Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - May 15, 2006
The conference agenda recognizes the necessity for strengthened regional coordination and discussions will take place around three main sub-themes: disaster management, volunteers and community health. Several working groups will also address issues such as partnerships, HIV/AIDS, volunteers, blood programmes and the auxiliary role of National Societies.
"World events, and more concretely, regional events are pushing us to reinforce, through our voluntary action, our commitment to assist the most vulnerable. Events are also pushing us to contribute to the consolidation of peaceful co-existence, which offers potential prosperity to all," said Federation President Juan Manuel Suarez del Toro.
The Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region is prone to earthquakes, floods, drought and other disasters, and has had to face the consequences of drawn-out conflict. Participants at the conference will debate various concerns, including the fact that disaster management is essential, to give communities the tools to face crises better and to reduce, as much as possible, the impact of disasters on populations. In addition, more than three quarters of volunteers in the region are young, and measures to ensure better recruitment, motivation, training and protection in their work must be developed. Finally, health is a fundamental human right and improved community-based health services must be developed in parallel with the fight against illiteracy.
The meeting is hosted by the Moroccan Red Crescent, who for nearly fifty years has been active in many fields, including social welfare, first aid, disaster management, community-based primary health care and HIV/AIDS prevention.
On 18 May, the conference will end with the Marrakech Plan of Action which will outline a regional strategy for the future.
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For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:
In Marrakech
Marie-Francoise Borel, Media officer, Tel. mobile + 41 79 217 33 45
Samira Kherfi, Media officer Tel. +212 61 92 65 23
Duty phone Tel. + 41 79 416 38 81
060515
IF060503
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