As part of strengthening disaster preparedness in the country, the Malawi red Cross Society (MRCS) and the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA)have equipped Relief and Rehabilitation Officers (RROs) and disaster desk officers in councils with requisite knowledge and skills in administering first aid treatment.
Speaking in Mponela, at MRCS Training Centre in Dowa, Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs, Charles Kalemba said the training had come at the most opportune time when the rainy season has just started and most parts of the country are likely to be affected by strong winds, stormy rains and floods.
Kalemba said that the importance of the search and rescue cluster cannot be overemphasized as they are usually the first responders to save lives of the affected people.
“The RR0s and disaster desk officers have always done commendable work during major disasters hence very crucial that they be equipped with requisite knowledge and skills in first aid”, said Kalemba.
He said that at the onset of the rainy season, DoDMA has already received several disaster reports resulting from strong winds and stormy rains affecting several households in a number of districts.
“Most parts of the country are likely to be affected by strong winds, stormy rains and floods and councils will be required to save lives during emergencies,” he said.
Kalemba urged the team to take the training seriously so that they are able to apply it in real emergency situations.
He thanked Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) for sponsoring the training.
“Let me recognize the commendable work MRCS is doing in the country. MRCS is our trusted partner in disaster risk management as it has been supporting government both technically and financially,” added Kalemba.
One of the participants at the training, RRO for Lilongwe district council, Denia Banda said the training was so beneficial as it has equipped her in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) first aid.
“I now know how to conduct CPR to an unconscious person, be it an adult or a child under the age of five,” said Banda.
Meanwhile, the training has benefitted 19 district councils and two city councils across the country.
