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The International Committee of the Red Cross and Health

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 January 2010

Abstract

The ICRC Medical Division, established in November 1977, works for the war wounded, for prisoners, for the civilian population and for the war disabled. Its essential purpose is to keep the victims alive, alleviate their suffering and prevent their sicknesses or wounds from ruining the rest of their lives.

In his summary of ICRC activities during his term of office, (1976–1987) President Alexandre Hay said last May, “The medical sector, completely embryonic when I arrived, has developed considerably and has now achieved a highly praiseworthy quality and dimension. The ICRC and the victims of conflicts owe a great deal to the spirit of initiative, devotion and competence of its doctors”.

The Review is particularly pleased to publish the following article by Dr. Remi Russbach, Chief Medical Officer of the ICRC, who traces the evolution of the Medical Division in the past ten years, emphasizing not only the progress achieved in the execution of its programmes but dealing as well with the problems which the ICRC has had to face in this domain.

Type
International Committee of the Red Cross
Copyright
Copyright © International Committee of the Red Cross 1987

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References

1 Russbach, Rémi, “Disaster Co-ordinating Doctor, a multidisciplinary training” — Newsletter, International Society on Disaster Medicine, No. 30, 08 1986, pp. 14.Google Scholar

2 Perrin, Pierre, “Medical Assistance in an Emergency Situation”, ICRC, 1984.Google Scholar

3 ICRC Handbook for Donors — Technical guidelines for donation in kind to ICRC relief operations, ICRC, 1983.Google Scholar

4 24th International Conference of the Red Cross, Manila, 1981: Resolution XXVI — Role of medical personnel in the preparation and execution of Red Cross emergency medical action.

5 25th International Conference of the Red Cross, Geneva, 1986: Resolution XVIII — Nutrition and food donation policy in Red Cross and Red Crescent emergency operations.

6 Ibid, Resolution XIX — Medical supplies in Red Cross and Red Crescent emergency operations.

7 24th International Conference of the Red Cross, Manila, 1981: Resolution XXVII — ICRC Special Fund for the Disabled.