Zambian Air Force, Disaster management agency launch national relief operation in Mpika district

The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), in collaboration with the Zambia Air Force (ZAF), has officially launched the 2025 National Food Relief Programme in Mpika District of Muchinga Province.

During the launch, DMMU National Coordinator, Norman Chipakupaku assured of government’s commitment to reaching vulnerable households to ensure that every community facing food insecurity receives assistance timely.

According to a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday by Ministry of Defense Principal Public Relations Officer, Paul Shalaka, Chipakupaku said this during the launch in Mpika on Wednesday.

Chipakupaku said the government would ensure that no community went without food in the country.

Zambia Air Force Deputy Commander and Chief of Air Staff (COAIRS), Major General Henry Chiwaya, reaffirmed the force’s total support for the operation.

“We shall continue being available to provide essential airlift and emergency response capabilities in support of DMMU’s national relief objectives,” Chiwaya said.

Meanwhile, Mpika District Commissioner, David Siame, thanked the government for prioritising the district on the programme and said the ongoing food shortages was a major challenge in the area.

He expressed confidence that the relief effort was going to bring much needed stability to the affected communities.

“The operation combines civilian and military coordination to ensure timely delivery of food aid, with ZAF air assets playing a critical role in reaching remote and hard to access areas,” Shalala reported.

He revealed that the Nabwalya catchment area of Muchinga Province on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 started receiving relief food with a total of 230 metric tonnes of maize expected to be distributed in the area.

Shalala stated that an initial of 50 metric tonnes was dispatched immediately after the launch that was held at Mpika Airstrip and witnessed by DMMU, District Joint Operations Committee (DJOC), Air Force Officials and members of the local community.

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