The Measles & Malaria Partnership: Nearly 25 Years Saving Lives of Vulnerable Children Overseas

By Carol Miller

A deadly measles outbreak in Texas, and new cases identified in additional states, has healthcare officials, parents and others on edge. We thought this would be a good time to update ARCAN members on the effective work American Red Cross and partners have done since 2001 to address the Measles Epidemic in Africa and other countries, which saves lives and helps contain the spread of the disease. Many ARCAN members worked on, were touched by or donated funds to the Measles Initiative.

Following is a Q&A with James Noe (photo below) senior program manager of the Measles & Rubella Partnership at American Red Cross National Headquarters. 

Red Cross Protecting Kids from Measles & Rubella: One Shot at a Time...

1. Does the American Red Cross still donate a certain amount of money per year to the Measles & Rubella Partnership to vaccinate children overseas?  

The American Red Cross still provides money each year to the Measles & Rubella Partnership (M&RB) through our annual pledge. Since 2001, as an organization we have provide more than $191 million dollars to the Partnership. These funds are typically provided through a grant to the UN Foundation who then transfers it to UNICEF or WHO. Supported activities include the purchase of vaccine doses for use in M&RP supported vaccination campaigns or to programs to address bottlenecks to elimination in Middle Income Countries (MICs). While MICs continue to have a significant number of cases of measles and rubella and can in fact be responsible for the exportation of the diseases to neighboring countries, they are ineligible for funding from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance which provides resources to the vast majority of global immunization programs. The American Red Cross is one of the few avenues for critical funding support in MICs, so our annual pledge has become even more impactful.

2. What are your concerns about the current increase in Measles cases in some U.S. states?  

Parts of the U.S. are unfortunately trending downward in Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccination coverage for children. This leaves pockets of unvaccinated communities in states throughout the U.S., which sadly leaves thousands of children unprotected against one of the most contagious diseases in the world. While thought of by some as a mild disease, measles can result in serious complications including pneumonia, encephalitis of the brain and death. In 2023, more than 107,000 children, mostly under the age of 5, died from complications of measles. As part of the measles outbreak in West Texas, the first measles death in the U.S. was recorded since 2015, this was even more tragically a school age child who could have easily been protected through vaccination.

3. Does it still cost $1 per child vaccinated for Measles, or what is the new figure for a Measles vaccine, and one for the Rubella vaccine? 

Yes, in a low income country it still cost only $1 to vaccinate a child against measles. The $1 includes all associated costs such as the manufacturing of the vaccine by the Serum Institute of India, the transporting of the vaccines to the country, the maintaining of the cold chain through the entire journey, the materials including syringes, dilutant and burn boxes, and the wage of the healthcare worker to administer the vaccine to a child. For the combined measles and rubella vaccine, the cost goes up by $1 dollar for a total of $2 dollars to protect a child for life against both diseases with one shot.

4. What countries or regions outside of the continent of Africa has the Partnership vaccinated? 

While the vast majority of vaccination campaigns are conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa, as the region maintains the highest level of disease burden, the M&RP has supported vaccination campaigns in every world region. This includes high burden countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan and Indonesia as well as countries in the countries in Europe such as Kyrgyzstan and countries in the Americas Region like Haiti. Similarly, the American Red Cross has provided direct campaign support through Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies in countries including Haiti, India, Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines and Timor-Leste.  

5. When did GAVI become part of the partnership?  

While Gavi has been involved with the Partnership since 2010, they did not gain formal membership as a core partner until 2023. At that time, Gavi as well as the Gates Foundation were added as official partners triggering a rebranding from the Measles & Rubella Initiative to the Measles & Rubella Partnership. Along with the inclusion of Gavi and Gates this also signaled a key change to our operational strategy and framework as we became integrated into the World Health Organization (WHO) Immunization Agenda 2030 structure.

