The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a €3 million boost from the European Union (EU) approximately K6.084 billion to strengthen disaster preparedness in Southern Africa, targeting Malawi, Madagascar, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Launched Thursday in Nacala -Mozambique, the initiative, ‘Strengthening SADC Preparedness: Supporting SHOC for Effective Disaster Response’ marks the start of a two-year partnership between WFP and the Southern African Development Community’s Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC).
The project seeks to ensure that life-saving aid reaches affected communities faster when emergencies strike. It will support cross-border movement of humanitarian supplies, pre-position relief stockpiles, enhance search and rescue capacity, and train regional emergency response teams.
WFP Malawi will coordinate and implement activities across the five participating countries under a memorandum of understanding with SADC.
“This project is a milestone for our regional partnership, positioning SHOC as a driving force behind faster and more coordinated emergency response,” said Hyoung-Joon Lim, WFP Country Director in Malawi.
“With EU support, we can shift from reacting to disasters to anticipating and preparing for them,” added Lim.
The programme will also bolster data-driven decision-making by equipping SHOC with artificial intelligence tools and advanced data systems. A newly established regional crisis fund will enable rapid deployment of resources and personnel.
In his remarks, Director of SHOC, Anderson Kamdambo Banda said: “This partnership reinforces our commitment to protecting lives and livelihoods in the SADC region by enhancing preparedness and response. Together, we are building a more resilient Southern Africa.”
EU Humanitarian Aid Head of Office for Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean, Pablo Torrealba, added: “Preparedness saves lives. This project will strengthen regional capacity and reduce the humanitarian impact of disasters.”
With climate shocks increasing in frequency and severity, WFP, SHOC, and SADC backed by the EU say they are determined to ensure no community is left behind when crisis strikes.
#MBCDigital
#Manthu
