In Brief
Appeal No.: 01.19/2003 (Click
here to access the 2003 Appeal)
Appeal target: CHF 442,484 (USD 303,063 or EUR 300,756)
Appeal coverage: 69.5% (Click here to access the Final Financial Report) Appeal 2004: Namibia no. 01.16/2004 (Click here to access the 2004 Appeal)
This Annual Report reflects activities implemented over a one-year period; they form part of, and are based on, longer-term, multi-year planning.
All International Federation assistance seeks to adhere to the Code of Conduct and is committed to the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response in delivering assistance to the most vulnerable. For support to or for further information concerning Federation programmes or operations in this or other countries, please access the Federation's website at http://www.ifrc.org
For further information specifically related to this Annual Appeal please contact:
- In Namibia: Razia Essack -Kauria, Secretary General, Namibia Red Cross, Windhoek; Email namcross@redcross.org.na; Phone 264.61.235.216; Fax 264.61.228.949
- In Zimbabwe: Will Corkill, Federation Regional Programme Coordinator (acting), Harare; Email ifrczw08@ifrc.org; Phone 263.4.70.51.66; Fax 263.4.70.87.84
- In Geneva: Terry Carney, Federation Regional Officer for Southern Africa, Africa Dept.; Email terry.carney@ifrc.org; Phone 41.22.730.42.98; Fax 41.22.733.03.95
During the past seven years, the Namibia Red Cross Society has been involved in various disaster interventions and gained valuable experience and capacity, particularly at branch level. During the Angolan refugee programme (2000 - 2001), the national society was the government-appointed distributor of all food and non food items, administrator for water and sanitation and preventive health to 25,000 refugees at Osire camp. This partnership came to an end in December 2001.The Federation participated as an advisory partner in all sectors. In April 2003 the Namibia Red Cross jointly with ICRC traced seven Angolan minors who had lived at Osire refugee camp for three years separated from their families. Reunion of the minors with their families after three years was well received by the refugee community and also gave hope to other unaccompanied children still living in the Osire camp. The national society has continued with its tracing service in collaboration with ICRC Windhoek office and other national societies in the region and beyond.
Through the Osire refugee programme, the Namibia Red Cross built their capacity in coordination, distribution, warehousing and reporting. Having acquired that capacity and recognizing the ir weakness in other areas, the national society extended its capacity building efforts in areas such as HIV/AIDS prevention and care over the past three years.
Above normal rainfall was received causing the Zambezi river to burst its banks that resulted in flooding some parts of Caprivi Strip. The Namibia Red Cross managed to respond swiftly with support from the Federation. A regional disaster response team (RDRT), together with Namibia Red Cross carried out the relief operation and established appropriate systems and procedures for the relief operation. The team; the RDRT and national society's staff and volunteers, also distributed non-food items to a total of 1,913 households reaching 8,672 beneficiaries. The operation was within the standard operating procedures of the Movement1.
The Namibia Red Cross, with support of the Federation's Southern Africa regional delegation and other partners, continued scaling up its activities on HIV/AIDS through home-based care (HBC), health development, reproductive health, edutainment and orphans and vulnerable children's (OVC) support. During the reporting period, one regional office of the national society was established in Otjozonjdupa region (Grootfontein district). The Namibia Red Cross aims to reduce vulnerability, improve care and support of the targeted communities in the areas of HIV/AIDS, water-sanitation, malaria, TB, reproductive health and community-based first aid (CBFA) through the provision of an integrated and sustainable community-based programme.
Health and Care
Health and care activities were carried out in six regions namely; Caprivi, Kavango, Ohangwena, Kunene, Khomas and Otjozondjupa. The regional office in Otjozondjupa region is mainly dealing with the HBC activities. There are plans to open another office in Luderitz district, in the Karas region, southern Namibia . Towards the end of 2003 funds were availed form the Federation to acquire kits for traditional births attendants and conducting a workshop for traditional leaders on reproductive health, HIV/AIDS and related health issues.
Goal: A sustainable improvement in the general health and reduction in HIV/AIDS transmission of the targeted vulnerable communities through the provision of community-based health and care interventions.
Objective: To support the Namibia Red Cross HIV/AIDS projects to reduce the transmission of HIV and to improve the quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS and their families.
Expected result
The capacity of the Namibia Red Cross to design and implement health projects that contribute to the reduction of morbidity and mortality form common health problems is strengthened.
Activities to be done to achieve the expected result
1. Five Namibia Red Cross staff trained and able to design and implement, monitor, and evaluate CBHC projects.
Achievements
The regional health programme provided technical support to Namibia Red Cross in the development of the national society's health strategic plans for the coming five years. This will provide the national society with direction and focus for their health intervention in line with ARCHI 2010.
