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By Godfrey Olukya 15-10-2012
UN Deputy Humanitarian Chief Catherine Bragg has today started her official visit to three African countries
Bragg is to visit visit Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe from today, up to 20 October 2012.
According to a statement issued by her office, the visit aims to take stock of the humanitarian challenges in the region, and support national and regional efforts to promote disaster risk reduction including resilience and preparedness.
Across the region, more than 5.5 million face food insecurity due to the impact of recurrent natural disasters such as droughts and floods, and rising food prices. She will meet with Government officials and humanitarian partners to discuss ways to strengthen partnerships to mitigate the impact of disasters on vulnerable communities.
In Botswana where she is today, Bragg will meet representatives from the 15-member Southern African Development Community (SADC). She is expected to discuss how United Nations agencies and other humanitarian partners can better support SADC’s humanitarian response and disaster preparedness efforts.
While in South Africa, she is scheduled to meet with the Minister of International Relation and Cooperation Maite Emily Nkoana-Mashabane to discuss South Africa’s increasingly active role in supporting international and regional humanitarian efforts.
In Zimbabwe, Ms. Bragg is expected to meet with Government officials and the aid community to discuss food insecurity and disaster resilience.
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