In response to the severe drought caused by El Niño in Zambia, the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) has teamed up with UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP) to deliver crucial humanitarian aid. The partnership has secured a EUR 6 million (USD 6.3 million) grant to address the pressing needs of those most affected, focusing particularly on vulnerable groups such as children under five, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with disabilities, and the elderly.
This collaborative effort aims to reach 774,098 individuals in the hardest-hit districts, delivering life-saving services and reinforcing local government and civil society networks to ensure sustainable, impactful aid.
According to the Zambia Vulnerability Assessment Committee’s (ZVAC) Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), 5.8 million people are facing severe food insecurity, with many in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
Henri Heikura, UNICEF’s Acting Country Representative in Zambia, expressed the significance of the partnership: “This collaboration with ECHO enables us to provide life-saving support to communities devastated by the El Niño drought. By focusing on nutrition, health, and protection, we aim to safeguard the well-being of children and mothers, especially the most vulnerable.”
UNICEF, with ECHO’s backing, will focus its efforts on eight priority districts, targeting 30% of the population facing extreme food insecurity. Key interventions will include the treatment and management of acute malnutrition through therapeutic foods and fortified blends for young children and pregnant or breastfeeding women. In addition, regular mass health screenings will offer vital services, including immunizations and antenatal care, alongside protection initiatives to prevent violence and support at-risk groups.
WFP, also supported by ECHO, will assist over 415,000 individuals by providing food vouchers and collaborating with local retailers to ensure access to essential food supplies. The WFP’s strategy also includes strengthening resilience through economic recovery efforts and local market stimulation in eight districts across Zambia’s Eastern, Southern, and Western provinces.
Cissy Byenkya Kabasuuga, WFP’s Country Director, stated: “ECHO’s critical support enables WFP to respond swiftly to the drought crisis. Our comprehensive emergency response addresses immediate food needs while promoting gender-based violence prevention and economic recovery, ensuring that no one is left behind.”
This partnership underscores the combined efforts of international organizations and the Zambian government to alleviate suffering, mitigate the effects of the drought, and promote long-term resilience for affected communities.