2. Namibia Red Cross are member of the country interagency immunization committee
Achievements
The Namibia Red Cross is a member of the country coordination mechanism body for the Global fund; however it is not a member of the interagency immunization committee.
3. Proposal for malaria and TB developed by Namibia Red Cross and presented to Global Fund to fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM)
Achievements
An integrated proposal for malaria, HIV/AIDS and TB was developed and presented to the coordinating committee meeting, but was not accepted by the committee.
Impact
Impact caused by the implementation of activities to achieve expected results is not yet significant due to the fact that the national society is still at the growing stage. However the edutainment2 group has managed to sell our health intervention in the community and we are well known as reliable caregivers.
Constraints
Lack of funding hindered the smooth implementation of the programme.
Cooperation
The Namibia Red Cross has a good working relationship with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and social services of which the national society is recognized for its contributions in the provision of health related services to vulnerable communities.
HIV/AIDS
The Namibia Red Cross scaled up its HIV/AIDS activities to cover the six regions of Ohangwena, Caprivi, Khomas and Otjozonjdupa (Grootfontein district), Kunene and Kavango. Ohangwena HBC projecthas three projects, it was initially funded by the Germany Red Cross but now is supported by the Federation.
The national society addresses the HIV/AIDS pandemic through imple menting the following:
- Home-based care (six projects)
- Edutainment
- Reproductive health (adolescent reproductive health, mother and child health)
- Health and development communication (radio and television dramas, print material)
- Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) (drop-in-centre and family reintegration)
Objective: Vulnerability is reduced and care and support improved for targeted beneficiaries in seven regions in the areas of HIV/AIDS, water and sanitation, malaria, tuberculosis , reproductive health and community-based first aid (CBFA) through the provision of and integrated and sustainable community-based programme
Expected result
Awareness and education on HIV/AIDS/STD prevention, transmission and mitigation is created and promoted.
Activities to be done to reach the expected result
1. 200,000 youths and general population have received information on HIV/AIDS, STD and general health, including water and sanitation in 13 districts.
Achievements
Over 700,000 youths have been reached through the Namibia Reproductive Health Initiative (NARHI) and health communication project. Edutainment prevention programmes are promoting behaviour change through sensitization campaigns. The national society learnt that prevention efforts need to be implemented consistently to the target group over a long period of time to bring change in sexual behaviour.
A total of 569 households in Kunene and Kavango benefited from community health education covering a total of 12,089 adolescents. In addition, mother-child health sessions reached 4,345 people . The health and communication project has continued to reach the public through the distribution of 'Choose Life' magazine.
The volunteers under the NARHI project trained 139 people as community health promoters and 36 of them received health education awareness on water and sanitation related diseases. 76 radios and cassettes as education tools for illiterate volunteers have been distributed, and 67 mosquito nets and 17 jerry cans distributed as incentives.
The health communication and development project has adopted the name "Desert Soul" as its project name. The literature review for the adult HIV/AIDS booklet was completed. Negotiations with the National Broadcasting Cooperation (NBC), were held for the TV and radio production for drama shows. Consultative meetings were held with Coca Cola to discuss distributions of the new booklet through the company and the brand testing has been completed. Transcriptions of the focus groups have been completed in the TV and production tender has been awarded to NBC. Quarterly meetings were attended by the project manager at Johannesburg. Additional field workers were also trained to speed up the research process.
2. 500, 000 condoms distributed
Achievements
The national society distributed 90,486 condoms to people through out the country. This was necessitated by the activities of the edutainment team, the HBC projects and the condom outlets established throughout the six regions. The myths and misconceptions that were once strong are now weakening due to intense educational campaigns in schools and in the community and there is a marked increase on the use of condoms.
3. 4,000 persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) have re ceived home-based care, support and counseling.
A total of 4,000 clients were identified and supported in 2003, with 216 care facilitators and 1,400 care providers assisting them. The volunteers supported family members with psychological support, counselling and giving skills on how to care for the patients. The patients also received painkillers and other medical supplies from the HBC kits.
In Rundu and Kavango regions, 120 orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) were assisted with food, clothes and psychological support. Care facilitators in Khomas and Caprivi were trained in memory book project and started identifying mothers and OVC who could be involved in the project.
