PROG 2017-2021_ZIMBABWE_OUTCOME 1_Lay people, Red Cross staff & volunteers have adequate, up-to-date and evidence based knowledge, skills & attitudes to provide first aid to those in need by 2021, as such enhancing community level resilience and emergency care capacity.

Belgian Red Cross-Flanders (BRC-Fl) has worked in Zimbabwe since 2015 with its preferential partner Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) on the strengthening of their first aid department. During the future program running from 2017-2021, we’ll continue to strengthen the capacity of ZRCS to provide high quality FA Education. First aid is a priority activity for all Red Cross Societies worldwide, and especially relevant in Zimbabwe, considering its stretched and subpar health infrastructure, the frequent occurrence of disasters and the remoteness of certain areas. FA Education is a proven cost-effective development intervention, with a cost of 8US$ per Disability-Adjusted Life Year averted (DALY), making it one of the cheapest ways to increase public health in developing countries. Moreover, our program is underpinned by scientific research in order to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of our intervention. As a result, 84.786 beneficiaries can be reached from which 2.310 direct ones. This program will ensure ZRCS can offer qualitative trainings by institutionalizing evidence-based didactical materials, and developing reliable and competent structures. Moreover, it will consolidate the place of ZRCS as market leader in commercial first aid, which highly increases the financial sustainability of the program. Lastly, it will provide aid training to key selected volunteers relating to road safety and potential election violence, ensuring high-quality pre-hospital care is available to those in need.