Table of Contents Executive Summary 2

Message from the President 3

Message from the Secretary General 3

Introduction and acknowledgment 4

Strategic Goal 1: Build a strong and sustainable National Society 4 Fulfill the 10 conditions for recognition 4 Invest to develop our human resources (staff, volunteers, members) 4 Ensure financial sustainability 5 Strengthen local presence 6 Forge partnerships 7 Enhance transparency and accountability 7 Ensure good governance 8 Actively promote Red Cross knowledge whenever there is an opportunity 8

Strategic Goal 2: Enhance community resilience 9 Disaster preparedness 9 Disaster response 10 Risk Reduction 10 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) 10 Logistics Development 10

Strategic Goal 3: Promote health and safety 11 Develop First Aid as a core MIRCS service 11 Lead the setting of first aid standards in RMI in partnership with the MOHHS 11 Address non-communicable diseases 12 Health emergencies 12 Develop volunteer initiatives to address social issues 12 Promote voluntary non-remunerated blood donation 12

Challenges in 2018 but looking forward to 2019 13

Financial Statement [1st October 2017 – 30th September 2018] 14

Executive Summary

st th This Annual report covers the period 1 ​ October 2017 until 30 ​ September 2018. ​ ​ Highlights of this report includes:

o Recognition by ICRC of the Red Cross (MIRCS) as the 191st National Society in the world. o Provisional admission of MIRCS by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent o Formal establishment of an MIRCS-Ebeye branch o MIRCS has certified on First Aid a total of 862 individuals (572 males; 290 females) o MIRCS has 500 volunteers o MIRCS has established Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) in 9 islands and of RMI. o Jeirok community has started its Early Warning System, inspired by the Jenrok community EWS. o MIRCS is preparing for an all high school First Aid Competition in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2019 (December 2018). o MIRCS has established Red Cross youth Councils in 6 schools

Message from the President

The Marshall Islands Red Cross Society’s (MIRCS) journey towards becoming a fully-fledged National Society is challenging, but has likewise manifested the strong resolve of its volunteers and leaders to create a National Society that is relevant, sustainable, and strong.

This 2018 Annual Report is the start of MIRCS publicly releasing a summary report of what it has done in the year before. This is part of our being transparent and accountable to our donors, supporters and the public.

I am proud to say that your Marshall Islands Red Cross has accomplished so much in 2018. Our limited number of paid staff is strongly complemented by our active volunteers and youth. Our journey towards becoming a strong national society will continue and we are hoping that the public, our volunteers and youth will continue to actively support us.

Dr. Alexander Z. Piňano

Message from the Secretary General

The Marshall Islands is a country on the forefront of the climate change issue. We have already seen and felt the impact of sea level rise and weather changes that are beginning to overwhelm our islands. As someone who has worked, lived and raised a family here in the Marshall Islands for over three decades, I find these new occurrences both disheartening and challenging at the same time.

We continue to emphasize the need to prepare our island communities and our people for disasters, emergencies and health related challenges through volunteering and extensive community engagement.

The value of the Red Cross to the Marshall Islands and to our region has never been more important and apparent. It is the goal of the MIRCS to build and to sustain highly organized programs for the health, safety and well-being of our island nation. Jack Niedenthal

Introduction and acknowledgment

This Annual Report 2018, and future annual reports of the Marshall Islands Red Cross Society, shall be structured in such a way that it will reflect the National Society’s journey through its Strategic Plan 2017-2021. It shall also be regularly published by the MIRCS to inform the public, its members, volunteers, and stakeholders about the accomplishments and challenges of their Red Cross in the Marshall Islands.

These accomplishments of the MIRCS could not have been done without the active volunteers and the staff who worked hard.

