Gabi Arenas

“Our volunteers have been on the ground knocking door-to-door since the day we found out about the epidemic.” IFRC’s Regional Operations Coordinator, Gabriela Arenas (@GabsAre), spoke to @FRANCE24 about the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the @IFRC is supporting the @croix_rouge_rdc and health authorities by scaling up community engagement, mobilizing safe and dignified burial teams, dispatching critical supplies, and strengthening cross-border preparedness efforts across the region.

“Community reactions remain mixed, for ​some people the outbreak is very real and they are taking information on how to protect themselves, for others, there’s ​still suspicion and misinformation claiming that Ebola is fabricated.” IFRC’s Regional Operations Coordinator, Gabriela Arenas (@GabsAre ), via @Reuters on the ongoing #Ebola outbreak. @croix_rouge_rdc volunteers with support from @ifrc are going door‑to‑door to counter rumors, build trust, and help communities stay safe. Read her interview 👇🏾 reuters.com/business/healt…

In eastern DRC, Ebola is spreading in communities already facing insecurity and fragile healthcare systems. Red Cross volunteers are going door to door, sharing lifesaving information, countering misinformation, and building the trust needed to contain the outbreak. In just one day, volunteers reached 600 families. The @IFRC is supporting the @croix_rouge_rdc and health authorities by scaling up community engagement, mobilizing safe and dignified burial teams, dispatching critical supplies, and strengthening cross-border preparedness efforts across the region. Because during Ebola outbreaks, trust can mean the difference between containment and wider transmission. The window for action is narrow, but with communities at the center of the response, this outbreak can still be contained. 🎙️ @GabsAre

“Containment is the priority. The closer we are to communities, the faster the epidemic can be stopped.” IFRC’s Head of Delegation in the #DRC, @A_Kestens , speaks to @AJEnglish on the evolving public health situation in Ituri Province. @ifrc is working alongside @croix_rouge_rdc and health authorities to support preparedness, surveillance, community engagement and safe and dignified burials. In rapidly evolving health emergencies, proximity and community trust remain essential.

On this International Women's Day, we pay tribute to the incredible women from our @IFRC network who are at the heart of our humanitarian efforts. From volunteers to staff, their dedication and resilience inspire us every day. Today, we also call on everyone to take action: dismantle gender barriers and amplify the voices of all women and girls, including young people. Together, we can create a more inclusive and empowered future! #ForAllWomenAndGirls #IWD2026

We are heartbroken by the killing of five @SRCS_SD volunteers in Sudan. We condemn this horrific act of violence and stand in solidarity with the families, friends and colleagues of the Sudanese Red Crescent Society. Humanitarians are #NotATarget. We must #protecthumanity.

The @IFRC is horrified, shocked, and deeply saddened by the killing of five volunteers of the Sudanese Red Crescent @SRCS_SD who were on duty in the city of Bara, North Kordofan, on 27 October. Another three volunteers are still missing. We send our deepest condolences to the families of those killed and to their friends and colleagues. Our statement 👉bit.ly/47MCijS

Today marks two years since conflict erupted in #Sudan—over 700 days of a deepening humanitarian crisis. Nearly 13M people displaced since April 2023. @IFRC, @SRCS_SD & 12,000+ volunteers continue supporting affected people. 📩 Media inquiries: media@ifrc.org #SudanCrisis.

Our dead colleagues were still wearing their Red Crescent vests. In life, those uniforms signalled their status as humanitarian workers; they should have protected them. Instead, in death, those red vests became their shrouds. – @Jagan_chapagain op-ed. bit.ly/3YiQZpA

The @IFRC condemns the killing of eight @PalestineRCS medics in Gaza. We are heartbroken. These dedicated humanitarians, killed while responding to the wounded, should have been protected. We mourn their loss and stand with the Palestine Red Crescent. Full statement: bit.ly/427LXxp

Cyclone Dikeledi made landfall in Madagascar becoming the fourth tropical storm in the Indian Ocean of the season. The cyclone comes as communities in Madagascar and the wider region are still recovering from major tropical storm Cyclone Chido, which hit the island only a month ago. Hear more from Gabriela Arenas, @IFRC regional operations coordinator in Africa. Stay informed on global crises. Join our X Spaces every Wednesday at 9:30 AM CET for the latest updates.

Gaza ceasefire must be accompanied by access and acceleration of aid delivery, as life-saving window opens.

Hundreds of families in Mabote, Inhambane, have received vouchers from @Red_Cross_Moz, supported by the @IFRC Drought Emergency Appeal. Beneficiaries then exchange vouchers for food, easing the burden of the El Niño-induced drought in #Mozambique. #DroughtRelief.

What is your call to the international community regarding the situation in Gaza? Listen to Dr. Younes al-Khatib, President @PalestineRCS, who participated in our Red Vest Live from the International Conference. #RCRC24

The world remains on edge. Today marks one year since the horrific attacks that led to a major escalation of armed hostilities in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. The urgent need for peace and stability has never been clearer. However, political and diplomatic efforts have yet to achieve this. Humanitarian assistance cannot replace political will. Today, IFRC President @KateForbes_IFRC and IFRC Secretary General @jagan_chapagain reiterate our calls on all parties to: - Protect civilians, humanitarians, healthcare workers, and facilities. - Ensure safe and unhindered access for aid and essential services. - Immediately and unconditionally release all hostages Humanity must prevail. Our statement: bit.ly/3XYCq9Q

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I am deeply saddened by the deaths of two of our Sudanese Red Crescent Society volunteers, Babiker Fadl Al-Mawli on 5 July 2024, and Aldow Jaber Ali on 12 July 2024. Both volunteers were tragically killed in the line of duty in Sinner. On behalf of @IFRC, I extend my heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, loved ones, and colleagues at Sudanese Red Crescent during this extremely difficult time. Since the conflict in Sudan began in mid-April last year, the Sudanese Red Crescent has lost six staff and volunteers. This is unacceptable. It is a legal and moral imperative to ensure protection of all humanitarian workers under all circumstances.

Botswana is facing El Niño conditions, causing severe rain deficits and challenging harvests. Dry spells are expected to persist, impacting small-scale farmers. @BotswanaRed teams and volunteers are assessing and discussing with communities to understand the impact and needs.

Amid severe drought in Manica province in Mozambique, Chadreque Tangacuona and his family of 16 struggle daily for survival, relying on wild roots and seeds. @IFRC launched an Emergency Appeal to help support the @Red_Cross_Moz in giving much-needed assistance to the affected.

Sudan continues to grapple with a dire humanitarian crisis with severe shortages of essential resources including food, water, and medicines. Our teams at the Sudanese Red Crescent are working tirelessly, providing critical assistance. However, more help is urgently needed. Hear more from our IFRC Regional Operations Coordinator for the Sudan Crisis, Gabriela Arenas, from Port Sudan. Stay informed on global crises. Join our X Spaces every Wednesday at 9:30 AM CET for the latest updates.