Health and Care
The South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) is dedicated to improving health outcomes and the well-being of vulnerable communities through its comprehensive Health and Care Program. This flagship initiative addresses a wide range of health concerns, including mental health, communicable and non-communicable diseases, and essential Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices.
SARCS prioritizes mental health by delivering culturally sensitive interventions, reducing stigma, and enhancing access to care through partnerships with communities and health professionals. To combat diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, COVID-19, and cholera, SARCS has implemented vaccination drives, health education campaigns, and outreach programs, significantly improving public health awareness and response.
Non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer are also tackled through early detection screenings and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. These efforts aim to reduce the burden of chronic illness and encourage healthier living across communities.
Through its varied health initiatives, SARCS reached 1,381,709 individuals—806,054 women and 575,655 men—demonstrating the program’s broad impact. By addressing both physical and mental health while promoting hygiene and disease prevention, SARCS continues to play a critical role in strengthening community resilience and advancing public health across South Africa.
Infectious and Non-Communicable Diseases
Infectious and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain pressing health challenges in South Africa. To address this, the South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) reached 312,227 people through health promotion and disease prevention campaigns—significantly exceeding its annual target of 241,009. Additionally, 481 individuals received training on communicable diseases, surpassing the goal of 400 trainees.
These interventions included community health campaigns, distribution of educational materials, and direct outreach to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce disease incidence. Targeted diseases included HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, cardiovascular conditions, and diabetes.
In response to the cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal, SARCS swiftly deployed a Provincial Response Team and implemented a multi-pronged approach that included the distribution of hygiene kits, safe water supplies, and awareness materials. Community workshops and information sessions emphasized proper sanitation and hygiene practices, which were instrumental in curbing the spread of cholera.
A subsequent cholera alert in Musina further underscored the need for timely, coordinated health responses. These efforts highlight SARCS’s ongoing commitment to disease prevention and community well-being.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
Access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities remains a critical issue, particularly in rural areas and informal settlements. SARCS conducted WASH assessments and trained 287 staff and volunteers on WASH practices. Moreover, 14,800 people through awareness and 3 368 people received training on WASH.
Other key WASH initiatives included the installation of handwashing stations, distribution of hygiene kits, and educational campaigns on proper hygiene practices to prevent disease outbreaks. WASH was also integrated during major response operations through provision of portable toilets at evacuation centres during Kennedy and Johannesburg fires response.
Care Services
Provision of care services to the elderly and children is part of SARCS’ essential services in Gauteng province. The organisation runs 2 Old age homes accommodating 100 elderly (45 people at Elandsvallei Old Age Home in Germiston and 55 people Eventide in Brakpan). Nursing and Residential care for the elderly and most vulnerable is provided. The elderly participated in active ageing programs, which includes exercising, sports, sewing activities and receive well balanced meals.
In addition, the SARCS has 4 Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDs) with 350 learners and 2 Drop In Centres (DIC) for 1300 Orphans and Vulnerable Children
HIV and TB Programme
Since 2007, the South African Red Cross Society in KwaZulu-Natal has run an Integrated HIV and Tuberculosis Programme to support individuals infected and affected by these diseases. The programme focuses on prevention, community-based care and treatment, reducing stigma, improving household livelihoods, and ensuring sustainability.
A key component is the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT). Staff and volunteers support pregnant women to learn their HIV status and reduce the risk of passing the virus to their babies. Through education and early intervention, women are empowered to make informed health choices, leading to improved maternal and child health. Home visits promote practices like exclusive breastfeeding, hygiene, and diarrhoea prevention, which help reduce child mortality.
The programme also supports Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC), many of whom have lost parents to HIV. Psychosocial counselling, memory boxes, and regular support groups help children cope with grief. Practical help includes school supplies, food parcels, and assistance with accessing grants and healthcare. Volunteers collaborate with teachers to support HIV-positive children in managing treatment. The programme offers a holistic approach, combining emotional, educational, and material support to improve the wellbeing of affected families and children across KZN.
Psycho Social Support
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) for individuals affected during emergency response and social distress was prioritised. Through comprehensive training sessions, 121 volunteers and staff members were equipped to offer Psychological First Aid (PFA) and ongoing Psychosocial Support (PSS).
The training enabled them to provide immediate assistance to those in distress, fostering more resilient communities. Mental health interventions were crucial in disaster-affected areas, where the psychological impact of events such as floods and fires were significant. Several MHPSS awareness sessions were provided to communities utilising a variety of platforms like radios, community forums, social events and media platforms.