Strategic Goal 1: Build a strong and sustainable National Society 1. Fulfill the 10 conditions for recognition The Marshall Islands Red Cross Society (MIRCS) applied for recognition on 29 March 2017. In June 2017, the First MIRCS General Assembly was held. In September 2017, the Joint IFRC and ICRC Assessment Mission visited the Marshall Islands and extensively assessed the MIRCS against the ten conditions for recognition. On 20th ​ December 2017, the ICRC recognized the MIRCS as the 191st Red Cross Society in the world. On 26th June 2017, the governing ​ ​ Board of IFRC provisionally admitted the Marshall Islands Red Cross Society into the IFRC. Formal admission will be during the December 2019 Red Cross Red Crescent General Assembly in Geneva.

2. Invest to develop our human resources (staff, volunteers, members) VOLUNTEERS Male Female TOTAL 36 14 49 Ebeye 39 32 71 Ajeltake (Majuro) 12 3 15 Jeirok (Majuro) 5 14 19 Jenrok (majuro) 8 27 35 RongRong 14 11 25 Jaluit 19 5 24 13 2 15 13 10 23 4 15 19 24 1 25 21 21 Mejatto - Kwaj 10 11 21 11 11 22 18 3 21 TOTAL 247 159 406

The MIRCS has 500 volunteers about 50 of them are active.

As part of providing opportunities for development of its staff and volunteers, MIRCS participated in the following regional and sub-regional meetings, workshops and conferences. Most of these capacity enhancement platforms are supported by the International Federation.

1. FA Instructors co-facilitation in Pohnpei. Three First Aid master instructors were provided ​ the opportunity to further polish their knowledge and skills in First Aid Training of instructors by co-facilitating and observing the Pohnpei FA Instructors Course.1 2. Communications workshop in Pohnpei, FSM.2 ​ 3. Fundraising Workshop in Pohnpei, FSM. This is aimed at enhancing knowledge and skills of ​ national societies to plan, design and implement a successful fundraising initiative.3 4. Continuing education (finance development). Aimed at ensuring good finance management ​ in the national Society. 4 5. Disaster Management Forum, Suva, Fiji. To engage with all disaster management officers of ​ the Pacific and exchange lessons learned and good practices.5 6. Red Cross and Red Crescent General Assembly, Antalya, Turkey. A Red Cross Red Crescent ​ Statutory meeting where the MIRCS was an observer.6 7. Youth as Agents of Behavior Change (YABC), Suva, Fiji. Attended by Youth members Maya ​ Sam and Jenson Rufus. 8. North Pacific Voluntary Non-Remunerated Blood Donation Workshop, Koror, Palau.7 ​ 9. Red Cross Red Crescent National Society Workshop on implementation of the Movement Action Plan 2018-2021 Towards the Elimination of Nuclear Weapons​, Geneva, Switzerland.8 10. Health Workshop in Malaysia ​ 11. Peer to Peer Study Exchange with the Philippines Red Cross Headquarter and branch. ​ Male Female TOTAL Number of people who have taken courses in the 5 4 9 Learning Platform LEARNING PLATFORM Male Female TOTAL COURSES UNDERTAKEN Stay safe 5 4 7 World of Red Cross and 2 1 2 Red Crescent Code of conduct 1 1 2 Child Protection 1 1 2

1 Participants: Mr. Simpson Lalej (First Aid and Outer Islands coordinator); Ms Telbi Jason (Finance and Admin Officer); Ramanthy (Volunteer First Aid instructor based in Ebeye Branch). Supported by IFRC, IOM, New Zealand Red Cross. 2 Participants: Mr. Roger Muller (Communications Officer) and Ms. Crystal Komen. supported by ICRC. 3 Participants: Ms. Telbi jason (Finance/Admin Officer) and Mr. Nathan Nathan (MIRCS Ebeye Coordinator). Supported by IFRC 4 Ms. Telbi Jason is supported in her formal education efforts. with support from IFRC. 5 Participant: Mr. Harry Herming (Disaster Management Officer). with support from IFRC. 6 Participants: Mr. Jack Niedenthal (Secretary General) and Dr. Alexander Pinano (President). With support from IFRC. 7 Participants: Mr. Simpson Lale (staff)j, Dilia Mares (MIRCS volunteer), and Mr. Paul Lalita (Majuro Hospital). Supported by IFRC 8 Participant: Mr. Jack Niedenthal. supported by ICRC and IFRC.

