Malawi’s National Emergency Telecommunications Working Group (NETWG) on Friday announced the adoption of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enhance emergency telecommunications.
This initiative, revealed during a two-day Blantyre workshop, is crucial in enhancing communication during a crisis.
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Enhancing emergency response
The newly adopted SOPs are designed to streamline coordination among various stakeholders, including governmental agencies and humanitarian organisations.
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The NETWG’s founder emphasised these procedures’ importance, stating, “Effective communication is vital in emergencies to ensure timely responses and save lives.”
By establishing clear protocols, Malawi aims to strengthen its response to disasters, such as floods and cyclones.
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Real-world impact
This initiative is particularly crucial for Malawi, which frequently faces natural disasters.
Poor communication hindered rescue and aid efforts during the 2015 floods. The SOPs ensure swift and effective communication among all emergency response parties.
The NETWG’s efforts are supported by the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC), which has been instrumental in providing shared communication services during humanitarian emergencies globally. The ETC has responded to over 40 emergencies since its inception, showcasing its commitment to improving crisis communication
Through these SOPs, Malawi is enhancing its telecommunications capabilities and promoting a culture of preparedness and resilience within its communities.
As the founder noted, “By investing in our emergency telecommunications framework, we are investing in the safety and well-being of our citizens”.
This proactive approach reflects a growing recognition of effective communication’s critical role in disaster management.