IFRC Weekly News

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Humanitarian response under pressure in the Middle East 18.03.2026 13min

In this episode, we take a closer look at the rapidly evolving humanitarian crisis across the Middle East and the immense challenges facing responders on the ground. As needs escalate across multiple countries, millions of people are being displaced, injured, or left without access to essential services such as healthcare, shelter, and clean water.

When misinformation becomes a disaster: Why harmful information threatens humanitarian response 09.03.2026 11min

In this episode, we discuss the findings of the newly released World Disasters Report and its warning that harmful information is becoming a growing threat during crises. Between 2020 and 2024, disasters affected nearly 700 million people worldwide, while humanitarian needs have more than doubled. Yet beyond climate shocks and conflict, the report highlights how misinformation and dehumanizing narratives are eroding trust, endangering volunteers, and obstructing life-saving aid.

Four years on: Humanitarian needs deepen in Ukraine 26.02.2026 7min

In this episode, we focus on Ukraine as the country marks the fourth anniversary of the escalation of the international armed conflict. Ongoing attacks on energy infrastructure have left millions of people facing rolling blackouts, limited access to heating, water and healthcare, and worsening living conditions during one of the coldest winters in recent years.

Wildfires devastate communities in Argentina and Chile 23.02.2026 10min

In this episode, we turn our attention to Argentina and Chile, where severe wildfires have torn through communities, forests and livelihoods, forcing mass evacuations and leaving widespread destruction in their wake. Tens of thousands of people have been affected, with homes destroyed, communities displaced and families facing serious health risks from smoke inhalation—particularly children, older people and pregnant women.Red Cross teams are responding to urgent needs, from first aid and psychosocial support to cash assistance, relief distributions and support in evacuation centres.

Winter Olympics: How the Italian Red Cross is supporting safety 19.02.2026 7min

In this episode, we head to Italy as the 2026 Winter Olympics get underway across alpine and urban venues, bringing together athletes and spectators from around the world. Behind the scenes, the Italian Red Cross is playing a crucial role in keeping the Games safe, accessible, and inclusive.

Severe winter floods hit vulnerable communities in Syria 11.02.2026 10min

In this episode, we turn our attention to Syria, where severe winter storms and heavy rainfall have triggered flooding across parts of the country, impacting families already grappling with years of conflict, displacement and economic hardship. Floodwaters have swept through residential areas and displacement camps, damaging shelters, cutting off roads, and heightening the risk of waterborne disease during an already harsh winter.