Statutory Return 1 1 Income Declaration 1 1 Fraud & Corruption 1 1 Security 1 1 TOTAL 9 11 17

The MIRCS is encouraging its volunteers and staff to avail of the learning opportunities offered by the IFRC Learning Platform. This is being incorporated either as a required course (e.g. stay safe, code of conduct) or recommended course (e.g. World of Red Cross and Red Crescent). In 2019, this will be more actively pursued to enhance knowledge and skills of MIRCS staff and volunteers.

Managing gender balance is important to MIRCS and it always make sure that males and females are included in trainings, workshops, and any activities conducted by society. Volunteers are always encourage to take part in different scopes of work. In this regard, MIRCS likewise recognized and awarded its outstanding FY 2018 volunteers through a simple ceremony and a get together of all volunteers at the Melele Room of MIR.

3. Ensure financial sustainability The Government of the Republic of Marshall Islands provided significant financial support to MIRCS in 2018. A new corporate donor, Investors Solutions, has commenced supporting the MIRCS Youth First Aid Training Program, which over the course of this year supported the training of 100 young people in First Aid from both the Majuro and Ebeye communities. The MIRCS has accessed grants from the National Training Council (NTC) and the IOM for its outer island branch development program. There are small scale fundraising initiatives currently in place such as donation boxes at local businesses. Membership fees and First Aid training fees are still not significant income sources for MIRCS. A review of the First Aid implementation was commissioned with the support of an Australian Red Cross online volunteer. The recommendations from this review are expected to bolster the contribution of First Aid to the financial sustainability of MIRCS. The IFRC and the ICRC have given significant support to the MIRCS.

Budget Actual Difference % 2018 $332,000 318,000 $14,000 (-4.3%) 2019 $347,000 Difference $15,000 % 4.5%

The MIRCS, in the next fiscal year, will actively engage in fundraisers and special events to raise unearmarked funds that can be utilized for unfunded programs.

4. Strengthen local presence In May 2018, Ebeye Branch of the Marshall Islands Red Cross was formally organized with the appointment of a full time Branch Coordinator. Focal persons were also appointed in the outer island branches of Arno, Ailinglaplap, Ebeye, Jaluit, Namdrik, Wotje, Namu, & Likiep.

Branch Name Position 1 Arno Mr. Torrak Anton Councilman 2 Ailinglaplap Mr.Remming Ring Focal Point 3 Ebeye Mr.Nathan Nathan Branch Coordinator 4 Jaluit Timmy Keju Focal Point

5 Namdrik TBA 6 Wotje Mr. Kino Lakjohn Chief of Local Police 7 Namu Mr. Alwin James School Teacher 8 Likiep Mr.Junior deBrum Councilman Efforts have started to establish a container warehouse that will contain non-food relief items that will be ready for distribution when there is a disaster. Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) have been organized in the above outer islands including in Jeirok and Ajeltake in Majuro.

MIRCS has submitted proposals for the construction of its Headquarters and Training Center in Majuro. This is awaiting consideration of prospective donors. The MIRCS will continue to explore these building opportunities as the space where the society is currently located is no longer adequate to accommodate all the activities and volunteers of the MIRCS

MIRCS has inducted students into the Marshall Islands Youth Council Red Cross Network from the following schools: Marshalls Christian High School, Ebeye SDA High School, Calvary High School, Father Leonard Hacker High School, Jebro Private High School, and High School.

