Celebrating International Red Cross Day by Changing Lives

written by Joanna Jordan, volunteer contributor

Through the work of the Measles Initiative, vaccinations have been distributed in over 80 countries worldwide.



This year’s International Red Cross Day is today, May 8. A notable focus of the Red Cross’ international relief efforts is the ongoing focus on extending lives, enabling people to live longer, by improving their health.


At the American Red Cross, we extend our work across the globe through our Measles Initiative. We don’t worry anymore about measles in our country; our children don’t die at astounding rates from a disease that can be controlled. But they do in other countries.

A partnership between the Red Cross, the United Nations Foundation, UNICEF, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, the Measles Initiative aims to reduce measles deaths globally by providing financial and technical assistance to governments and communities for vaccination campaigns worldwide.

The Red Cross vaccinates 290,000 children a day against measles. That’s 290,000 lives saved by the hand of the Red Cross every 24 hours!

One shot at a time, the measles epidemic can end, leaving more children to grow into healthy adults and prosper in their communities. One life saved affects an entire community’s ability to sustain itself.

This year on International Red Cross Day, why not make a difference for generations of humanity yet to come? You can change lives around the world by partnering with the Red Cross’ Measles Initiative. Find out more about the Measles Initiative, or donate today. The cost to vaccinate a child is about $1.50. Texting PREVENT to 90999 makes a $10 donation to the American Red Cross.