6. Where is the Partnership going to vaccinate this year?  

While the timing of campaigns depend on numerous factors and launch dates often slip, for 2025 the following countries are on the programmatic calendar for measles or measles/rubella vaccination campaigns:

·      Afghanistan

·      Bangladesh

·      CAR

·      Eswatini

·      Chad

·      Comoros

·      Congo

·      Congo DRC

·      Ethiopia

·      Gambia

·      Kenya

·      Lesotho

·      Niger

·      Nigeria

·      Pakistan

·      Somalia

·      Sudan South

·      Sudan South

·      Syria NW

·      Togo

·      Zimbabwe

·      Botswana

7. How, if at all, will the pause in USAID financial and human resources support from the U.S. government to other countries affect the ability of the Partnership to continue momentum in the Partnership’s goal? What challenges might it present?  

The pause in funding to USAID has the potential to have significant impacts on global immunization programs through the timing of the next Gavi replenishment cycle. Gavi is the largest funder for global immunization programs as a conduit for donor countries to provide financial resources to the efforts to control and eliminate vaccine preventable diseases in low-income countries. The U.S. has typically been one of the biggest donors to Gavi during their replenishments and were expected to provide roughly $300 million to support Gavi activities between 2026 to 2030.

8. Does the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still provide one of its staff members to work on the Partnership at the American Red Cross?For how many years is the staff member assigned? (it used to be 5 years) 

The tradition of having a U.S. CDC secondee support the American Red Cross’ Measles & Rubella Partnership unfortunately came to an end. The last CDC staff member to support our programs was Dr. Mary Agocs, who happily retired from the CDC following the conclusion of her tour and became a full time Red Cross employee. Currently she leads our program and is based in Geneva where she also helps to support coordination with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

9. Does Red Cross still lead administratively on the Partnership?  

The detailed summary of each M&RP Core Partner can be found here. One of many improvements of the rebranding from Measles & Rubella Initiative to Measles & Rubella Partnership is the formation of the Program Support Unit (PSU) that serves as the secretariat of the Partnership, taking on the administrative role. This was a welcome change supported by the American Red Cross and has created efficiencies within the Partnership. That said, the Red Cross still hosts numerous key activities including the bi-weekly Africa Region Measles and Rubella Call, planning and coordination of advocacy events, and finally the hosting of the M&RP Partners Meeting at Red Cross Square every two years. It should also be noted that the Red Cross served as the co-chair of the M&RP Management Team until May of 2024, at which point our term ended and UNICEF took over as co-chair.

10. An American Red Cross staffer ran across the U.S. to draw attention to the Measles Initiative in the early 2000's. Are there any examples of how you are raising awareness of the Partnership's work among U.S. audiences/advocates now?  

While we have not done activities as notable as the Measles Run in recent years, we still work closely with the Red Cross domestic Chapter Network to conduct advocacy and fundraising activities. We continue to work closely with Red Cross clubs and youth volunteers to raise awareness and funds through the Vaccinate a Village platform. In FY2024, 19 clubs participated in Vaccinate a Village and in FY2025 we have already surpassed that number with 31 clubs participating so far. In addition to our work with youth volunteers, we also have a strong partnership with the American Red Cross National Nursing Committee to conduct educational and advocacy outreach to targeted Congressional offices. This program is currently in its nineth year and has helped to train and mobilize hundreds of Red Cross nurses to meet with representatives from their states to educate them on the ongoing global burden of measles and rubella, and encourage them to support continued U.S. Government funding for the CDC’s measles and rubella elimination programs.  

For more information, view the Partnership video here. 

And see the Measles & Rubella Partnership web pages at RedCross.org here and at the Partnership website here. 

Ukraine: IFRC President Kate Forbes Reflects on the Scars of Conflict and the Long Road to Recovery

IFRC president Kate Forbes greets members of a Ukrainian Red Cross first responders team in Kyiv, Ukraine. Photo: Olha Ivashchenko/IFRC

Amid the suffering, Ukraine stands as an example of global solidarity and local leadership in humanitarian response. The road to recovery depends on the world’s continued, collective commitment. 

by Kate Forbes, IFRC President 

The drive from Warsaw in Poland to Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine, takes almost 15 hours. For some, this journey might feel like a trip to a distant land. But Ukraine is not far away—it is at the heart of Europe. What is happening here is not confined to this country or its people; its challenges resonate across the continent and beyond.

