World Red Cross Day is also called as Red Crescent Day and is celebrated every year on May 8 across the world to honor the principles and humanitarian work of the International Red Cross. This International Day also celebrates the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant who was the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Henry Dunant was born on May 8 in the year 1828 in Geneva, Switzerland, and also received the first Nobel Peace Prize in the year 1901. He was a Swiss humanitarian, social activist, businessman, and co-founder of the Red Cross and died on October 30 in the year 1910 in Heiden, Switzerland.

This global day provides an opportunity to highlight the important activities and humanitarian values of the International Red Cross. The Red Cross plays an important role in providing help to those individuals who are affected by several armed conflicts, natural disasters, and many other crises across the world. People and communities may show their support for the great effort of the Red Cross to alleviate suffering and encourage solidarity, humanity, and compassion in a time of requirement or need to celebrate World Red Cross Day globally.

The International Red Cross plays a significant role in those places that are affected by natural calamities, and also this global day provides an opportunity to spread awareness about the activities, mission, and principles of the Red Cross. This International Day also reminds the importance of sympathy, harmony, and humankind in a time of emergency conditions.

The theme for Red Crescent Day or World Red Cross Day in the year 2024 is ‘’I give with joy, and the joy I give is a reward’’ which promotes the service and joy of charity.  People organize several activities and events such as public awareness campaigns, hosting fundraisers, blood donations, and honoring volunteers and humanitarian or caring achievements of people and groups. This global day also honors the unbelievable or incredible work of the International Red Cross to help those individuals who are affected by natural calamities, armed conflict, and many more.