Impact
The HBC project has been well accepted by the community and is making headways with regards to reduction of stigma and discrimination. Family members of people living with HIV/AIDS continued to learn to take care of their sick relatives mainly because of the national society's approach and its sense of empowerment. Stigma and discrimination is still rampant among communities and this poses challenges to both volunteers and beneficiaries. The number of pregnant women visiting antenatal clin ics in Opuwo rural district in Kunene region has increased.
HBC referrals to and from the hospitals/clinics strengthened in Ohangwena and Caprivi regions. Even though 62% of the mother-child health volunteers in Opuwo rural district cannot read nor write they are managing to contribute greatly to effective implementation of the programme through the use of radios.
Constraints
Effective implementation of activities is greatly affected by inadequate financial resources and delayed funds transfer from the Federation has contributed to impediments of work plans. Training of volunteers in water and sanitation and NARHI , on reproductive health care, could not take place due to lack of technical and financial resources
The unavailability of public or private transport in Opuwo rural district has a negative impact on the health of beneficiaries as they find it very difficult to access the public health facilities. Continuous breakdown of vehicles due to poor road infrastructure in some regions contributed to delays in programme implementation.
Disaster Management (DM)
The Namibia Red Cross has recognized the need to strengthen its disaster management programme. The main focus will be on capacity building and addressing issues of drought and food insecurity which continue to increase the vulnerability of the communities.
Goal: Implementation of characteristics of a well-prepared national society has improved the Namibia Red Cross in the three key areas: Know-how, capacity and performance
Objective: Increased capacity of the Namibia Red Cross in disaster management through the design and implementation of well-coordinated responsive programmes
Expected result
Enhanced capacity of the Namibia Red Cross in disaster management through capacity building and community empowerment.
Activities to be done to achieve the expected result
1. Disaster management policy and plan reviewed and operational by the second quarter, 2003
Achievements
The Namibia Red Cross has a disaster management policy, adopted in October 2001. This provided the framework for disaster management operations. However, there is a need for reviewing the polic y so that the national society clearly defines areas of focus based on identified hazards and the national society's capacity.
2. Staff and volunteers trained in appropriate disaster management by end of 2003
Achievements
As part of capacity building during the flood operation, 48 Namibia Red Cross volunteers were trained in disaster relief management. Another seven volunteers received training in health promotion conducted by the Ministry of Health and Social Services in collaboration with the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation; they provided health education in the flood-affected communities.
The DM officer and two field officers from the Namibia Red Cross participated in the regional vulnerability and capacity assessment (VCA) training-of-trainers workshop held in Harare in January 2003. Another three members of staff, one of them being the DM officer recruited in July participated in the RDRT held in Malawi, a move that should see improved human resource capacity for disaster management within the national society. The officer also attended a Civilian Peacekeeping and Peace Building course in August 2003 held in Botswana, sponsored by the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes. The course aimed at equipping experienced civilians field disaster management knowledge and skills at the field. The national society participated in the regional planning and review meetings held in February and December 2003 respectively, so as to at harmonizing
DM operational procedures while the review meeting focused at reviewing achievements made in 2003 and the way forward for 2004.
3. Comprehensive disaster management plan operationalized by end of 2003
Achievements
This result was not realized due to lack of funds.
4. Community Based Early Warning System is in place and operational, benefiting the vulnerable communities by 2004.
Achievements
No formalized system has been developed, although Namibia Red Cross staff and volunteers are engaged in monitoring disaster situations common to Namibia. Through radio programmes, Namibians received messages on the dangers of flooding during the flood operation, as well as towards and during the rain season.
5. Improved disaster pre paredness and response capacity
Achievements
The speed and efficiency that the RDRT employed to respond to the flood in Katima Mulilo as well as throughout the operation set a record of competence as well as enhanced the national society's capacity to respond to future disasters. Customized disaster management training offered to staff and volunteers increased the national society preparedness capacity.
6. Appropriate basic emergency stocks pre-positioned in at risk areas
Achievements
The national society has the following emergency stock; 128 family tents, 35 kitchen sets and 52 Mosquito nets which should facilitate initial emergency response prior to regional and international support. However, the stocks are still little to meet the requirements of 500 households in the event of a disaster.
7. Sustainable food security initiatives incorporated into all national society programmes by end of 2004
Achievements
Nothing concrete was achieved in this area due to lack of funding, though some parts of the country suffer from chronic food insecurity.
Impact
The Namibia Red Cross disaster preparedness and response capacity was increased by pairing regionally deployed RDRT members with Namibian counterparts during the Katima Mulilo floods disaster assessment and relief operation. The national society was able to improve the lives of the flood victims by distributing non-food items during the flood operation in line with SPHERE minimum standards and according to operational systems and procedures for the Movement. The use of RDRT and VCA trained personnel has given the national society the capacity to monitor and assess its impact on both disaster preparedness and disaster response events.
