Two years ago, earthquakes killed over 55,000 people in Türkiye and Syria. Today, millions are still struggling to rebuild. In Türkiye, more than 400,000 people continue to live in temporary container cities, facing an uncertain future. In Syria, compounded crises make recovery even harder. With @IFRC support, Turkish @RedCrescent and @SYRedCrescent have been supporting people since day one. Food, water and first aid were the first priorities. Now, they continue to help those affected with cash, mental health and livelihoods support. We've made progress, but the road to recovery is long. Solidarity and support must continue.

Supplies of blood are low across Syria. That’s why the @SYRedCrescent has launched a campaign across the country to encourage more donations. Along with @SYRedCrescent’s Secretary-General, Ms. Raya Ramadan, I visited one clinic in Damascus.

RT @SYRedCrescent: Dr. Hazem Bakleh, President of @SYRedCrescent welcomed @ifrc Secretary General Mr. @jagan_chapagain & his delegation. Th…

I'm pleased to be in Damascus, hosted by the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) and seeing projects they’re focused on. Recent political change in Syria, while exciting, means a huge change for many – and a return to Syria for, so far, 200,000+ more. With new leadership, @SYRedCrescent is operating across the country to support people. Already teams have distributed ambulances, trauma kits, and hygiene items - and they've just launched a major blood donation programme nationwide. I’m looking forward, tomorrow and Tuesday, to see more of those SARC teams in action.

Our IFRC teams play a pivotal role in delivering humanitarian aid where it's needed most. As thousands of low-level earthquakes continue to shake Greek islands, and a state of emergency is declared, the @greekredcross is providing help. A team of emergency response volunteers and rescue dogs have been deployed to Santorini, providing search and rescue support as well as social services to those fearing for their homes. Our thoughts are with all those affected during this difficult time.

RT @IFRC_Europe: 🚨 In response to recent seismic activity in #Santorini, @greekredcross volunteers, including rescuers & psychologists, are…

As we closed out the first month of 2025, it’s clear that the journey ahead is filled with both hope and challenges. While the start of 2025 has brought good news from the Middle East, there have been terrible tragedies elsewhere that our network has responded to. These include the fire in a Turkish hotel, wildfires in the United States, plane crashes, an earthquake in China, the Ebola outbreak in Uganda and more. Protracted crises, such as those in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and along migrant routes, continue to intensify. Amid all this, I salute the dedication of our Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers around the world. Many have been directly affected by these crises yet continue to respond with unwavering commitment.

Deeply saddened by the tragic event at Campus Risbergska in Örebro, Sweden, which has led to loss of life and injuries. The Swedish Red Cross @RodaKorset is providing critical mental health support to those affected. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims and wish a swift recovery to the injured. The IFRC stands in solidarity with the Swedish Red Cross and all those impacted during this difficult time.

Heartbreaking news from Sudan. Iman Abbas, a Sudanese Red Crescent volunteer, lost her life while on duty saving lives. On behalf of @IFRC, I express our profound sadness and extend my deepest condolences to her family and our colleagues at the Sudanese Red Crescent.

I'm returning from my visit to @Mdais where I met Eli Bin, CEO of Magen David Adom, and discussed regional and global humanitarian issues and for a need to promote collaboration among National Societies globally. I had an opportunity to interact with the NS leaders, volunteers and staff who generously shared their experiences. I spoke with Prof. Eilat Shinar, head of MDA's Blood and Milk Banks. MDA plays a vital role in collecting blood donations, averaging 1,000 units daily, and supports premature babies through its Milk Bank. At MDA Stations, I witnessed the dedication of volunteers and staff - responding to an emergency every 21 seconds. On trips to both Palestine Red Crescent and MDA I've seen the humanity of those trying to help people affected by hostilities. For all, I hope for brighter future.

Grateful for the excellent dialogue with Swedish State Secretary @sigriddiana last week. We extend our thanks to Sweden @SweMFA for its strong partnership as it enters its term as co-chair of the IFRC Donor Advisory Group. We greatly value Sweden's support as a core funding partner of @IFRC, enabling us to support National Societies and drive humanitarian impact. Looking forward to Sweden's leadership in 2025.

