from ARMANDO DOMINGOS in Maputo, Mozambique
Mozambique Bureau
MAPUTO, (CAJ News) – A CONTRIBUTION of €3 million is a major boost to strengthening disaster preparedness across the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed the contribution from the European Union (EU) to support the regional initiative that targets Malawi, Madagascar, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe specifically.
Launched on Thursday in Nacala, Mozambique, the project titled: “Strengthening SADC Preparedness: Supporting SHOC for Effective Disaster Response,” marks the beginning of a two-year partnership between WFP and the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC).
The project aims to strengthen disaster preparedness and ensure that lifesaving assistance reaches people quickly when emergencies strike. It helps the region’s ability to respond more rapidly and efficiently, protecting communities before crisis escalates.
Key activities include strategic and policy support to facilitate cross-border movement of humanitarian supplies, pre-positioning relief supplies in strategic locations, search and rescue operations, and training of regional emergency response teams.
Anderson Kamdambo Banda, Director of the SHOC, said the partnership with WFP, and other implementing partners, and the support from the European Union reinforced their collective commitment to protecting lives and livelihoods in the SADC region by enhancing preparedness and response.
“Together, we are building a more resilient Southern Africa,” he said.
Pablo Torrealba, EU Humanitarian Aid Head of Office for Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean, saod, “Preparedness saves lives. This project will not only enhance regional capacity but also help reduce the humanitarian impact of disasters.”
SADC is one of the regions in the world most impacted by climate change, with drought and flooding prevalent.
– CAJ News