By Bonface Msunje:
The World Food Programme (WFP) has donated seven drones and accessories valued at $25,300 (about K25.3 million) to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma)
WFP acting Country Director Simon Denhere said the drones are meant to strengthen the capacity of Dodma to respond effectively to future emergencies.
“The drones are also for emergency preparedness activities,” Denhere said.
He said disasters, notably the recent Tropical Cyclone Freddy, destroy livelihoods, exacerbate food insecurity and frustrate national and global efforts to end hunger.
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The acting country director said the use of drones is part of WFP’s technology and innovation strategy to end hunger by 2030.
“Drones’ technology aims to improve its ability and that of its strategic partners like Dodma to prepare for and respond to humanitarian emergencies. When disasters strike, the humanitarian community needs to respond promptly and needs reliable information to make informed decisions that will ultimately save lives.
“Drones can significantly increase operational capability by enhancing access to vulnerable populations, providing clear indications on potential threats and enabling access to information. Drones can also provide a live-stream of accurate data, crucial for rapid identification of gaps and priorities, thereby contributing to strategic response,” Denhere said.
He added that drones can also be used for transporting medical supplies, food and other life-saving relief items.
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The donation follows a Drones Emergency Response Training conducted by WFP Drones Hub where Dodma staff and members of other national humanitarian organisations were equipped with skills and experience to allow them to operate drones independently in future emergencies.
WFP Drones Hub has conducted similar trainings in National Disaster Management Agencies in eSwatini, Lesotho, Madagascar and has plans to provide the training to Comoros as well as the Sadc Humanitarian Emergency Operations Centre.
Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs Charles Kalemba thanked WFP for the donation.
