The Turkish government has donated assorted foodstuff worth about 20,000 United States Dollars to the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit [DMMU] to help with drought disaster recovery.

Turkish Ambassador to Zambia Istem Circiroglu who handed over the items said the donation is the Turkish Government’s response to President Hakainde Hichilema’s declaration of drought as a national disaster and emergency.

Ms. Circiroglu said the 300 food packs are meant to reduce the hunger burden on households affected by drought.

She added that the Turkish government will be donating more items to schools and orphanages in commemoration of the month of Ramadan.

The Ambassador further disclosed that the Turkish Disaster Response Unit and the Turkish Red Cross will be making more donations to the Zambia Red cross Society within a month’s time.

And receiving the donation, DMMU Coordinator Gabriel Pollen thanked the Turkish government for the gesture, which he said is in line with government’s plans to ensure food security in the wake of the national disaster caused by drought. 

Dr. Pollen added that donations of such nature will enable the government to continue on its developmental agenda without diverting funds from other social services towards drought recovery. 

He has since called on other partners and organisations to supplement the government’s efforts.