5. Forge partnerships A key partner of the Marshall Islands Red Cross is the Government of RMI which supports the core operations of the National Society. The National Training Council (NTC) has provided MIRCS with ​ ​ significant support that enabled it to reach out to 9 outer islands and train the communities on the basics of First Aid as part of enhancing their resilience especially during emergencies. IOM has ​ ​ supported the training of Master First Aid Trainers. The International Federation significantly ​ supports organizational development, disaster management, branch development and youth engagement. Investors Solutions has likewise provided funding for the MIRCS to train our youth in ​ First Aid. MIRCS likewise has strongly engaged with the Ministry of Health, supporting initiatives ​ ​ such as the mumps, Zika and hepatitis A outbreak campaigns, TB screening, and other awareness raising actions relating to NCDs. The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) has engaged ​ the MIRCS with regard to strengthening disaster preparedness and response.

In 2019, the society will further strengthen its engagement with relevant government offices in the context of its auxiliary role and further enhance as well partnership with civil society organizations on areas of mutual interest.

6. Enhance transparency and accountability MIRCS became the first organization in the entire Marshall Islands to complete their external audit in 2017, with unqualified findings. The Society is already preparing for its external audit for 2018. the society is proud to claim that reports to its funders are consistently provided on time.

In its efforts towards strengthening the Marshall Islands Red Cross, the following policies, rules and procedures were put in place:

2017 2018

1. MIRCS Code of Conduct 1. MIRCS Financial Procedures 2. MIRCS Logistics Plan 2. MIRCS Volunteering Policy 3. MIRCS DM Standard Operating Procedures 4. MIRCS Rules of Procedures 5. MIRCS Strategic Plan

Marshall Islands Red Cross, at the close of 2017, instituted an annual planning and budgeting process that is strongly linked to its strategic plan. The annual plan and budget guides the National Society in delivering its mandate. This plan and budget is developed by the staff, reviewed by the Finance Commission and thereafter submitted to the Governing Board for approval.

7. Ensure good governance The National Governing Board of MIRCS, in its usual show of commitment, all came together for an orientation on the roles of the Board of a National Society. The session was facilitated by the Head of the IFRC Country Cluster Support Team for the Pacific and the Head of the North Pacific Sub-Office. Likewise, volunteer orientations have become a norm with MIRCS to ensure that volunteers are knowledgeable on the organization they are volunteering with. In 2018, volunteers were oriented: 101 male and 91 females. Most of them are youth!

In June, the 2nd General Assembly of the Marshall ​ Islands Red Cross Society was conducted. Participants included 45 members of MIRCS [23 males: 22 females]. The acting President of RMI graced the occasion.

The MIRCS Board has consistently held its regular meetings with significant attendance and always with a quorum. The Board holds their quarterly meetings in accordance with their Constitution, and when the need arises, emergency meetings.

8. Actively promote Red Cross knowledge whenever there is an opportunity The Marshall Islands Journal, the only newspaper in RMI, has been capturing stories of MIRCS actions. in 2018, 11 articles appeared in the Journal.

MIRCS is actively engaged in using social media as a platform to share to the public its humanitarian actions. In 2018, it reached 2,065 people and received 3,015 hits weekly.

MIRCS instructs its Trainers and Facilitators on how to conduct

dissemations when trainings are being held in communities.

MIRCS will continue to ensure government, civil society, and public are aware of our role and the services MIRCS provides.

MIRCS will continue to develop and implement a communication strategy to promote MIRCS and increase public support (e.g. social media, monthly updates in MI Journal, newsletters).

MIRCS will continue to organize Induction Workshops whenever there is an appropriate number of new volunteers.

MIRCS will continue to organize community and outer island visits to help disseminate information concerning the Red Cross and the goals of the Marshall Islands Red Cross Society. MIRCS will continue to boost Volunteer recruitment with support of volunteers to conduct recruitment outings.

MIRCS will continue to provide support regarding the use and protection of the Red Cross Red Crescent Emblems, ensure the protection of the Emblems, and provide educational materials that can be used to support the understanding of the Emblems by the government, civil society, and the public.

