop the spread. Uganda has successfully fought Ebola before, and we can do it again. Follow the SOPs and health guidelines from @MinofHealthUG and play your part in keeping our communities safe.

#TogetherAgainstEbola
#EbolaResponseUG2026
@IFRCAfrica @IFRC_DREF @ifrc @MinofHealthUG

[Uganda Red Cross Society @UgandaRedCross]

Meet Pantalo—a quiet hero whose courage inspires hope!

Every morning before sunrise, 65-year-old Pantalo Razaro Muhindo begins a 10-kilometer journey on foot to the Uganda–DR Congo border. For most people, the journey itself would be enough. But for Pantalo, it is only the beginning.

For the past 17 years, he has served as a dedicated Uganda Red Cross volunteer. Today, he stands on the front lines of Uganda's Ebola response, disinfecting trucks, screening travelers, and helping stop the spread of the disease, one person, one vehicle, one day at a time.

Pantalo's journey of service began after witnessing a friend's selfless commitment to helping others. Inspired, he chose a path that has seen him respond to disasters, support vulnerable communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now protect lives during the Ebola outbreak.

"This is my calling. It is the part of myself that I offer to my community and my nation," Pantalo says.

Not all heroes wear capes or seek recognition. Some quietly show up every single day, walking miles so others can live in safer, healthier communities.

Pantalo is one of more than 400 Uganda Red Cross volunteers serving in high-risk districts across the country, working tirelessly to contain the Ebola outbreak and protect lives.

Together, through courage, compassion, and community action, dedication and focus, we will overcome this outbreak and emerge stronger as a country.

#EbolaResponseUG2026
@IFRC_DREF @IFRCAfrica @ifrc @MinofHealthUG @BinanceAfrica

[Uganda Red Cross Society @UgandaRedCross]

Yesterday, we welcomed Ms. Louise Daintrey, Head of the IFRC Office in Uganda. We are excited that with the IFRC coming closer, support to our National Society will be strengthened and made more accessible, enabling us to better serve vulnerable communities.
@IFRCAfrica @ifrc @LDaintrey

[Uganda Red Cross Society @UgandaRedCross]

📚 Strengthening humanitarian action through research and innovation.

Amidst the ongoing #EbolaResponseUG2026 response, the Uganda Red Cross Society today signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with @Makerere University to advance research-driven humanitarian action.

✍️ The MoU was signed by URCS Secretary General Robert Kwesiga on behalf of Uganda Red Cross Society, and Prof. Henry Mwanaki Alinaitwe, Acting Vice Chancellor, representing Makerere University.

This landmark partnership will deepen collaboration in:
🔬 Research & Innovation
🌍 Disaster Risk Management
🏥 Public Health & Emergency Response
🎓 Student Engagement
🛡️ Community Resilience Initiatives

At a time when Uganda continues to confront complex public health emergencies, this collaboration reflects a shared vision to harness academic excellence, innovation, and humanitarian expertise to deliver sustainable solutions for vulnerable communities.

Together, Uganda Red Cross Society and Makerere University are laying the foundation for evidence-based humanitarian action while empowering the next generation of humanitarian leaders to respond to today’s challenges and tomorrow’s crises. ❤️
#UnitedInHumanity

[IFRC @ifrc]

The @IFRC is scaling up Ebola response across DR Congo, Uganda and neighbouring countries, launching a CHF 29M regional emergency appeal.

Red Cross volunteers are already going door-to-door in affected communities, helping families understand how Ebola spreads, countering misinformation, and encouraging early care-seeking when symptoms appear.

Urgent support and global solidarity is needed. 👉https://t.co/SJSCxuLfEE

[Uganda Red Cross Society @UgandaRedCross]

🚨 Ebola Preparedness in Action 🚨

Following recent "imported" Ebola Bundibugyo cases in Uganda, the Uganda Red Cross has carried out pre-deployment drills for Safe and Dignified Burial (SDB) teams in Kampala & Wakiso, to ensure rapid response when needed.

Safe burials are critical in preventing the spread of Ebola while protecting the dignity of affected families and communities.

