LABOUR GOV’T ELEVATES FIRST AID AS CLIMATE RESILIENCE TOOL IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNITIES

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Posted by admin on September 15, 2025 at 3:59 AM

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Government has spotlighted first aid training as a vital pillar in its climate adaptation strategy, linking worker safety to disaster preparedness amid rising climate-related risks.

Speaking at the World First Aid Day commemoration in Lusaka, held under the theme “First Aid and Climate Change,” Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Tambatamba emphasized that first aid is no longer just a health intervention it’s a strategic investment in human capital and national resilience.

Ms Tambatamba underscored how heat stress, floods, droughts, and weather-related accidents are reshaping occupational hazards and threatening livelihoods.

“Climate change has become one of the greatest challenges of our generation,” Tambatamba said, noting that trained first responders are essential in managing dehydration, heat exhaustion, injuries from storms, and flood rescues.

She highlighted First Aid as a Climate Response, Floods: Rescue and stabilization of victims, Droughts: Managing dehydration and heat-related illnesses, Storms/Fires: Treating injuries and preventing escalation and Workplace safety: Addressing new climate-induced risks

Ms Tambatamba reaffirmed that under the 8th National Development Plan (8NDP), the Government prioritizes safe, healthy workplaces as a foundation for economic growth.

She praised the Zambia Red Cross Society for expanding training across schools, workplaces, and communities, and called on the private sector, civil society, and international partners to mainstream first aid into their operations.

“Every citizen should possess knowledge and skill to save a life,” she said. “Every life saved through first aid is a testimony of solidarity, compassion, and responsibility.”

National Training Chairperson of the Zambia Red Cross Society Imbwela Imbwela, also described first aid as an empowering gift, not a burden.

“First aid is not the preserve of health professionals,” he said. “It is knowledge and action that any one of us can use to save a life and provide hope in times of crisis.”

He noted that the organization has expanded its reach to schools, workplaces, and volunteer networks, building a culture of preparedness to respond swiftly during emergencies.