As we travel through Ukraine’s small towns and villages, the signs of conflict become unmistakable. Remembrance walls display the faces of fallen soldiers, each photo a testament to a life cut short. Yet the true pain of war is carried by those left behind—the mothers and fathers who have lost their sons, the wives who have lost their husbands, the sisters and brothers who have lost beloved siblings.

Now entering its fourth year, the protracted conflict has left deep scars—on its land and people. Now entering its fourth year, the protracted conflict has left deep scars—on its land and people. The future remains uncertain as conflict and devastation continue to reshape Ukraine’s story. Yet amid the suffering, Ukraine stands as a powerful example of local leadership in humanitarian response. It has also become a symbol of solidarity, as countries and communities in Europe and beyond have opened their doors, extending compassion and care to those displaced.

Ukraine’s crisis has tested the application of humanitarian principles. In a polarized global environment, where narratives often take sides, upholding neutrality and impartiality has become increasingly complex. One of the key lessons from the conflict in Ukraine is that while these principles remain vital, the foundation of all humanitarian action is the principle of humanity. 

Humanity—recognizing and responding to suffering simply because it exists. This principle, above all others, defines the true purpose of humanitarian work: saving lives, restoring dignity, and inspiring hope.

Members of a Ukrainian Red Cross emergency response unit taking part in a training exercise for evacuating people with limited mobility from the upper floors of apartment buildings. Photo: Olha Ivashchenko/IFRC

The spirit of humanity

The Ukrainian Red Cross exemplifies this spirit, adapting to unprecedented challenges and delivering life-saving assistance rooted in local communities. Witnessing their work firsthand, especially in frontline areas, I was reminded of the phoenix rising from the ashes. Against unimaginable odds, they have reinvented themselves, embodying the resilience and solidarity of the Ukrainian people. 

The IFRC network has also demonstrated this spirit of solidarity and compassion, providing critical support to the Ukrainian Red Cross and assisting Ukrainians in neighbouring countries. Across the network, 60 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies worldwide have mobilized 2.3 billion CHF to support humanitarian efforts for Ukraine and for people from Ukraine. 

Yet, after three years, the challenges remain immense. Millions are still displaced, struggling to rebuild their lives. With savings depleted and the cost-of-living soaring, many have no choice but to return home. But returning is not what it once was—houses, schools, hospitals, and livelihoods have been destroyed. Access to healthcare and education is a daily struggle. 

Women playing a crucial role

One aspect of this crisis that is often overlooked is the extraordinary role of women. While men have been fighting on the frontlines, it is women who have held families, communities, and livelihoods together. Millions of women have taken on the immense responsibility of caring for their children, elderly parents, and displaced relatives—often while struggling to earn an income, manage food shortages, and navigate the dangers of this conflict.

Humanitarian actors have worked tirelessly since the escalation of the conflict, yet the scale of need is overwhelming. The nature of the crisis has shifted—from emergency response to long-term recovery—requiring a broader, more strategic approach. Meanwhile, global fatigue and aid cuts, coupled with economic strain on host countries, threaten to overshadow the urgency of Ukraine’s plight.

To address the overwhelming needs of those affected by this crisis, a multidimensional approach is essential - one that goes beyond immediate relief. Recovery must be holistic, integrating sustained humanitarian aid, sustainable development, and political solutions. 

Invisible wounds

First and foremost, the protection of civilians must remain at the center of all interventions. Beyond the physical destruction, the war has inflicted deep psychological wounds. Addressing mental health and trauma is as crucial as rebuilding homes and infrastructure. It is easier to reconstruct cities than to heal invisible wounds that, if left unaddressed, may pass from one generation to the next. 

