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Successful Completion of Two-Day SBCC Training for Routine Immunisation Field Staff in District Bannu

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The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Bannu Branch proudly announces the successful completion of the two-day Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) Training for Routine Immunization (RI) Programme field staff in District Bannu. The training served as a significant step toward enhancing the capacity of frontline health workers and improving community health outcomes through effective communication and behaviour change strategies.

Building Skills to Strengthen Community Health

The SBCC training was designed to empower field staff with practical tools and knowledge to strengthen community engagement and address challenges commonly faced in routine immunization activities. The sessions covered a wide range of important topics, including:

  • Understanding SBCC principles and their relevance to public health

  • Identifying social, cultural, and behavioural barriers to immunization

  • Effective interpersonal communication and community mobilization

  • Techniques to build trust and encourage positive health-seeking behaviours

  • Strategies to address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation

  • Developing clear, culturally appropriate health messages

Through group discussions, case studies, and interactive learning exercises, participants gained a deeper understanding of how improved communication can lead to increased immunization acceptance and coverage.

Closing Ceremony and Certificate Distribution

The training concluded with a formal closing ceremony, graced by distinguished guests:

  • Mr. Bahram Shazada – District Secretary, PRCS Bannu

  • Dr. Rahim Agha – SKP HUB Bannu, CDC Focal Person

Both speakers delivered inspiring remarks, acknowledging the commitment of the RI field staff and the importance of such capacity-building initiatives in strengthening Pakistan’s public health systems. They highlighted the crucial role of trained frontline workers in promoting immunization, preventing outbreaks, and ensuring healthier communities.

Following their remarks, certificates were awarded to all participants in recognition of their successful completion of the training.

A Step Toward Stronger Community Health Systems

PRCS Bannu extends heartfelt gratitude to all participants, resource persons, and facilitators for their enthusiastic engagement and contributions. Their collective efforts reflect a shared commitment to enhancing community health through improved communication and behaviour change practices.

The successful completion of this training underscores PRCS’s ongoing dedication to supporting national immunization efforts and empowering frontline workers with the skills needed to effectively engage communities, dispel misconceptions, and promote life-saving health services.

PRCS KP Conducts Interactive Session on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support at IMSciences Peshawar

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On the invitation of the Institute of Management Sciences (IMSciences), Peshawar, representatives from the Pakistan Red Crescent Society, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Branch (PRCS KP) — Ms. Samreen Afridi, Assistant Director – Community Engagement & Accountability (CEA) and Protection, Gender & Inclusion (PGI), and Mr. Zeeshan Asghar, Information Management & Reporting Officer — conducted an interactive awareness session with BS Psychology students on the theme “Integration of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) during Emergencies and Disasters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”

Promoting Mental Well-being in Humanitarian Response

The session aimed to enhance students’ understanding of the critical role of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in humanitarian action, particularly during disasters and emergencies. It highlighted the psychological and emotional impacts that crises can have on individuals, families, and communities, and the importance of timely psychosocial interventions to promote recovery and resilience.

Ms. Samreen Afridi discussed how PRCS KP integrates MHPSS into its disaster response and recovery operations, ensuring that the psychological needs of affected populations are addressed alongside their physical well-being. She emphasized that mental health support is a fundamental part of humanitarian response and that inclusive and community-driven approaches are essential to restoring hope and stability after traumatic events.

Understanding PRCS’s Role in Community Resilience

Mr. Zeeshan Asghar briefed participants on the PRCS’s ongoing programs and strategies for strengthening community resilience in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly through awareness campaigns, capacity-building workshops, and volunteer engagement. He elaborated on the importance of effective information management and coordination in responding to the mental health needs of vulnerable groups during crises such as floods, earthquakes, or conflict-related displacement.

Interactive Learning and Student Engagement

The session was designed to be interactive, allowing psychology students to engage with real-life examples, case studies, and field experiences shared by the PRCS team. Participants discussed the challenges of addressing mental health issues in disaster settings and explored how future professionals in psychology can contribute to humanitarian interventions through empathy, counseling, and psychosocial support.

