The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) would like to inform the general public of the official launch of the National Disaster Risk Management Policy and National Disaster Risk Management Communication Strategy as follows:

Date : 21st March 2015Venue : Chimwala Primary School ground in

MangochiTime : 08:00 am

The launch that is being held under the theme: “Building a Nation Resilient to Disasters” will be presided over by Honourable Kondwani Nankhumwa, M.P., Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture.

The launch is being held in close collaboration with other Government Ministries and Departments, the United Nations in Malawi, Donor Community and Civil Society Organisations.

The launch of the policy marks a milestone in Government’s efforts to ensure that disaster damages, losses and economic impacts on households, communities, assets, economy and environment are sustainably reduced.

Whereas the Communication Strategy has been developed to ensure that information on disaster risk management is made available and accessible to everyone. The Strategy will therefore ensure that those living and/or working in disaster prone areas are informed about the risks and are made aware of the measures on how to manage the situation. People are informed about prevention, mitigation, preparation for, and responds to, and recover from disasters.

The Department of Disaster Management Affairs is, therefore, inviting Government Ministries and Departments, Civil Society Organisations, Faith Based Organisations, the Clergy, UN Agencies, Donor Community, Private Sector, Academia, Media and the general public to the official launch ceremony.

All invited guests should be seated by 08:00 hours.

Paul ChiunguzeniSECRETARY AND COMMISSIONER FOR DISASTER

MANAGEMENT AFFAIRS

Republic of Malawi

PRESS RELEASEOFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE NATIONAL DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT

POLICY AND COMMUNICATION STRATEGY

LL/BLK13/16