Investing in initiatives that restore dignity and support mental well-being is essential to ensuring that Ukraine’s future is not shaped by the unhealed pain of this conflict. Since the escalation of the conflict, our National Red Cross Societies have been providing mental health services in Ukraine and 25 European countries. It is important to continue these services, as the conflict in Ukraine has led to an estimated 15 million people needing mental health and psychosocial support.

Secondly, rebuilding Ukraine requires a vision of inclusion and resilience. This means prioritizing local leadership, investing in education and healthcare, and creating opportunities for different groups, including women. Their role in sustaining Ukraine through this crisis must be recognized—not just in rhetoric, but in policies that prioritize their inclusion in decision-making, economic recovery programs, and long-term peacebuilding efforts. It is critical to foster an environment where Ukrainians lead their own recovery.

Finally, the world must acknowledge the broader geopolitical dimensions of this crisis. Humanitarian actors cannot operate in isolation; their work must be reinforced by diplomatic and political efforts that pave the way for long-term stability and recovery. The challenge now is to sustain humanitarian assistance for millions of people while all eyes suddenly turn to the peace process. The human cost of this conflict cannot be forgotten, and the needs of those affected must not be overshadowed by political negotiations.

As our cars move further from Kyiv, I carry these reflections with me. Ukraine’s locally driven humanitarian response, despite its challenges, is a testament to the power of people’s resilience and solidarity.

https://www.ifrc.org/article/ukraine-ifrc-president-kate-forbes-reflects-scars-conflict-and-long-road-recovery

Welcome to 2025 - A Message from Becky McCorry

The new year brings fresh energy and ideas, and I’m honored to serve as president at a time when these things are so crucial for ARCAN.

Before we talk business, I want to mention our Red Cross colleagues whose homes, loved ones and communities are in the paths of the devastating wildfires in southern California. Our hearts and support are with you, and also all those bringing disaster relief. Please be safe and stay in touch as things progress. 

We’re hitting the ground running in 2025 and I couldn’t be more excited to be working with the new leadership as we plan for improving our offerings and growing our membership. Join me in welcoming our new board members Yvonne Bell-White, Megan Chamberlain and Neal Denton; and in sharing our appreciation to those handing off their batons, board members Mary Buszuwski, Randy Hutson and Matt Meyer, for your exceptional time and talents.

Our goals for 2025 include:

• building a solid foundation to expand ARCAN, 
• growing our membership, 
• continuing to provide services important to retirees and alumni, and
• become financially stable. 

The membership has remained flat over the last few years. There are fewer retirees and therefore fewer people joining the organization. Also, since the inception of ARCRA, lifetime memberships have been offered but they have been discontinued to ensure the financial sustainability of ARCAN. We are at a crossroads because there are 1,252 members of which 594 are Lifetime (not paying annual dues). 

As an alumni network, our membership will grow organically while also providing a space for folks leaving the Red Cross to continue to connect around the mission. Our surveys with members and followers on social media have shown a strong desire to connect and gather with others who have left the organization. ARCAN wants to be the social fabric that brings them together. We’re looking forward to more ways of coming together and opportunities for you to volunteer or participate!

Please enjoy the January newsletter. We welcome your feedback and ideas on it and all our communications tools and initiatives as ARCAN forges ahead. Feel free to connect with me anytime at president@redcrossalumni.org.

Cheers to a Happy Healthy 2025!

ARCAN President

ARCAN 2024 Overview

The Retiree Connection, our helpline where volunteers help Red Cross retirees navigate their pension and benefits, assisted nearly 250 pensioners.  

New and traditional events grew in participation as we worked to find new ways to bring members together. The March webinar with Kate Forbes had more than 70 attendees; October’s inaugural Homecoming event had 75; and the recent Fireside Chat with Trevor Riggen had 55. One attendee commented, “It was awesome to be with so many legends!” 

The new website averaged 600 unique users per month, and 100 organic searches (visits coming through a search vs. clicking a link provided) per month.  

