As the world observes the 79th World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day today, May 8, 2026, the Red Cross Society of China has released comprehensive data highlighting a significant surge in disaster response, public health initiatives, and emergency training throughout 2025.
Over the past year, the organization activated 228 emergency operations and deployed 2,580 rescue teams. These efforts included providing more than 400 million yuan (approximately $55 million) in supplies and funding to address critical disasters, including severe flooding in Beijing and Hebei Province, as well as the Tai Po fire in Hong Kong.
A major pillar of the 2025 strategy was the expansion of public safety knowledge. Approximately 14.48 million people were reached through over 46,000 disaster-prevention lectures, evacuation drills, and safety workshops. Furthermore, over 6.21 million individuals completed certified first-aid training, with programs expanding into schools, communities, government offices, and rural areas across the Chinese mainland.
Technological integration in emergency care also saw a leap. By the end of 2025, the national Red Cross system had deployed over 86,000 automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Innovative "mobile AED" pilots are now active in eight cities, including Beijing and Shenzhen, placing life-saving equipment in ride-hailing vehicles, while Shaanxi province introduced a "Taxi AED Guardian" scheme.
Beyond disaster relief, the society made significant strides in healthcare. With 334 million yuan from the central lottery public welfare fund, medical assistance was provided to over 16,000 children with serious illnesses, including 12,000 cases of leukemia and congenital heart disease.
The organization also reported strong community engagement in life-saving donations. Over 200,000 volunteers joined local blood donation teams, and the China Marrow Donor Program (CMDP) added 170,000 new records, facilitating 2,698 unrelated donor stem cell transplants. Additionally, 285,000 people registered as voluntary organ donors, resulting in 6,931 donations last year.
According to the Red Cross Society of China, these achievements reflect a sustained commitment to strengthening public health safety and disaster resilience across the region.
Reference(s):
Red Cross Society of China launched 228 emergency responses in 2025
cgtn.com
