IFRC Weekly News

Epizodes

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  Sudan: Inside the world's largest humanitarian crisis 04.08.2026 20min

  In this episode of IFRC News, we speak with Derk Segaar, IFRC Special Envoy for Sudan, following his recent mission across the country. He shares what he witnessed after more than three years of conflict, from remote displacement camps and devastated communities to the resilience of people beginning to rebuild their lives. Derek explains how the Sudanese Red Crescent, supported by the IFRC, is providing lifesaving assistance through its nationwide network of volunteers, delivering healthcare, shelter, water, cash assistance and emergency preparedness despite severe funding shortfalls.
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  Europe wildfires: How Red Cross teams are supporting communities as fires spread across Spain and France 29.07.2026 7min

  In this episode of IFRC News, we speak with Maria Alcázar Castilla, IFRC Deputy Regional Director for Europe, about the devastating wildfires affecting Spain and France. She explains how months of extreme heat, drought, and strong winds have created the conditions for one of Europe's most severe wildfire seasons, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and threatening livelihoods. We also discuss how the Spanish Red Cross and French Red Cross are providing emergency shelter, relief supplies, health care, psychosocial support, and evacuation assistance, why vulnerable communities are bearing the greatest impact, and why greater investment in preparedness and climate adaptation is essential as wildfires become more frequent and intense across Europe.
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  DRC Ebola outbreak: Why community trust is key to stopping the spread 24.07.2026 9min

  In this episode of IFRC News, we speak with Dr. Aimé Mbonda from the IFRC about the latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the challenges posed by the spread of the virus beyond its initial epicentre. He explains why community trust is as critical as medical care, the vital role of Red Cross volunteers in surveillance, community engagement, psychosocial support and safe and dignified burials, and how listening to communities helps counter misinformation, strengthen preparedness, and stop transmission before the outbreak spreads further.
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  Venezuela earthquakes: Meeting urgent health needs and supporting long-term recovery 09.07.2026 6min

  In this episode of IFRC News, we speak with Paulo Crevero from Venezuela about the evolving humanitarian response following the devastating earthquakes. He shares the latest updates from affected communities, the IFRC and Venezuelan Red Cross response—including emergency healthcare, mental health support, water and sanitation, and relief distributions—and the key challenges ahead as families begin the long road to recovery.
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  Venezuela earthquakes: Responding to catastrophe and supporting recovery 02.07.2026 13min

  In this episode of IFRC News, we speak with Santiago Lungo, IFRC Operations Coordinator for the Venezuela earthquakes response, about the devastating earthquakes that struck northern central Venezuela and the humanitarian needs unfolding in their aftermath.
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  Cameroon’s food insecurity crisis: Understanding the challenges and the response 24.06.2026 13min

  In this episode of IFRC News, we speak with Katharina Bourgin, IFRC Communications Coordinator for the Cameroon crisis, about the growing food insecurity crisis affecting millions across the country. She explains how conflict, displacement, climate shocks, rising food prices, and funding shortages are driving humanitarian needs, and shares insights from communities on the front lines of the crisis.
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  The evolving humanitarian situation in Lebanon and Iran 18.06.2026 16min

  In this episode of IFRC News, we speak with IFRC Head of Delegation for Lebanon Ruben Romero and Deputy Head of Delegation in Tehran Rui Oliveira about the evolving humanitarian situation in Lebanon and Iran. They discuss the ongoing impact of conflict and displacement, the challenges communities face beyond the immediate crisis, the vital role of the Lebanese Red Cross and Iranian Red Crescent Society in supporting recovery, and why sustained humanitarian support is essential to help people rebuild their lives and strengthen their resilience for the future.
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  Earthquake response in the Philippines: Supporting communities after a devastating disaster 11.06.2026 10min

  In this episode, we speak with IFRC Head of Delegation in the Philippines, Sanjeev Kafli, about the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck southern Mindanao on 8 June 2026. He shares insights into the impact on affected communities, the Philippine Red Cross emergency response, the urgent humanitarian needs on the ground, and the importance of sustained support to help families recover, rebuild their lives, and strengthen resilience for future disasters.
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  Community engagement is at the heart of the Ebola response in Mongwalu, DRC 03.06.2026 6min