The updated newsletter was read by more than 60 percent of our members. Alumni feature stories and memorials tended to be read the most. Event registrations and the website Member Directory and Homepage also had a high number of clicks.  

ARCAN social media channels connected more than a thousand alumni and friends on Facebook and LinkedIn and promoted ARCAN membership and offerings.   

ARCAN Update from Becky McCorry

•  

  Mary Buszuwski steps down as President of ARCAN

  In November, after leading the transition and launch of the American Red Cross Alumni Network, Mary Buszuwski cut short her term as President to focus on family health issues.  

  Mary said, "It's been an incredible honor to serve on the Board and I am confident under the leadership of every Board member ARCAN will continue to achieve success in the future. I will certainly continue to support ARCAN from the sidelines. My very best wishes to each of you and your families for a wonderful holiday season."

  On behalf of Board and the entire membership, we thank Mary for her remarkable contributions to ARCAN during such an important season and wish her and her family the very best. As Vice President, I will continue to fulfill the duties of the President, until my term as President officially begins on January 1, 2025.

  ARCAN members have elected new Board members and Officers for 2025 – 2027

• Sumner Hutcheson III will serve a second two-year term on the Board.
• Neal Denton, 
• Yvonne Bell-White, and 
• Megan Chamberlain will serve their first terms. 

•  

  The Board of Directors elected officers

• President - Becky McCorry
• Vice President - Jono Anzalone
• Secretary - Joan Pankey
• Treasurer - Mark Hague

If ARCAN members have interest in serving on a committee; or have ideas for or skillsets around new programs and services, please reach out to us at info@redcrossalumni.org.  We welcome member involvement as we continue this journey.

We hope you enjoy the holidays with your families and loved ones. We’re looking forward to exciting new things for ARCAN in 2025.

Warm regards,

Becky McCorry, President Elect

American Red Cross Alumni Network

A Note from ARCAN President, Mary Buszuwski

Hello Red Cross Alumni!

It’s such a great time to be a part of ARCAN! Since we launched in June, dozens of members have been joining and renewing at an exciting pace. There is new energy—I’m sure you’ve felt it—and a ramping up of participation as we create more and more opportunities for all of us to connect and engage.

Membership has long been our foundation of support, but we need your help to reach the next level and create a truly thriving community where we can support each other and the spirit and mission that unite us. As the year draws to a close, I hope you will consider making a financial gift to ARCAN.

The ARCAN Board has nominated four new candidates to join our Board of Directors beginning January 2025. We’ll reach out to members this month with the slate of nominees and instructions on how to vote. 

Finally, I’ve been recovering from hip revision surgery the past couple of months that is taking much longer than expected. I want to thank ARCAN vice president Becky McCorry, secretary Joan Pankey, treasurer Mark Hague, past president Harold Brooks and the Board for their extra efforts and seamless operations in my absence.

Happy Holiday Season!!!

Please help me welcome our newest ARCAN members:

Deepest condolences go out to Dick’s family and loved ones...

Esteemed former American Red Cross President, Richard (Dick) Francis Schubert (November 2, 1936 – July 12, 2024) passed away in Fairfax, VA.

Services will be held on September 28, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the McLean Presbyterian Church, 1020 Balls Hills Road, McLean, Virginia.

A graduate of Yale Law School he served as U.S. Under Secretary of Labor. He was formerly president and vice chair of Bethlehem Steel; Founding Chair of International Youth Foundation and Peter Drucker Foundation; a founding board member of Management Training Corporation; and chaired the National Job Corps Assn and Nazarene Compassionate Ministries.

Following Dick’s retirement in 1982, he was president of the American Red Cross, from 1983-1989, at a time when the organization was threatened with a potential fiscal crisis. Gaining a reputation as a tough but fair president with a strong business orientation, he reorganized national headquarters, promoted improved staff performance, introduced strategic planning to help guide the organization into the future, and led the Red Cross into the computer age. During his tenure, the Red Cross also began a major AIDS public education initiative, built the Holland Laboratory for Biomedical Sciences in Maryland, and diversified the sources of its funding support.

