PM speaks about digitalization of industry, agriculture in Belarus

The Vitebsk regional organization of the Belarusian Red Cross (BRC) summed up the results of its work for 2023 and outlined tasks for the upcoming period at a meeting of the presidium with the participation of the Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Vyacheslav Durnov.

– Much has been done by the Vitebsk regional organization of the Belarusian Red Cross, but the main thing is not to slow down the pace, – emphasized Vyacheslav Durnov. – I am confident that the ideas and opportunities we have will be utilized and implemented. In this regard, it is necessary to constantly strengthen the organization's potential, its material and technical base, develop interaction with government bodies and non-governmental structures, educational and healthcare institutions, enterprises, and organizations. Our entire society must be involved in this work. The financing of the Belarusian Red Cross is formed mainly from membership fees, and in this regard, it is necessary to improve the work of primary organizations. Thus, for 2024, we have set ourselves the task of switching to a declarative principle for calculating membership fees. We are setting a target of 85%, but we need to strive to increase it. This work must be actively engaged in.

The Chairperson of the Vitebsk regional organization of the Belarusian Red Cross, Galina Zhelanova, emphasized that 2023 was a period of creating a reliable foundation that allows moving forward, applying new opportunities dictated by the times, and thanks to specific initiatives, many people received real help. Thus, from March to April 2023, employees and volunteers of the organization provided assistance to the population affected by the spring floods in the Vitebsk region. Within two weeks, trips were made to the Verkhnedvinsk, Gorodok, Miory, Shumilino, and Polotsk districts to assess the situation, provide humanitarian and household assistance, and psychosocial support. During the response operation, food and hygiene kits, and drinking water were delivered to 79 households affected by the flood.

The "Dapamoga" medico-social service of the Vitebsk Regional Organization of the Belarusian Red Cross provided assistance to 77 beneficiaries, including 68 who received services within the framework of the state social order. In 2023, activities continued to support refugees from Ukraine and other countries, who were provided with cash and voucher assistance. The crisis center continued its work, accommodating 19 individuals in need of temporary housing. The organization's specialist in psychological first aid and psychologist worked with migrants from Ukraine at the center.

The Vitebsk Regional Organization implemented 14 international projects in the region. The organization is assisted by 2240 volunteers.

In 2024, the Red Cross in the Vitebsk region will introduce a new form of teamwork: the social order will extend beyond healthcare to include initiatives by the regional executive committee's labor, employment, and social protection department. Three teams will be formed in Novopolotsk, Orsha, and Polotsk, enabling assistance to as many lonely citizens as possible.

The event concluded with the presentation of well-deserved awards for active participation and significant contributions to achieving the goals and objectives of the Belarusian Red Cross. The final meeting was attended by deputy chairpersons of city and district executive committees, chief physicians of healthcare institutions in the Vitebsk region, and Russian partners from the northern region – representatives of the Pskov region.

Vyacheslav Durnov also highlighted the importance of the upcoming electoral campaign. For the first time, February 25 will mark the Unified Voting Day, as stipulated by the updated Constitution. Recognizing the significance of this socio-political event for the country's development and the maintenance of stability and well-being within Belarusian society, it is essential to conduct appropriate informational and organizational work within your teams.