Strategic Goal 2: Enhance community resilience 1. Disaster preparedness Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) were organized in targeted communities in Majuro and in outer islands of RMI. As of today, ERTs were established in Jenrok, Ajeltake and Jeirok Communities in Majuro; Ebeye in Kwajalein Atoll, , Wotje Atoll, Ailinglaplap Atoll, Arno Atoll, Namdrik Atoll, Namu Atoll, Lae Atoll, Likiep Atoll, Mejatto in Kwajalein Atoll, and Rongrong Island of Majuro Atoll. A total of fifteen (15) ERT’s were created, with a total of 319 members: 208 Male; 111 females. ​ All the ERTs are all certified First Aiders, First Aid being the basic component of their response mechanism. ERT Location, 2018 Male Female TOTAL Jenrok (Majuro) 8 27 35 Jeirok (Majuro) 4 14 18 Ajeltake (Majuro) 12 3 15 Ebeye (Kwajalein) 28 12 40 Rongrong (Majuro) 13 11 24 Jaluit Atoll 18 5 23 Wotje Atoll 12 2 14 Ailinglaplap Atoll 13 7 20 Namdrik Atoll 15 3 18

Arno Atoll 24 1 25 Namu Atoll 20 0 20 Mejatto Atoll 10 11 21 Likiep Atoll 20 3 23 Lae Atoll 11 12 23 Mili Atoll TBA Total 208 111 319

As part of its disaster preparedness, MIRCS has established a two-way radio communication that connects its staff and volunteers from Laura to Rita.

In 2019, the ERTs will lead the development of Early Warning Systems that will enable their respective communities to do early action and save lives during a disaster or emergency.

In a peer learning mode, Jeirok and Ajeltake Emergency Response Teams were facilitated to visit the Jenrok Early Warning System to appreciate and learn and thereafter reflect how this can be implemented in their respective communities. As a result, at the close of 2018, Jeirok community, led by the ERTs, conducted a Vulnerability Capacity Assessment that informed their decision on what Early Warning System they will establish in Jeirok and how the communities will be given a drill to ensure that the system works.

As part of disaster preparedness, the MIRCS volunteers and staff actively participated in a Full Scale Airport Exercise that simulated a crash landing in Majuro. This was a multi-stakeholder exercise that involved many of the resources and organizations in the capital city..

2. Disaster response In 2018, MIRCS staff and volunteers responded to 2 fires that that happened in Majuro. 3. Risk Reduction The Jenrok DRR activities, including the Early Warning System (EWS), was replicated in the communities of Jeirok and Ajeltake. The Ebeye branch as well has replicated the Jenrok approach to DRR and EWS.

4. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) MIRCS has 1 staff and 11 volunteers trained on water quality assessment.. This skill is an important asset of the society. The volunteers can be mobilized quickly to support especially assessments in outer islands. In 2019, MIRCS will engage more with its branches in implementing low cost-low technology practical WASH activities.

5. Logistics Development The search for a space to locate a 20-foot container has started, with two locations identified and are currently being negotiated with the landowner, one is in Uliga and the other is at the Delap Park.. The container will serve as an MIRCS warehouse for its non-food relief items. In October of last year, the MIRCS DM Officer participated in a Logistics Development workshop which was organized by the World Food Program (WFP). The DM Officer is likewise receiving technical support from the DM Manager of IFRC CCST Pacific.

Strategic Goal 3: Promote health and safety 1. Develop First Aid as a core MIRCS service MIRCS has certified 484 First Aiders in 2018. Approximately, this would cover 97 households.9 This is an increase from the estimated 76 households in 2017. For these two years, MIRCS has certified 862 First Aiders, an equivalent of 172 households. The goal is to have a First Aider in every home!

Number of people certified as First Aiders by MIRCS from October 1, 2017 until September 30 2018 YEAR Male Female Total 2017 262 116 378 2018 310 174 484 TOTAL 572 290 862

With support from New Zealand Red Cross, 3 MIRCS First Aid Instructors moved up to become Master Trainers.

American Red Cross has generously donated 50 First Aid adult and child training mannequins and the MIRCS added to that by purchasing 20 children and 20 infant First Aid training mannequins to complement the donation and ensure effective trainings.

