Edito of the Global First Aid Reference Centre Newsletter

In the continuous efforts of humanitarian support, I extend my gratitude to all who stand with us. As the President of the Guinean Red Cross, I find myself humbled by the tireless efforts of our volunteers and partners who are the essence of our mission.

Our uniqueness as a part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement lies in our unwavering commitment and the vast network of volunteers who selflessly serve. It’s the dedication of these individuals, driven by a sense of purpose, that makes our work truly remarkable.

What impresses me most is the power of voluntary engagement. It is through this commitment that we navigate the complex terrain of societal, political, and healthcare challenges, always adhering to our fundamental principles. As a volunteer myself, I am inspired by the Movement’s fifth principle, which calls upon us to serve others. Our volunteers play a vital role in community service, offering their skills and compassion to save lives and uphold human dignity.

At the heart of our mission lies first aid education—a foundation of paramount importance. First aid has the potential to avert injuries and preserve lives. Quick and proper response in emergencies can be the difference between life and death, making the quality of our training essential. We recognize that inadequate training can lead to undesirable outcomes, which is why we emphasize the importance of high-quality education and regular recertification.

In Guinea and around the world, challenges persist in the realm of first aid education. Limited financial support, conflicts of interest, and resource constraints often impede our progress. To truly foster a culture of first aid, we believe that government authorities could reinforce their active role in promoting and integrating first aid training into various sectors. This includes making it mandatory for all organizations, whether local or international, to provide first aid education.

We envision a future where every Guinean citizen possesses the knowledge and skills required for effective first response in emergencies.

This vision can only be realized with strong governmental support, standardized training programs, and accessible, well-maintained equipment.

Looking ahead, we express our sincere thanks to the French Red Cross for their financial support in our first aid and disaster management initiatives. Our ongoing collaboration with them is driving several projects aimed at enhancing our first aid and disaster response capacities. We are currently working on a significant project that will span the next seven months, focusing on strengthening these capabilities.

Regarding our future collaboration with the Global First Aid Reference Centre, especially in light of the new Vision 2030 for First Aid adopted by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in June 2022, we are fully committed. We believe that aligning our efforts with this vision is essential for the advancement of first aid globally. Recertification of our trainers to meet international standards, as well as the pursuit of the international first aid attestation for our organization, are part of our future plans.

Our volunteers remain the lifeblood of our mission, bridging the gap between the community and our objectives. They serve as educators, responders, and advocates, shaping our community’s resilience and response to crises.

I would like to emphasize that first aid is the foundation of our Movement and the bedrock upon which we have built our many humanitarian activities.

In closing, It is through first aid that we save lives, alleviate suffering, and uphold human dignity. As we move forward, let us prioritize the training and education of our communities in the lifesaving skills of first aid. Together, we can make first aid a universal language of compassion and solidarity.

Let us work hand in hand to strengthen the First Aid Movement globally.