Disaster Risk Mgmt Commissioner Stresses Need to Start Work to End Relief Handouts

Addis Ababa, April 29/2024 (ENA) The Disaster Risk Management Commission (DRMC) Commissioner, Shiferaw Teklemariam underscored the need to work hard with a view to sustainably free the nation from waiting for emergency relief handouts.    

This message comes after the successful completion of a critical pre-deployment training program for over 100 DRMC leadership and staff members at the African Leadership Excellence Academy. 

 

Disaster Risk Management Commission Commissioner Shiferaw Teklemariam emphasized the importance of this shift in Ethiopia. 

“We must have a comprehensive understanding of our Commission, policies, and activities – especially not just relief handouts, but how to end reliance on them altogether." 

Shiferaw said that it may be difficult to shortly springboard towards this sustainable solution but the work should start now stressing that the reliance on relief handouts, which lasted for over six decades, should gradually end. 

He pointed out the agricultural potential resources across many regions of the country to move beyond the decades-long cycle of relying on emergency aid. 

In February, the Council of Ministers approved a revised Disaster Risk Management Policy, replacing the one used for the past two decades.

Following this, the commission implemented human resource reform to effectively manage and respond to any multi-hazard natural and manmade challenges in the country.

It is our duty to manage and respond to any multi-hazard, including sufferings from lack of nutrition, flood and hunger, he pointed out.