ADDIS ABABA – On 15 December, WFP kicked off the organization’s first ever Emergency Logistics Simulation Training to be held in Ethiopia.
From 15 to 18 December, a total of 45 participants from Government agencies, including the National Disaster Risk Management Commission (NDRMC) and the Oromia Disaster Prevention Preparedness Committee (ODPPC), as well as United Nations agencies, NGOs and private sector companies will participate in the training, covering several simulation exercises, held in Adama, Oromia Region.
As a world leader in humanitarian logistics, WFP’s objective is to help prepare skilled staff from various agencies and organizations to make rapid, informed decisions at the onset of an emergency or natural disaster. Participants will improve their ability to provide immediate operational logistics response capacity, identify challenges and implement quick, effective solutions to deliver life-saving food assistance.
“The Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia strongly believes that natural disasters can be effectively addressed if targeted interventions are practiced through preparedness measures,” said Tadesse Bekele Fanta, Senior Disaster Risk Management Adviser, NDRMC.
“We continue to engage in a strong partnership with WFP, towards the full implementation of the Government’s Disaster Response Management policy, which focuses on risk reduction activities and emergency preparedness. Towards this end, timely response is crucial in minimizing risks and strengthening supply chain capacity.”
During the training, WFP will organize real-life simulations that teach participants about possible challenges they can face in a logistics response – by analyzing key components such as transport and storage, and how to solve such challenges.
“Our aim is to provide disaster management participants with the opportunity to review their level of preparedness, practice their response, and improve their decision-making process,” said Peter Schaller, Deputy Country Director for WFP Ethiopia. “Together with the NDRMC, we will work together to strengthen national systems for rapid, cost-efficient and effective emergency response – and ultimately, to save lives when disaster strikes.”
# # #
WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. Each year, on average, WFP feeds more than 90 million people in more than 70 countries.
Follow us on Twitter @wfp_media @wfp_africa
For more information please contact:
Leighla Bowers, WFP/Ethiopia, Tel. +0115172131; Mob. +251911513817
Melese Awoke, WFP/Ethiopia, Tel. +0115172133; Mob. +251911201981