Uganda has confirmed two imported Ebola cases linked to DRC nationals. One patient passed away and was repatriated, while the other is receiving treatment. 🏥

Through preparedness, community engagement, and lifesaving interventions, the Uganda Red Cross continues to support efforts to keep communities safe. 🤝

✅ Vigilance
✅ Preparedness
✅ Community Engagement

Together, we can prevent the spread of Ebola.

#EbolaResponseUG2026
@ifrc @IFRCAfrica @MinofHealthUG @GovUganda @UgandaMediaCent

[Kenya Red Cross @KenyaRedCross]

A landslide following heavy overnight rains has hit Moror Village and Chesongoch Centre, Elgeyo Marakwet County, leaving many people injured.

Our response team has been activated to respond, assess the situation and support those affected.

More updates to follow.

[IFRC Africa @IFRCAfrica]

Across borders. Across conflicts. Across decades.

The Fundamental Principles make it possible for the Red Cross and Red Crescent to reach people others cannot.

60 years. One set of Principles.

[Kenya Red Cross @KenyaRedCross]

In the past month, across 7 drought-affected counties, Kenya Red Cross has:

Reached 17,768 households with food assistance.

Supported 1,000 households with cash & vouchers.

Reached 7,462 households through nutrition outreaches.

Rehabilitated 46 water sources.

Provided school meals to 32,458 pupils in 103 schools

The work continues as we stand with communities facing drought.

[Kenya Red Cross @KenyaRedCross]

This is the state of the only water source in Keleswa village, Samburu North. The next one is 36 km away.

As part of our drought response, we supported 500 families and a nearby school with food relief and provided water treatment chemicals, turning unsafe water into safe drinking water.

The situation may worsen, with forecasts pointing to below-average rainfall in the October–December season.

[OCHA Somalia @OCHASom]

#Somalia

🏥 Health centres are shutting down.
🥘 Food aid slashed.
🚰 Water sources are running dry.

Humanitarian agencies are reprioritizing efforts to meet urgent needs amid severe funding cuts.

Communities are being hit hard.

https://t.co/Zdp4jhv1Zb

#Investinhumanity

[Ahmed Idris @IrshadIdris]

Thank you for granting @KenyaRedCross staff and volunteers access to those in need.

We remain to be #AlwaysThere

[Kenya Red Cross @KenyaRedCross]

Kenya Red Cross teams are on the ground in Nairobi CBD responding to the ongoing demonstrations.

Our emergency responders are providing first aid, conducting casualty evacuations and monitoring the situation to ensure those in need receive timely assistance.

Toll-free emergency line: 1199.

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

As I conclude my visit to #BishaCas, today, I was encouraged by the stories from SRCS volunteers on how they are learning new skills as they support their local communities. Thank you, #BishaCas Hargeisa Branch, for excellent coordination.

Being a volunteer is one of the best things to do—making friends while we help our communities.

I also visited the SRCS Physical Rehabilitation Center, where dedicated doctors and technicians provide free prosthetics and physiotherapy.

The IFRC stands firmly with SRCS and its volunteers. Together, we make a difference. ❤️ #Volunteers #Humanity

[SRCS Burao Branch @SRCSYouth]

SRCS Burao branch has provided emergency assistance to 100 families affected by the recurrent droughts in Odweyne(Ceel-same) region through the support of IFRC / DREF "Disaster Relief Emergency Fund." The supported items were non-food items.

[Kenya Red Cross @KenyaRedCross]

Real Skills. Real Scenarios. Real Heroes.

The Kenya Red Cross Coast Region today held the Regional First Aid Competitions in Malindi.

Teams from all six coastal counties battled it out in life-saving challenges—CPR, bleeding control, fire rescues and more.

It’s not just a competition, it’s training for the real world.

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

I’m currently in Berbera Branch, Somaliland, where communities supported by @IFRC & #BishaCas (SRCS) are facing growing humanitarian needs as aid is halted due to funding cuts.

Today, I witnessed infants in Laalays receiving essential vaccination doses through funds received from @IFRC_DREF. These programs run for just six months — but the need continues.

🌧️ As of May 2025, Burao has received only 48mm of rain. The Gu season has been drier than expected, threatening crops, livestock & livelihoods.

Despite these challenges, our volunteers — who live among those affected — continue to serve with dedication. #ClimateCrisis #HumanitarianAid

https://t.co/8M26LPJuTi