Executive summary
The Armenian Red Cross has changed in many ways in the past twenty years that the International Federation has been engaged. Via access to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement's global network it has progressed, developing a number of characteristics that make it a better supporter of vulnerable people, including a country-wide network of regional and community branches; experienced, enthusiastic and committed staff and volunteers; improved infrastructure; and stronger links with governmental agencies, local and international organizations. The National Society's governance and management has improved and branches have been empowered to be better partners of their communities. More and more youth and volunteers are taking an active role in Red Cross services.
Despite these achievements, the National Society has a number of challenges that need to be overcome. The major weakness is still its reliance on funding through the International Federation's annual appeals. Though intensive efforts have been made in the last three years to assist the National Society develop marketing skills and forge new partnerships to contribute to its expertise development as well as locate new sources of funding, a large proportion of programmes are still funded by the International Federation. Moreover, the core structure of the Armenian Red Cross is heavily dependent on this funding, clearly demonstrating an acute need to adopt a stronger approach to becoming a self-sustainable National Society that can implement programmes at domestic, rather than international expense.
Taking into consideration the context of the country and the priorities of the Armenian Red Cross, within the period 2010-2011 the International Federation will provide support in the fields of disaster management, health and care and organizational development. Support will be provided in accordance with the International Federation's Global Agenda goals, Strategy 2010, the commitments and outcomes of the VII European Red Cross Red Crescent Conference in Istanbul and decisions of the 16th session of the International Federation's General Assembly.
The disaster management programme will focus on planning, community-based disaster prevention and preparedness and disaster risk reduction. The programme will strengthen disaster response mechanisms and tools, increase disaster preparedness of the communities in high risk areas through organized vulnerability and capacity assessments (VCA) and disaster risk reduction activities. It will also decrease the vulnerability of communities to disasters through public awareness and educational campaigns carried out by the National Society.
The health and care programme focuses on needs-based social services to target communities, decreasing the vulnerability of key populations to HIV and TB, providing social support to most vulnerable communities.
