The Government has intensified efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness, coordination and response mechanisms as part of broader measures to ensure humanitarian assistance reaches affected communities swiftly, efficiently and in accordance with international standards.
The commitment was reaffirmed on June 2, 2026, during the opening of a national simulation exercise on humanitarian assistance and emergency logistics coordination in Morogoro. The exercise brought together government officials, humanitarian agencies and development partners to test and enhance the country's emergency response capabilities.
Speaking at the event, Assistant Director of Disaster Management at the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities), Celestine Masalamado Colonel Celestine Masalamado said effective humanitarian assistance and emergency logistics remain critical components of disaster management.
"Humanitarian assistance and emergency logistics play a vital role in saving lives, reducing the suffering of disaster victims and accelerating recovery efforts in affected communities," he said.
Masalamado noted that the government has continued to strengthen disaster management systems through collaboration with humanitarian organizations and development partners to improve preparedness and response capacity across the country.
"Recognizing the importance of disaster preparedness, the Government has continued to enhance coordination, planning and response mechanisms to ensure humanitarian assistance reaches beneficiaries on time, efficiently and in line with international humanitarian standards," he said.
He also acknowledged the contribution of the World Food Programme (WFP) and other partners involved in the implementation of the Field-Based Preparedness Project (FBPP), describing the initiative as instrumental in strengthening Tanzania’s humanitarian logistics and emergency response systems over the past two years.
According to Masalamado, one of the project's key achievements was the establishment of the National Humanitarian Assistance and Emergency Logistics Coordination Task Force in July 2025, which has enhanced coordination and cooperation among government institutions and humanitarian actors.
"This simulation exercise provides a national platform to learn, assess and improve our humanitarian assistance and emergency logistics systems, ensuring that we are better prepared to respond when disasters occur," he said.
He further emphasized the importance of integrating environmental conservation and climate resilience into humanitarian operations, noting that disaster response strategies must support long-term sustainability and avoid creating additional environmental challenges.
Meanwhile, WFP Deputy Country Director Christine Mendese reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting Tanzania’s disaster preparedness and response efforts.
"WFP will continue working closely with the Government to strengthen resilience and support communities in preventing, preparing for and responding to disasters and other emergencies," she said.
On her part, Coast Region Disaster Coordinator Roseline Kimaro welcomed the workshop, saying it would enhance the capacity of regional and local authorities responsible for coordinating disaster management activities.
"The workshop has come at the right time because regions are at the forefront of coordinating disaster response through local government authorities. The knowledge and skills gained here will improve logistics management during emergencies and help us respond more effectively when disasters strike," she said.
The simulation exercise forms part of ongoing national efforts to build a more resilient disaster management system capable of responding effectively to emergencies while safeguarding lives, livelihoods and communities across Tanzania.
