Maambo Haamaundu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, has asked countries in Africa to boost their preparedness for chemical incidents that might endanger public safety.

Mr. Haamaundu pointed out that it is important for nations all over the continent to enhance their ability to respond in order to protect their citizens.

These comments were shared by Ireen Habasimbi, the Director of Research, Planning, and Projects at the Ministry of Defence, during the International Basic Course on Preparedness Against Chemical Incidents for English-speaking African nations.

Brigadier General Carl Bwalya, the Director of the International Military Sports Council at the Ministry of Defence, supported this idea, saying that the training provides a crucial chance for countries to develop their skills in effectively dealing with chemical threats.

At the same time, Babatunde Olowookere, a Programme Officer from the OPCW, confirmed that the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) helps member states during chemical emergencies.

The countries taking part in the course include Zambia, Uganda, Kenya, Namibia, Tanzania, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Seychelles, Nigeria, Botswana, Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho.

This information was shared in a statement to ZNBC by Paul Shalala, the Principal Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Defence.