Attachments
PEOPLE REACHED
- Emergency Operations 4,138,484
- Climate and environment 59,877
- Disasters and crises 77,225
- Health and wellbeing 4,248,620
- Migration and displacement 76,085
- Values, power and inclusion 354
Appeal number MAAZM002
OVERALL PROGRESS
Context
Zambia, a rapidly growing country with a population of over 19 million, faces significant challenges, with 54 per cent of its population living below the poverty line. The country is frequently impacted by hazards such as floods, droughts, epidemics (including measles, cholera, malaria and COVID-19) and pest infestations. Climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of events such as droughts, floods and storms.
In 2022-2023, severe floods affected over 66,000 people, and an ongoing El Niño event is expected to result in below-average rainfall, exacerbating food insecurity and limiting income opportunities for poor households dependent on agriculture.
Zambia is also grappling with cholera and anthrax outbreaks, putting strain on its healthcare system. Additional challenges include poor agricultural practices, soil depletion, volatile food prices and social issues such as child marriage and school dropouts due to teen pregnancies. Vulnerable groups, including women, girls and people with chronic diseases, are disproportionately affected. These recurrent crises, worsened by climate change, weaken Zambia’s ability to prepare, respond and build resilience, highlighting the need for strengthened institutional preparedness and effective humanitarian assistance.
Key achievements
Climate and environment
In 2023, the Zambia Red Cross Society made notable progress in disaster preparedness, risk reduction and environmental sustainability. Key achievements included the development of an El Niño preparedness and response plan, securing funding for anticipatory actions and the implementation of a nature-based solutions (NbS) project in the Kafue Flats region, aimed at sustainable disaster risk management. The National Society carried out two disaster risk reduction projects and trained staff and volunteers in key areas such as cash and voucher assistance (CVA), national response and risk communication.
Disasters and crises
In 2023, the Zambia Red Cross Society strengthened its disaster and crisis management, enhancing community resilience and preparedness. Key achievements included activating flood emergency response plans to assist affected households, providing cash assistance to flood-affected communities and conducting extensive health and disaster preparedness training for both local health technicians and community disaster committees. The National Society also strengthened its response capacity through CVA training and prepositioning of essential stocks. Additionally, the Zambia Red Cross Society developed and revised crucial disaster risk management policies and early action protocols (EAPs) for floods and droughts, ensuring more proactive and structured responses to future emergencies.
Health and wellbeing
In 2023, the Zambia Red Cross Society promoted health and well-being through a range of impactful initiatives. It enhanced access to clean water by rehabilitating boreholes, built handwashing facilities and responded to cholera outbreaks with large-scale hygiene promotion and preventive interventions. Maternal and child health was prioritized through the construction of a maternal shelter, Safe Motherhood Action Group (SMAG) training and extensive support for routine immunizations. Additionally, the National Society’s engagement in COVID-19 response and anthrax prevention further strengthened public health infrastructure and community resilience across Zambia.
Migration and displacement
In 2023, the Zambia Red Cross Society supporting migrants and displaced populations, particularly refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and Angola. The National Society provided essential services in refugee camps, including internet and phone access to refugees, family reunification support and health interventions for vulnerable new arrivals. The Zambia Red Cross Society also introduced the RedSafe Application to enhance services for displaced families and worked closely with partners like UNHCR to address the unique needs of refugees, advocating for their well-being through coordinated efforts and awareness campaigns.
Values, power and inclusion
In 2023, the Zambia Red Cross Society embedded protection, gender and inclusion (PGI) principles across its initiatives. The National Society held its first Annual Humanitarian Gala Dinner and officially recognized the Head of State, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, as its Patron. Key advancements included the development of a Child Protection Policy, strengthening gender balance in staffing, ensuring the inclusion of vulnerable groups, and improving community engagement and accountability (CEA) through expanded feedback channels. Additionally, efforts to increase female representation and the inclusion of people with disabilities in operations further emphasized the National Society’s commitment to inclusive humanitarian responses.
Enabling local actors
In 2023, the Zambia Red Cross Society strengthened its operational efficiency and financial sustainability through strategic initiatives. The activation of the resource mobilization department helped diversify income streams, while the revision of key policies, such as the Branch Operations Manual and Membership Policy, supported the New Branch Model focusing on income-generating activities. The National Society conducted capacity-building initiatives, including leadership training, digital transformation assessments and community engagement enhancement, while fostering partnerships with government bodies and international organizations. Additionally, it prioritized transparency, accountability and the well-being of staff and volunteers through updated policies and risk management systems.