See the full obituary  here:

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/washingtonpost/name/richard-schubert-obituary?id=55749349

This year it seems we are in a “summer of change.” Have you felt it? Embarking on our journey to transform ourselves into an alumni network is definitely one of the best changes! As of the writing of this newsletter ARCAN has 36 new members since we launched a few weeks ago on June 11. This is two and half times the number of new members that joined in all of 2023. And while a number of those up for membership renewal seemed to be waiting  for the ARCAN launch, the high rate of re-ups since June 11 also shows strong support of the changes. It’s so good to be growing!

ARCAN’s new social media channels are becoming a real gathering place, boasting more than 600 members on our Facebook group and more than 500 followers on LinkedIn! They’re sparking great conversations as group members post photos and share memories. We’re also getting valuable feedback through the platforms that will help us plan programs and gatherings. Follow the links to join the conversation. 

The new website is also seeing a huge upswing in visitors who are finding updated stories about alumni, Red Cross news, career articles, retirees and more. Explore what’s new!

I also know most of us have been feeling the impact of our changing climate this summer. I remember when summers here in upstate New York meant days in the 70’s and “heat waves” were temperatures in the low to mid 80’s and the chance to head to a local lake or the town pool to go swimming. Red Crossers have spanned the nation this summer in response to weeks of blistering heat, tornadoes where they shouldn’t be happening, wildfires that defy their seasons, and the earliest U.S. hurricane landfall in recorded history. 

On July 1, the new President and CEO of the American Red Cross, Cliff Holtz, shared his intention to prioritize the climate crisis. His vision includes “building on the Red Cross's strong foundation to adapt to the growing frequency and intensity of disasters, and developing sustainability efforts with a focus on underserved communities across all service delivery.” See the story below. We are looking forward to working with Cliff and in support of the Red Cross under his leadership.  

We’ll also be helping ARCAN members get ready for disasters and emergencies of all types in our July webinar. Elizabeth Bubel, senior associate of preparedness, will walk us though the newest and upcoming features of the American Red Cross Emergency App as well as answer technical questions. Register through the Event listing.  

A summer of change and so much of it real progress. We hope you are encouraged to find new ways to connect and engage with your fellow alumni. We can't wait to see what the fall brings!

Mary

American Red Cross Alumni Network launches member organization for former Red Cross employees 

The American Red Cross Alumni Network (ARCAN) launched today as a member organization for former employees of the American Red Cross. President, Mary Buszuwski, welcomed members transitioning from the Retiree Association and prospective new members on behalf of the Board of Directors. 

"ARCAN has great promise – new purpose and relevance offer potential to rally Red Cross alumni and grow our membership, and with that, our ability to support one another and influence change to make a positive difference through our Red Cross channels, and in so many other ways.

"The transition from a retiree association to an alumni network has been years in discussion and months in development. I want to congratulate all of us today – with special thanks to our board and committee members -- and encourage you to keep your sleeves rolled up! Today’s launch is just the beginning."

Buszuwski highlighted some of the organization's new offerings. The new name and mission come with a full toolkit of marketing and communication components for everyone to explore: 

• A new  website  welcomes potential members with a theme of CONNECT, ENGAGE and INSPIRE, and alumni stories, programs and resources for members
  
• Please note that the website is at a new domain –  redcrossalumni.org 
  
• New ARCAN  LinkedIn  and  Facebook  pages are currently public, but strictly monitored, to allow members to build community. Please join the conversation!
  
• Social Media 101 – Our Comms/Mktg team will host a workshop,  June XX, at XXXX,  to help members connect with ARCAN, friends and colleagues via Facebook and LinkedIn
• The ARCAN newsletter has a fresh new look and content designed to engage our broader membership, while also keeping the focus on what has always united us.

Please remember to share the news about ARCAN with Red Cross friends and colleagues who may be interested in their new eligibility to join.