Students expressed appreciation for the PRCS team’s visit, describing the session as inspiring, educational, and deeply relevant to their field of study. Many noted that it provided valuable insights into how psychological expertise can be applied in real-world humanitarian contexts.

Commitment to Mental Health and Humanitarian Excellence

The session concluded with an acknowledgment of the PRCS KP’s commitment to promoting mental well-being and psychosocial resilience as an integral part of disaster management and community support. Such collaborations between academic institutions and humanitarian organizations foster greater awareness, empathy, and preparedness among future professionals, ensuring a more resilient and compassionate society.

PRCS KP Volunteers Participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Seminar at Governor House

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The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Branch actively participated in a Breast Cancer Awareness Seminar held at the Governor House, Peshawar, as part of ongoing efforts to promote health awareness and community engagement across the province.

The event was graced by the presence of the Honorable Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, and Chairman PRCS Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mr. Farzand Ali Wazir, alongside PRCS officials, staff, and volunteers.

A group photograph was taken featuring the Governor KP, Chairman PRCS KP, and the participating PRCS staff and volunteers, symbolizing unity, partnership, and shared commitment to improving public health awareness.

Promoting Health Awareness and Volunteerism

A total of 22 female and 12 male volunteers from PRCS KP took part in the seminar, reflecting the organization’s inclusive approach and its dedication to mobilizing youth and community members toward meaningful causes. The event emphasized the importance of early detection, education, and open discussion about breast cancer — a disease that continues to affect countless lives across Pakistan.

Chairman Farzand Ali Wazir highlighted PRCS’s dedication to public health initiatives, stating that awareness and education are vital tools in saving lives.

“Through such initiatives, PRCS continues to empower communities with knowledge and compassion. Our volunteers are at the forefront of promoting health awareness and supporting preventive healthcare efforts,” he said.

Commitment to Community Service

The participation of PRCS KP volunteers in the awareness seminar underscores the Society’s ongoing commitment to promoting health education, preventive care, and humanitarian values throughout the province. These activities form an integral part of PRCS’s mission to build healthy, informed, and resilient communities through volunteer engagement and partnerships with government institutions.

The Breast Cancer Awareness Seminar served not only as an educational platform but also as a reminder of the vital role that collaboration and volunteerism play in addressing public health challenges.

About PRCS Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Branch

The Pakistan Red Crescent Society Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Branch continues to lead in humanitarian service and community development across the province. Through its network of volunteers, health programs, and partnerships, PRCS KP works to alleviate suffering, raise health awareness, and strengthen community resilience.

German Red Cross Delegation Briefed on Ongoing Humanitarian Activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

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Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – October 2025:
A delegation from the German Red Cross (GRC) visited the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Branch and received a comprehensive briefing on the Society’s ongoing humanitarian and relief activities across the province. The discussions centered on aid distribution efforts, community outreach programs, and field operations designed to support flood-affected and vulnerable communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The session was chaired by Chairman PRCS Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mr. Farzand Ali Wazir, who provided an overview of the branch’s recent humanitarian interventions, disaster response operations, and the critical role played by PRCS volunteers in reaching communities in need.

Strengthening Humanitarian Cooperation

In his address, Chairman Farzand Ali Wazir expressed his appreciation for the continued partnership between the German Red Cross and PRCS Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, emphasizing that this collaboration has greatly enhanced the branch’s ability to deliver timely and dignified assistance to disaster-affected families.

“The unwavering support of our partners, including the German Red Cross, has enabled PRCS Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to strengthen its humanitarian outreach and serve people in their moments of greatest need. Our volunteers remain the backbone of our mission—working day and night to support vulnerable communities with compassion and commitment,” he stated.

