ZAMBIA RED CROSS SOCIETY TRAINS 35 DISASTER RESPONSE TEAMS, OFFICERS FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE

In a proactive move to bolster disaster response capabilities, Zambia Red Cross Society (ZRCS) has successfully trained a new cohort of 35 National Disaster Response Teams (NDRTs). This intensive training, held in Mazabuka, saw the participation of ZRCS volunteers and other officers from diverse sectors including the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Education.

The purpose of the training was to equip volunteers and officer to be technically prepared and ready to coordinate, facilitate, and implement actions to save the most vulnerable people affected by unanticipated occurrences. The NDRTs were also trained in disaster risk reduction, response, and recovery in line with the Principles and Values of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

This marks the third cohort of NDRTs since the program’s inception in 2020. To date, over 100 individuals have been trained as NDRTs. The training, which included intensive hands-on trainings and simulations, provided participants with a realistic understanding of emergency situations.

NDRTs are an internal response tool, trained and positioned to respond to emergencies at any given time. They are well-trained staff members and volunteers who use the International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent standard curriculum and tools to respond to any given emergency according to the capacity and mandate of the National Society.

ZRCS Director of Programs, Dr. Jack Bbabi, urged the newly trained NDRTs to put their knowledge to good use, especially as the country approaches the rainy season, a period often marked by emergencies requiring swift action.

Emmanuel Mwale, a participant from the 2024 cohort, expressed his gratitude by affirming the readiness of his team to respond in times of emergency. He emphasized that the training had come at a crucial time, as the country is currently grappling with severe challenges such as drought.

As an auxiliary to the government, one of Zambia Red Cross Society’s primary roles is to save lives and property by providing emergency response services to the affected populations. Through the deployment of trained National Disaster Response Teams (NDRTs), ZRCS continues to strategically position itself for effective response.