OUAGADOUGOU, May 9 (Xinhua) -- The Burkinabe Red Cross (CRBF) on Friday celebrated World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2026 under the theme "United in Humanity," calling for global solidarity to address escalating humanitarian needs.
The celebration in the capital, Ouagadougou, featured blood donation drives, food aid distributions, and tributes to humanitarian workers.
Addressing the ceremony, Lazare Zoungrana, secretary general of the CRBF, emphasized that the theme serves as a reminder of a shared human destiny regardless of conflict or crisis.
"Our common humanity is stronger than the difficulties surrounding us," Zoungrana stated, urging citizens and partners to strengthen the bonds of mutual aid.
As part of the commemorations, the CRBF and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) distributed essential kits to 100 vulnerable households in Ouagadougou. Each kit included rice, maize, cowpeas, cooking oil, salt, sugar, and soap. These resources were mobilized through a support fund fueled by contributions from Red Cross staff and international movement partners.
Albert Uwizeyimana, ICRC cooperation coordinator, praised the commitment of volunteers deployed across all provinces of Burkina Faso. He noted that their grassroots presence is indispensable for conducting effective field operations in a context marked by population displacement and persistent crises.
The event also honored humanitarian workers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Officials underscored the necessity of protecting humanitarian action through the principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence.
Established in 1961, the CRBF serves as an auxiliary to public authorities and operates a vast network of volunteers focused on health, nutrition, and disaster management across the country. ■