The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection is racing against time to address the perennial flooding challenges faced by vulnerable communities as the rainy season approaches.

This effort is part of a broader national social protection strategy, which will also include measures to protect deprived communities and individuals from fire outbreaks and improve access to quality healthcare delivery.

Speaking to JoyNews at a stakeholder validation workshop on the final draft of the National Shock-Response Strategy, the Minister indicated that there will be stronger collaboration among key agencies to ensure vulnerable people are protected from the impact of flooding as the rains set in.

The Minister also noted that healthcare will be a key focus area, explaining that the strategy seeks to equip and strengthen health facilities in rural communities in order to reduce the burden on hospitals in urban centres.