It is hard to ignore what seems like a relentless stream of international crises lately. But there is reason for hope— women and men around the world are successfully leading humanitarian responses in their communities and countries.
The international humanitarian system is overstretched, and current approaches to humanitarian crises too often rely on outsiders “parachuting” into unknown contexts, leading to aid that is often inappropriate and late. Increasing aid investments in local humanitarians can help change that. By helping people help themselves—removing obstacles, shifting resources, and ensuring that people working locally have the power they need to act—we can save more lives today and improve lives in the long term.
Threatened by the spread of Ebola in neighboring countries, Sidi Jaquite and his team of trusted community health workers used their experience with cholera to spring into action to protect vulnerable communities in Guinea-Bissau.
Meet Sidi
In Haiti, disaster management and relief is no small task. Marie Alta Jean-Baptiste has been at it for 10 years and her passion for getting everyone involved - especially the most vulnerable - is setting Haiti on a more resilient course.
Meet Marie Alta
Once a freedom fighter for his country, Rafiqul Alam has spent the last 40 years continuing to fight for his people’s freedom – this time from poverty and the devastation of hazards like typhoons and climate change.
Meet Rafiqul
A child during El Salvador’s civil war, Karen Ramírez grew up with a strong passion for justice and solidarity with the poor. So for the last 20 years, Ramírez has dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of El Salvador’s poorest– especially in emergencies.
Meet KarenTens of millions of people receive vital humanitarian aid every year, but millions more suffer without adequate help and protection, and their number is relentlessly rising.
StoryAs the deadly virus gripped Monrovia, Mayor Clara Doe Mvogo turned to local leaders to marshal support for a community-wide awareness campaign. Armed with knowledge, residents faced their fears, confronted the disease, and beat it back.
StoryThreatened by Ebola in neighboring countries, Sidi Jaquite and his team of trusted health workers used their experience to spring into action to protect vulnerable communities.
StoryOnce a freedom fighter for his country, Rafiqul Alam has spent the last 40 years continuing to fight for his people - this time from poverty.