"Through this global appeal, the IFRC can make a real difference with our millions of dedicated volunteers and our decades-long experience of preventing and responding to vector-borne diseases," Hall said.
Twenty-four predominantly Latin American and Caribbean countries are affected by the rapidly spreading virus suspected of causing severe brain damage among newborns.
The IFRC’s appeal will enable a community-level response among National Red Cross Societies in affected countries.
"It is likely that the virus will spread to other countries and could make its way to other continents. While we are responding to the current emergency in the Americas, we are also getting prepared globally," Hall stressed.
Zika is spread by the Aedes mosquito, which is common in tropical areas of the Americas.
The current Zika outbreak started in Brazil in the spring of 2015. It has since spread across Latin America, with cases reported in several European countries, Asia and North America.
