ERCS Launches Fourth Phase of EC2R Project with £11.8 Million Support
The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) today launched the fourth phase of the Ethiopia Crises to Resilience (EC2R) Project during a kick-off workshop held in Addis Ababa. The event brought together ERCS leadership, representatives of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the FDRE Ministry of Health, government partners, Regional and zonal health and water bureaus and offices, donors, and project staff from headquarters and regional branches.
The project is designed to save lives and reduce suffering by addressing the humanitarian needs of vulnerable populations living in conflict- and disaster-prone hard-to-reach areas of Ethiopia.
With a budget of £11.8 million, the project will be implemented across six regions: Afar, Amhara, Tigray, Oromia, Benishangul-Gumuz, and Central Ethiopia. The implementation period will run from June 2026 to March 2027, aiming to strengthen community resilience and provide lifesaving support to vulnerable populations affected by crises.
In his opening remarks, ERCS Secretary General Ato Abera Lulessa expressed appreciation for the continued support provided by the FCDO over the past three years in strengthening the resilience of vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities across Ethiopia through the EC2R Project.
He emphasized that the successful implementation of the project requires strong coordination, collaboration, and engagement among all stakeholders. He also highlighted the significant impact the project has had in supporting communities affected by humanitarian crises and strengthening their resilience.
Representing the FDRE Ministry of Health, Ato Sirak Gugsa highlighted the project’s strong alignment with the Ministry’s strategic priorities and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) to ensure its effective implementation.
During the workshop, participants reviewed key components of the project plan, including interventions in health, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), cash assistance, and the South Sudan influx emergency response plan. The presentations were followed by discussions on implementation strategies, coordination mechanisms, and expected outcomes.
Representatives of the FCDO commended ERCS for its commitment to humanitarian action and recognized the Society as an organization that delivers results. They also praised the strong collaboration among government institutions, humanitarian partners, and local stakeholders involved in the project.
The EC2R Project continues to serve as a key platform for enhancing preparedness, response, and resilience-building efforts in some of Ethiopia’s most vulnerable communities.
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