The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) in partnership with the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) has launched the 2025 National Food Relief Programme in Mpika District.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, DMMU National Coordinator Norman Chipakupaku said government remained committed to ensuring that vulnerable households receive timely assistance and that no community facing food insecurity is left behind.
ZAF Deputy Commander and Chief of Air Staff Major General Henry Chiwaya reaffirmed the Air Force’s full support for the operation highlighting its continued readiness to provide vital airlift and emergency response capabilities in line with DMMU’s relief objectives.
Mpika District Commissioner David Siame thanked government and DMMU for prioritising Mpika under the programme. He noted that ongoing food shortages posed a major challenge but expressed confidence that the relief effort would bring stability to affected communities.
The joint civilian–military operation aims to ensure the swift delivery of food aid with ZAF aircraft playing a key role in reaching remote and hard-to-access areas.
In Muchinga Province’s Nabwalya catchment area relief distribution has already begun with 230 metric tonnes of maize allocated. An initial 50 metric tonnes was dispatched immediately after the launch at Mpika Airstrip on Wednesday, 3 September 2025. The ceremony was attended by DMMU officials, the District Joint Operations Committee, ZAF personnel and members of the local community.
