By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
As the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement approaches its 160th anniversary, officials have urged Cameroonians to cultivate the spirit of volunteerism and help those in need of humanitarian services.
The call was made by officials on May 5 in Yaoundé shortly after the sports walk dedicated to launching the 77th edition. This year’s edition is celebrated under the theme “Keeping Humanity Alive.”
This theme according to officials embodies the Red Cross’s dedication to humanitarian service, impacting countless lives, restoring hope, and empowering resilience amidst global crises.
Louise Luma Musonge, representing the National President of the Cameroon Red Cross, explained that the sports walk aimed to connect with the community and promote volunteerism and the Red Cross’s activities.
“It was also an opportunity to promote the activities of volunteers as well as the activities of the Red Cross,” Luma Musonge said.
She added that humanity faces numerous challenges, ranging from conflict and disaster around the world, and there is a need for individuals like volunteers to take action and help alleviate suffering.
Adesh Tripathie, from the Central Africa Cluster of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, emphasized the abundance of humanitarian challenges and the global stress humanity is experiencing.
“Now, we need to revive the spirit of humanity within all of us, including Cameroonians, especially as people are in need of humanitarian solutions,” he said, adding, “People need more support in voluntary work, driven by genuine compassion.”
Tripathie reiterated the Red Cross’s commitment to its core principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence, and called for continued solidarity with those affected by conflict, disaster, and crises, ensuring that the light of humanity continues to shine even in the darkest times.
Celebrations marking the 2024 edition will culminate on May 8 with the official Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. The sport walk toured some major streets of Yaounde including the Mokolo Market Activities include environmental cleaning, sports competitions (particularly races for volunteers), and are taking place across Cameroon.
Globally, some 191 Red Cross Societies and 69 million volunteers, including 75,000 volunteers in Cameroon, are being honored.
May 8th is World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, a global day to celebrate the unique unity of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The day commemorates the birth of the movement in the world.
It is a time to celebrate the spirit of humanitarianism and recognize the individuals who make a difference in their communities.
The idea for World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day arose after the First World War, when the 14th International Conference of the Red Cross discussed an “annual action that could take hold in the whole world… that would be a major contribution to peace.”
May 8th was ultimately chosen because it is the anniversary of the birth of the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Henry Dunant.
The first “International Red Cross Day,” as it was originally known, was celebrated on May 8, 1948. The official title of the day changed over time and became known as “World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day” in 1984.
Today, the day serves as an annual opportunity to celebrate our network of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers, reaffirm our unwavering commitment to a common humanity, and reflect on our Fundamental Principles.
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