Programmes in the Caribbean Overseas Branches

Preparing for disasters

Since the Caribbean is an area prone to hurricanes, preparing for disasters is an important aspect of the work carried out by the branches. For example, the Cayman Islands Red Cross has recently become the official hurricane centre for the islands and provides first aid support to hurricane shelters around the islands. They have also been involved in a project called the ‘Containers Project’, which means that stocks are readily available should a hurricane cause damage to the transport systems.

Read about Hurricane Ike in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Read about Hurricane Gustav in the Cayman Islands

HIV

Currently the Caribbean's rates of HIV infection are second only to Sub-Saharan Africa, with HIV being the main cause of death for people aged 15-44. For this reason Branches such as the British Virgin Islands and Montserrat are supporting public awareness programmes, through the facilitation of youth peer education and the training of trainers. The programme aims to raise awareness, stimulate discussion and reduce stigma.

Other health activities undertaken by the Branches include first aid training.

Read about raising awareness of HIV in the Cayman Islands