Humanitarian Groups and Government Unite to Boost Disaster Preparedness

January 29, 2026

Caritas Freetown, working alongside its partner the Tzu Chi Foundation, has held a strategic coordination meeting with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and response in Sierra Leone.

The meeting brought together humanitarian and government actors to share ideas, exchange knowledge, and explore ways to improve collaboration before, during, and after disasters.

Tzu Chi, an international humanitarian organization known for its focus on compassion and relief, shared insights drawn from Taiwan’s disaster management systems. These systems are widely regarded for their strong emphasis on preparedness, early warning mechanisms, and rapid response during emergencies.

As the country’s lead institution for disaster risk management, the NDMA highlighted its role in protecting lives, livelihoods, and national development. Participants agreed that effective disaster response depends on strong coordination between government agencies and humanitarian partners.

Caritas Freetown reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the NDMA, Tzu Chi, and other stakeholders to build people-centered and well-coordinated disaster response systems. The organization emphasized that communities should never face disasters alone, but should be supported with compassion, professionalism, and solidarity.

The meeting concluded with a shared understanding that partnership, coordination, and continuous learning remain key to effective humanitarian action.