Constraints
Lack of funding hampered successful implementation of all disaster management activities in Namibia. The situation is aggravated by the fact that Namibia, like other Southern African countries, suffers many economic challenges and the HIV/AIDS pandemic, which has increased vulnerability.
Coordination
Through out the reporting period, the Namibia Red Cross coordinated well with other governmental and nongovernmental organizations such as the Government Emergency Management Unit, UNICEF, WHO, UNDP, ECHO and the media. The national society also strengthened coordination not only with the ICRC and the Federation, but also with the corporate sector, who donated generously during the flooding emergency operation
in Katilma Mulilo. The good relationship with the government favored the national society to enjoy access to government vehicles and radio stations. These facilities are very helpful when disasters occur.
Organizational Development (OD)
Over the years, the Namibian Red Cross' major challenge has been the improvement of governance, finance management, branch development and volunteer development. The national society has been supported by the regional OD department on these issues since 2000. However during the year 2003 when the country focused appeals were adopted for national societies in Southern Africa, the Namibia Red Cross appeal was not funded save for the reallocation of CHF 64,098.65 from previous dormant funds on institutional development. The national society staff participated in regional financia l, resource and volunteer management workshops held in South Africa and Zambia in April and June respectively.
The national society went through a self assessment exercise during 2003 from which a report was developed. A plan of action based on findings and recommendations of the report and the self-assessment follow-up mission was drafted. The national society conducted a review on their organizational and management structure. The review, which was facilitated by an external consultant, was participatory in nature and focused on organizational structure of the national office; it helped in the development of new job descriptions and key performance objectives for management headquarters positions based on the revised organogram of the headquarters. The regional delegation and the Federation representative in South Africa supported the review and are involved in the implementations of the recommendations.
Goal: Implementation of characteristics of a well-functioning national society has improved the Namibia Red cross in the three key areas: foundation, capacity and performance.
Objective: Secretariat support has ensured national society development to respond to the humanitarian needs in the country and serve the vulnerable people in accordance with its mandate.
Expected result
The capacity of the Namibia Red Cross to design and implement their strategic directions is improved.
Activities to be done to reach the expected result
1. Namibia Red Cross has an effective volunteer management in place
Achievements
Currently, the Namibia Red Cross has 4,000 active volunteers in six active branches who are involved in various programme implementation, compared to 1,000 volunteers as reflected by the 2002 baseline survey. The national society has not yet fully developed its own volunteer policy (to guide on recruitment, provision of incentives and motivational strategies) and currently uses the Federation's guidelines. The retention of volunteers over a long period is difficult due to stiff competition amongst NGOs and shortage of professional volunteers to enhance the quality of service delivery. Staff incentives among various national society branches need to be standardized in the communities and there is need to have more volunteer involvement in decision making.
2. The Namibia Red Cross has functional branches in place that are actively participating in project implementation
Achievements
There were 4,000 volunteers actively participating in the HIV/AIDS, home-based care and prevention activities, as well as the health education promotion linked to the water and sanitation in Kunene region.
3. The Namibia Red Cross has increased its financial resource base in both value and diversity.
Achievements
The Namibia Red Cross head of finance attended the resource development workshop in April in South Africa, organized by the regional delegation.
4. The Namibia Red Cross has in place effective financial management systems.
Achievements
The head of finance also participated in the finance development meeting in Harare in October, organized by the regional OD department. In addition, the natio nal society has installed the NAVISION system as their finance development tool, which is operating very well. (NAVISION Attain is an accounting software specifically for financial development).
Impact
The technical support given to the national society by the Federation regional delegation through a number of consultations and evaluations done during 2003 enabled us to move towards a well-functioning national society. The establishment of new branches and recruitment of additional staff and volunteers have to a great extent allowed the expansion of programme activities at project level and assisted many more vulnerable people. The NAVISION financial system allowed the finance department to process documentation and reports more effectively to donors.
Constraints
The undertakings of most OD activities, such as training on the project planning process (PPP), volunteer management and branch development has not been implemented. This is because focus was put on self assessment and human resource review of the national society.
Coordination
Organization development activities are coordinated with the Federation regional delegation. The programmes' issues are incorporated into most programmes of the national society and coordination is exercised between different departments at headquarters as well as at regional levels.
Footnotes:
1 Movement - refers to the Red Cross partners, Federation, ICRC and partner national societies
2 Edutainment refers to education through drama/entertainment
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