  In this episode of IFRC News, we speak with IFRC public health and emergencies expert Bronwyn Nichol about the situation on the ground, including ongoing response activities, community concerns, misinformation surrounding the outbreak, and the critical role of community engagement in building trust.
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  Three months after the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon and Iran, humanitarian needs remain urgent 29.05.2026 17min

  Three months after the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon and Iran, international attention may be fading but humanitarian needs across the region remain urgent. In this episode of IFRC Weekly News, we look at the growing humanitarian concerns across both countries, including displacement, rising food insecurity, pressure on healthcare systems, disrupted medical supply chains, and the long-term consequences for children, families, and vulnerable patients.
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  Responding to Ebola in the DRC: Community action, outbreak risks, and the Red Cross response 22.05.2026 11min

  In this episode, we examine the latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the growing concerns around its spread to neighboring Uganda. IFRC public health and clinical care expert Laura Archer joins IFRC News to explain the scale of the outbreak, the challenges facing communities in Ituri province, and why rapid community engagement is critical in the absence of a vaccine or specific treatment for this strain of the virus. We also explore how Red Cross volunteers and local networks help detect cases early, combat misinformation, and support outbreak response efforts across borders.
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  Understanding Hantavirus: Risks, prevention, and the role of communities in outbreak response 13.05.2026 7min

  In this episode, we explore hantavirus, rare but potentially serious disease transmitted primarily through contact with infected rodents. Public health and emergencies expert Bronwyn Nicol joins IFRC News to explain how hantaviruses spread, why cases remain uncommon, and what symptoms and risks people should be aware of across different regions of the world.
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  Rising risks for humanitarians: Confronting violence and protecting those who serve 05.05.2026 15min

  In this episode, we examine the growing dangers faced by humanitarian personnel, as more aid workers are being killed in the line of duty than ever before. Marking the anniversaries of the IFRC’s founding and World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we reflect on what these trends mean for the future of humanitarian action.
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  Cuba six months after Hurricane Melissa: Navigating recovery amid energy crisis and rising needs 01.05.2026 10min

  In this episode, we explore the situation in Cuba six months after Hurricane Melissa, a Category 3 storm that affected more than 2.2 million people and caused widespread damage across eastern provinces. We look at the scale and complexity of the response, from damaged homes and disrupted health services to ongoing public health risks.
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  Jamaica six months after Hurricane Melissa: From emergency relief to long-term recovery 29.04.2026 11min

  In this episode, we examine Jamaica’s humanitarian situation six months after Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic, which affected 1.6 million people and caused an estimated US$12.2 billion in damage. We explore the transition from emergency response to reconstruction and recovery, the ongoing needs of communities still facing humanitarian impacts, and how the IFRC and Jamaican Red Cross are supporting recovery, livelihoods and resilience ahead of future hurricane seasons.
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  Humanitarian response across the Pacific: Confronting back-to-back cyclones and typhoons 24.04.2026 12min

  In this episode, we examine the humanitarian impact of a series of devastating tropical storms that struck Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and the Federated States of Micronesia, affecting more than 600,000 people across the Pacific.
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  Humanitarian lifeline through Turkey: Delivering critical medical aid into Iran amid crisis 16.04.2026 8min

  In this episode, we explore the first delivery of lifesaving medical supplies into Iran since the start of the conflict, a crucial breakthrough in a highly complex humanitarian landscape. Host Paolo Cravero speaks with IFRC spokesperson Scott Craig, who has just returned from the Turkey–Iran border, where a new land corridor is helping aid reach those in urgent need.
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  Inside Israel: MDA's lifesaving role amid the ongoing crisis 09.04.2026 17min

  In this episode, we turn our focus to Israel, where humanitarian needs continue as the crisis in the Middle East continues. We hear from a representative of Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency medical service, about the critical role they play in saving lives under constant threat.
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  Humanitarian needs continue to rise in Iran as the conflict enters its second month 02.04.2026 18min

  In this episode, we focus on the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Iran, where needs continue to rise as the conflict enters its second month. More than 20 provinces have been affected, with tens of thousands of people injured, widespread damage to civilian infrastructure, and millions displaced.
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  The rapidly escalating humanitarian situation in Lebanon 26.03.2026 6min

  In this episode, we focus on the rapidly escalating humanitarian situation in Lebanon, where more than one million people have been displaced following recent developments. As the crisis deepens, families are arriving at shelters with few belongings and no clear timeline for returning home, placing immense strain on already fragile essential services.