World Vision Zambia with support from UNICEF, has launched a food distribution initiative under the drought response in Zambezi District of Northwestern Province.

In a speech following the launch, District Commissioner, Simeon Machayi, commended UNICEF for its efforts in supplementing government’s initiatives to combat hunger in the region.

Mr Machayi further expressed gratitude for the partnership between the two organisations.

He noted that the initiative will significantly assist households which are badly impacted by the drought.

Mr Machayi urged beneficiaries to use the food items for their households rather than selling them. 

He also called on World Vision to extend similar assistance to other parts of the District, emphasising the ongoing need for support as the rainy season begins and communities continue to face challenges in their livelihoods.

The District Commissioner also highlighted that gestures like this indicate the confidence that organisations like World Vision Zambia have in the current government.

And World Vision Zambia Emergency Response Operations Manager, Monde Nasilele, announced that the programme aims to support 17,603 individuals affected by drought in the district.

Mr Nasilele further explained that the programme is funded by UNICEF to supplement the nutrition package for the children between six to 59 months, expecting and breastfeeding mothers.

Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries, Serah Samwampala, thanked the government for caring about their well-being, adding that with the gesture, they will now be able to feed well and not die of hunger.

Other districts in which the Initiative is being implemented are Kalabo and Shangombo in Western Province.