Myanmar Red Cross Society

Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) was founded in 1937 and it was earlier called Burma Red Cross. It has its headquarters in Yangon.

Historical Background

In 1920, the Society came into existence as a branch of Indian Red Cross Society. When Burma was politically separated from India in 1937, it attained national status and was recognized as Burma Red Cross Society. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) recognized it as a National Society in 1939. The Society was admitted to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in 1946. The Burma Red Cross Act was enacted in 1 959 and amended subsequently in 1964,1971 and 1988. The 1959 (MRCS) Act confers responsibility to the National Society in implementing humanitarian activities and alleviating human suffering. The St. John Ambulance Brigade Overseas was taken over by the Society as Burma Ambulance Brigade under the 1959 Act. The Society was renamed Myanmar Red Cross Society in accordance with legislative change of the name from Burma to Myanmar in 1989. The objective of the Society is to alleviate human suffering. Three activities such as promoting health, preventing diseases and providing help to those in distress are supportive activities to meet the objective. As the leading humanitarian organization, Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) is committed to assist vulnerable people and to improve and maintain their health and well-being. The Society obtains the best relations with UN Agencies, Non Government Organizations, Press and other public information media. News coverage of Red Cross Activities in the whole country is constantly made by the press, radio and television news stations.

Vision

To be the leading community-based humanitarian organization throughout Myanmar acting with and for the most vulnerable at all time.

Mission

Through its nationwide network of volunteers, the Myanmar Red Cross Society will work to promote a healthier and safer environment for the people of Myanmar giving priority to the most vulnerable communities and individuals. In times of distress and disaster, MRCS will assist those affected and help them return to normal life.

Strategic Plans 2007-10

Future plans and actions are clearly defined in the MRCS strategic plan (2007–2010). Activities are defined under five programme areas: Organizational Development, Health and Care in the Community, Disaster Management, Cooperation and Coordination and Financial Resources Development, with these, the Society is putting her ablest effort to deliver efficient effective humanitarian services in Myanmar.

Governance and Management

The General Assembly is the highest governing body of the Society and is convened every three years. The Central Council is the governing body of the MRCS between the sessions of the General Assembly. The Central Council comprises 40 members, out of which 17 members represent States and Divisions level branches. The governance of the Society is formed by 10 Executive Committee members. 5 out of 10 members are retired professionals and who work full-time on voluntary basis, are responsible for providing guidance for making policy, giving directions and guidance in the implementation of the activities of the Society. The structure of National Headquarters (NHQ) consists of six Divisions and two Units. They are Administrative Division, Disaster Management Division, Finance Division, Health Division, Training Division and Communication Division, Development and Coordination Unit and Protocol Unit. The management is headed by the Executive Director, who is the full-time Executive Committee member of the National Society. The Executive Director carries out his functions under the authority of the Central Council and the Executive Committee. The Society is the largest humanitarian organization in Myanmar with its nationwide network of 324 branches (townships) with over 250000 volunteers throughout the country.

Henry Dunant Medal and Myanmar Red Cross Society

A member of Myanmar Red Cross Society won Henry Dunant Medal in 1963 for saving a soldier whose car fell into the Ayeyarwady River which was icy cold at that time . His name was Sai Aung Hlaing Myint. He was from Kachin State.

External links

• Myanmar Red Cross Official Website
• Official Red Cross Web Site
• Myanmar Red Cross Society Profile