As an island nation, MIRCS takes seriously the issue of water safety. With support from the Federation, it has procured 30 water lifejackets which staff and volunteers now use every time they travel through boats for inter-island missions. On occasion, the MIRCS lends the lifejackets to its partners to ensure the safety of their personnel.

2. Lead the setting of first aid standards in RMI in partnership with the MOHHS There are currently 21 Certified MIRCS First Aid Instructors and 3 Master Trainers. There is an existing MoU with the Ministry of Health giving the MIRCS the preferred status as a First Aid service provider in the Marshall Islands.

In the coming years, MIRCS will start to develop sectoral First Aid training e.g. fishermen, laborers, shopkeepers and others.

9 Assuming that there is an average of 5 persons in each household.

There is an ongoing First Aid Manual translation project that will soon make available to the public a Marshallese version of the First Aid Manual. Several volunteers are collaborating in this translation project to ensure that this version is practical, nuanced and reflects the correct translation of the knowledge and skills that the First Aid manual is imparting.

In 2019, MIRCS shall recertify First Aid instructors and recruit new ones as well. A First Aid Master Trainer Training will also be conducted in Majuro. The society shall start to explore developing special First Aid courses for various sectors e.g. fishermen, laborer, shopkeepers, etc.

3. Address non-communicable diseases 21 volunteers [9 males, 12 females], have participated in disease awareness campaigns in the country during the Mumps, Zika and Hepatitis A outbreaks, and the TB and Leprosy Mass Screenings.

As part of the nationwide movement to attack the serious issue of NCDs, MIRCS will join in this effort by helping to educate First Aid trainees about the value of diet and exercise in promoting good health for people of all ages.

4. Health emergencies When the Mumps, Zika and Hepatitis A outbreaks occurred in Majuro, 21 MIRCS volunteers participated in health promotion health education, conducting house to house awareness campaigns as well as in mumps inoculations. The Secretary General and the First Aid Coordinator also serve on the EpiNet Team when breakouts of diseases do occur.

In the recent Mass TB and Leprosy Screening, 13 MIRCS volunteers actively participated in health promotion and health education. Some of the volunteers assisted in the treatment activities.

5. Develop volunteer initiatives to address social issues The MIRCS is currently a member of the National Taskforce for Human Trafficking (NTHT). It is also an active advocate and promotes gender issues in all its interactions and in its own initiatives, especially in youth engagement.

6. Promote voluntary non-remunerated blood donation The MIRCS and the Ministry of Health Representative jointly represented RMI in the Northern Pacific Workshop on Voluntary Non-Remunerated Blood donation held in Palau in March 2018. A joint commitment, born from the MoU that MIRC and the MoH has, to move towards a full voluntary non-remunerated blood donation was further explored in terms of practical actions.

The MIRCS has consistently supported the Majuro hospital blood bank in search of blood donors every time a need arises. This is done especially through the MIRCS FB account posts and FB messenger group.

MIRCS has started preliminary work on a nationwide campaign to get all age groups motivated to donate blood in order for the RMI to have a fully stocked blood supply so that our hospital can be prepared in case of disaster.

With the change in policy from a paid donation to a voluntary non-remunerated blood donation, 2019 is expected to be an active year for MIRCS in blood donation campaigns and integrating the subject in all its initiatives especially the ERTs as part of their disaster preparedness.

Challenges in 2018 but looking forward to 2019 ● Volunteerism - looking forward to recruit more volunteers and youth and retaining them

● Availability of current First Aid & ERT Instructors - to do another ToT for new instructors ● Office Space - to explore funding for MIRCS HQ and training center building construction ● Financial sustainability - conduct resource mobilization/fundraising in 2019 to start MIRCS reserves for future operation & activities ● Storage - need space to store equipments and have emergency relief supplies on stock ● Outer Islands Support - need more reliable & better communications

st th Financial Statement [1 ​ October 2017 – 30 ​ September 2018] ​ ​ ​