derick.khumalo
Theseus Mauruki Shambare
ZIMBABWE is accelerating its transition from responding to disasters after they occur to anticipating and mitigating their impacts before they strike, with Government and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) deepening cooperation on early warning systems, climate resilience and community preparedness.
The renewed commitment was reaffirmed last night during a cocktail reception in Harare hosted in honour of IFRC Secretary General Jagan Chapagain, who is on an official visit to Zimbabwe. The reception followed his meetings with President Mnangagwa and several Cabinet ministers to strengthen humanitarian cooperation. He remains in the country until Monday.
Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works Engineer Benjamin Kabikira said Zimbabwe’s long-standing partnership with the IFRC, implemented through the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS), had fundamentally strengthened the country’s disaster risk management systems.
“The long-standing partnership between the Government of Zimbabwe and the IFRC, through the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society, has yielded significant progress in disaster preparedness, disaster response and recovery, improving the lives and livelihoods of countless Zimbabweans,” he said.
Engineer Kabikira said one of the flagship interventions had been the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations-funded programme jointly implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, the World Food Programme and the IFRC.
“The project has delivered notable achievements, including the establishment of harmonised frameworks for anticipatory action coordination, the development of impact-based forecasting triggers and the advancement of disaster risk financing analysis,” he said.
“These interventions have supported Zimbabwe’s transition from a predominantly reactive approach to one that anticipates and manages disasters.”
He said the ZRCS had also supported the development of multi-hazard contingency plans, simulation exercises and community-based disaster risk management programmes that had strengthened preparedness for droughts, floods, tropical cyclones, disease outbreaks and other emergencies.
“As we continue to witness disasters of increasing frequency, intensity and complexity, it is imperative that we widen our partnerships and strengthen collaboration,” said Engineer Kabikira.
Mr Chapagain said humanitarian action must increasingly focus on building resilience before disasters occur.
“Our strength lies in partnership,” he said.
“IFRC believes that sustainable and long-term resilience must be built on local leadership but supported by global solidarity.”
He said three priorities would guide the federation’s work in Zimbabwe.
“First is community resilience: investing in early warning systems, community preparedness and adaptation strategies to protect lives and livelihoods.
“The second is youth, harnessing the energy and innovation of young people to drive humanitarian solutions.
“And the third is partnerships: deepening collaboration between governments, civil society organisations and the Red Cross to ensure that no community is left behind.”
Mr Chapagain said Zimbabwe would also benefit from a newly concluded humanitarian award supported by the United States Government.
“I am pleased to announce that Zimbabwe is part of that award,” he said.
Zimbabwe Red Cross Society secretary-general Mr Elias Hwenga said the cocktail reception reflected the federation’s continued commitment to Zimbabwe.
“This is more than a social gathering but a celebration of partnership, shared purpose and our collective commitment to serving our most vulnerable members of the community,” he said.
“In a world where humanitarian needs continue to grow due to disasters, disease outbreaks and the impacts of climate change, our partnerships have never been more important.”
ZRCS national president Mr David Chaliyanika said collaboration remained the foundation of effective humanitarian action.
“This evening has been much more than a gathering of friends and partners, but a reaffirmation of our shared belief in humanitarian service,” he said.
“We recognise that the challenges before us continue to evolve, but we are equally confident that through strong partnerships, innovation and collective action, we can continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable people.”
The cocktail reception capped a series of day one high-level engagements by Mr Chapagain during his visit, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s long-standing partnership with the IFRC as Government and humanitarian partners intensify efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness, climate resilience and support for vulnerable communities across the country.
