By Mubanga Mubanga
The Turkish Humanitarian Organisation, Turkish Red Crescent (Turk-Kizlay) has donated USD 25,000 to the Zambia Red Cross Society for combating cholera, following a request by Ambassador Lieutenant General William Sikazwe (Rtd).
Presenting the the cheque, Turkish Red Crescent President, Prof. Fatma Meric Yilmaz, said her organisation stood in solidarity with Zambia in alleviating the challenges posed by cholera and drought during the 2023-2024 farming season.
First secretary (Press) at Zambia’s mission in Turkey Pamela Nkeete-Ng’andu quoted Prof. Yilmaz as emphasising on the partnership between Zambia and Turkey, which the Prof said reflected shared values of compassion and solidarity, demonstrating the positive outcomes of collective efforts in supporting nations facing adversity.
This was a culmination of the request made by Ambassador Sikazwe to Türkiye’s Deputy Minister of Health, Prof. Dr. Suayip Birinci at the Ministry of Health Head Office in Ankara earlier on.
Dr. Sikazwe highlighted the urgent need for assistance to address Zambia’s efforts in combating the cholera outbreak and mitigating the impacts of the drought.
Expressing gratitude for the financial aid, Dr. Sikazwe thanked Prof. Yilmaz for the generous donation, noting its critical timing and significant contribution to Zambia’s efforts.
“This donation comes at a critical juncture for Zambia, and it will significantly strengthen efforts in addressing the challenges posed by the cholera outbreak and the prevailing drought”, Dr. Sikazwe stated.
On February 29, 2024, President Hakainde Hichilema declared the drought a National Disaster and Emergency impacting food security, and made a global appeal for assistance to Zambia.