Commitment to Serving Humanity

The meeting was attended by Mr. Cyriakus Brautigam (Head of Office, German Red Cross Pakistan), Mr. Asif Khan, Mr. Muhammad Qaswar Abbas (Programme Delegate), and Mr. Sher Ahmad Shad (Programme Manager), along with PRCS officials and field staff. The participants reviewed progress in ongoing relief operations and discussed ways to further enhance coordination in humanitarian action across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The delegation lauded PRCS KP’s efforts in disaster response, healthcare services, and community resilience programs, recognizing the dedication of its volunteers and staff who continue to serve in challenging environments. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to humanitarian values—ensuring that all assistance is provided with humanity, integrity, transparency, and resilience.

Moving Forward Together

Concluding the session, both organizations agreed to continue their close collaboration in strengthening disaster preparedness, community resilience, and humanitarian response capacity in the province. The partnership between PRCS KP and the German Red Cross remains a cornerstone of humanitarian cooperation, enabling sustainable support for those affected by natural disasters and crises.

“Together, we will keep working to bring hope and relief to the people who need it most,” Chairman Farzand Ali Wazir concluded.

About PRCS Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Branch

The Pakistan Red Crescent Society Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Branch is a leading humanitarian organization dedicated to alleviating human suffering, supporting disaster-affected populations, and strengthening community resilience. Through its network of volunteers and partnerships with international organizations like the German Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), PRCS KP continues to deliver life-saving assistance, healthcare, and disaster preparedness programs across the province.

Chairman PRCS KP Visits Mobile Health Unit and Medical Camp in Flood-Affected Areas of Buner

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Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – October 2025:
The Chairman of Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Branch, Mr. Farzand Ali Wazir, visited the Mobile Health Unit (MHU) and Medical Camp established in the flood-affected areas of District Buner. The visit aimed to assess healthcare delivery, review medical facilities, and ensure that flood-affected communities continue to receive timely and quality medical services.

Providing Healthcare to the Most Vulnerable

During the visit, Chairman Farzand Ali Wazir personally reviewed the availability of medicines, functioning of medical facilities, and performance of the field staff working tirelessly in challenging conditions. He interacted with the healthcare workers and local residents to better understand their needs and the impact of the services being provided.

Expressing satisfaction over the standard of care, Mr. Wazir appreciated the dedication of PRCS medical and volunteer teams who continue to serve disaster-hit families with compassion and professionalism. He reaffirmed PRCS’s mission to make essential healthcare accessible to those in need, especially in remote and vulnerable communities.

Mobile Health Units – Bringing Relief to Doorsteps

Highlighting the importance of mobile healthcare, Chairman Farzand Ali Wazir said:

“The Mobile Health Units are playing a vital role in providing free medical care and timely relief to vulnerable communities. These services bring healthcare directly to those who might otherwise remain unreached, ensuring that no one is left behind in times of crisis.”

The Mobile Health Unit and Medical Camp in Buner provide essential healthcare services such as general consultations, maternal and child health, disease prevention, and first aid, supported by qualified medical staff and dedicated volunteers. These mobile facilities have become lifelines for many families who lost access to healthcare due to flood damages.

Recognizing the Spirit of Service

Commending the field teams and volunteers, the Chairman noted that their commitment exemplifies the true spirit of humanity, empathy, and selfless service.

“Our teams in the field are the real heroes of our humanitarian mission. Their dedication reflects the core values of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement—serving people in need without discrimination,” he said.

Commitment to Compassionate Action

Under the leadership of Chairman Farzand Ali Wazir, the PRCS Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Branch continues to deliver critical humanitarian assistance across the province, including medical aid, cash assistance, disaster relief operations, and health awareness programs. By deploying Mobile Health Units and emergency response teams, PRCS KP ensures that healthcare and relief services reach those who need them most, upholding the values of humanity, neutrality, and voluntary service.

About PRCS Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Branch

The Pakistan Red Crescent Society Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Branch is a leading humanitarian organization dedicated to alleviating human suffering and building resilient communities. Through its strong volunteer network and collaboration with international partners, PRCS KP continues to respond to emergencies, promote public health, and strengthen disaster preparedness across the province.