One year ago, I began my second term as IFRC Secretary General. The past year has brought profound challenges to human safety, health, and dignity. What was once a time of polycrisis has evolved into an era of permacrisis—an unrelenting cycle of climate stress, disasters, disease, political tensions, and worsening socioeconomic conditions. This reality is likely to persist into my second year and beyond. During my missions, I witnessed unimaginable suffering, people in desperate needs of help. Yet, our @IFRC network volunteers were there, offering hope, comfort, and humanity. I am deeply grateful to serve alongside talented and dedicated staff and volunteers across the world to save lives, to build resilience, to influence decisions while upholding our fundamental principles and values. In a world full of uncertainty, we bring the certainty of hope through the red vests of millions of volunteers. Together, let’s continue to save lives, change minds, and to bring dignity. Thank you for your trust.

A Sudan Ebola Virus Disease outbreak has been declared in Uganda, with the first case confirmed in the capital city of Kampala. In response to this outbreak, the Uganda Red Cross activated their epidemic preparedness and response network in the country. Teams from @UgandaRedCross are mobilizing risk communication volunteers to support awareness efforts, scaling up public health messaging and coordinating with local authorities. The @IFRC will continue to advocate for improved prevention and response to epidemics and pandemics that meet the needs of communities – building trust, enabling equity and facilitating local action.

Three months ago, the Philippines faced an unprecedented series of six consecutive tropical cyclones in just 29 days, affecting 14 million people, causing widespread damage, and leaving communities with little time to recover. Today, many are still struggling to rebuild. The @philredcross has been on the ground since day one, providing life-saving support—including search and rescue, first aid, ambulance services, health checkups, and psychosocial support. Staff and volunteers from @philredcross have also distributed cash grants, food packs, hot meals, clean water, essential medicines, and relief items. Recovery is ongoing, and continued support is critical to helping communities get back on their feet. To support the @philredcross in emergency and recovery efforts, the @IFRC launched an Emergency Appeal.

Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and injuries caused by the stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela festival in India. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this heartbreaking incident.

I wish everyone celebrating the #LunarNewYear joy, good health, and prosperity. May this Year of the Snake bring wisdom, energy, and strength to uphold human dignity and foster peace around the world.

Just over a month ago, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Vanuatu. The widespread damage hit 80,000 people. In response, the @VanuatuRedCross, with support from @IFRC, has been on the ground providing life-saving aid, including shelter, clean water, medical care to the affected communities. Emergency response efforts are now transitioning into early recovery activities. Small island nations like Vanuatu face recurring disasters, from earthquakes and cyclones to the growing impacts of climate change. While global discussions continue on addressing vulnerabilities in disaster-prone regions, it is essential to prioritise investments in community-based response mechanisms. This investment is critical to saving lives and reducing the overall costs of humanitarian response.

Since April 2023, Sudan has been grappling with a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Over 10 million people have been displaced within and outside Sudan, and thousands of lives have been tragically lost. The situation grows more dire every day. Ongoing hostilities have severely damaged the healthcare system, leaving many health facilities non-functional and countless people without access to essential treatments and medicines. With the Sudanese Red Crescent Society, our IFRC teams and partners have been there for the people, and will continue to be there for as long as needed. It’s important that civilians, humanitarian workers, hospitals and health facilities are protected everywhere in all situations.

In 2025, the @IFRC will continue to work with @SOSMedIntl to support people rescued by the Ocean Viking vessel on the deadly Mediterranean Sea migration route. It is estimated that more than 30,000 people have died trying to make this perilous crossing since 2014. Earlier this week, the Ocean viking rescued 83 people —including 3 babies and 3 pregnant women—from a rubber boat in distress in the Libyan Search and Rescue Region. Survivors have been taken care of by the @SOSMedIntl and @IFRC teams. These survivors have now safely disembarked in Genova, Italy. The Ocean Viking remains a beacon of hope in a vast, unforgiving sea. Photo credit: Max Cavallari / SOS MEDITERRANEE

I'm on the train home after a few fascinating days at @Davos talking with political, business and civil society leaders. Reimagining growth in AI era was one of the major themes this year, but I was also enthused by ideas people have about unlocking new potential in humanitarian assistance and investing in people. On safeguarding the planet and rebuilding trust-there is no shortage of ideas.