The British Government has pledged to support Zambia with emergency social protection interventions in the event of global economic shocks arising from the ongoing Iran conflict.

British High Commissioner to Zambia, Ms. Rebecca Terzeon, commended Zambia’s social protection landscape and assured that the UK stands ready to provide support aimed at improving the lives of poor and vulnerable people who depend on these programmes.

She made the remarks today during a breakfast meeting with Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Ms. Doreen Mwamba.

Ms. Terzeon hailed the Ministry for establishing what she described as “world-class social protection systems” that have responded effectively and efficiently to the country’s social protection needs.

She noted that the UK Government is greatly encouraged by the manner in which the Zambian Government, through the Ministry, has rolled out various social protection programmes, with the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) currently benefiting over 1.5 million households across the country.

She further assured that, should the need arise, the UK Government will not hesitate to provide emergency support to help cushion vulnerable communities against anticipated food and fuel crises resulting from tensions in the Middle East.

And Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Ms. Doreen Mwamba, assured the High Commissioner that Government, through the Ministry, is technically prepared to efficiently implement any support rendered in order to shield poor and vulnerable households from socio-economic shocks.

The Minister also expressed gratitude to the UK Government for being an “all-weather friend” and a key partner in supporting Zambia’s socio-economic transformation agenda.