“Gofa is a good model to be able to demonstrate the cooperation between ERCS and IFRC” _Dr. Asha Mohamed
Dr. Asha Mohamed, Permanent Representative of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to the African Union and International Organizations and IFRC’s Head of Cluster Delegation for Ethiopia and Djibouti, visited 364 shelters built for flood and landslide victims in Gofa and Wolaita Zones, South Ethiopia Region.
Upon her arrival, Dr. Asha and her delegation were warmly welcomed by the staff and volunteers of the ERCS’s South Ethiopia Regional branch. After the welcome, they toured Burda Kebele, Geze Gofa Wereda, in the Gofa Zone, where 296 shelters accommodate affected communities.
The shelters have been built by the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) with financial support from IFRC and other partners.
Accompanied by Ato Mohammed Dada, Director of Disaster Preparedness and Response, and Ato Abebe Getaneh, Director of Disaster Risk Reduction at ERCS, as well as other leaders, Dr. Asha was briefed on the integrated livelihood support provided.
The delegation also visited 68 shelters constructed by ERCS, with financial support from IFRC since January 2026, in Burdida Kebele, Abela Abaya Woreda, Wolaita Zone, in the South Ethiopia region.
Dr. Asha appreciated the close partnership between ERCS and IFRC in achieving a rapid disaster response and providing livelihood support in the Gofa and Wolaita zones, demonstrating a continued commitment to supporting the recently flood-affected communities in the Gamo Zone.
“What we have seen in Gofa is a good model to be able to demonstrate how cooperation between ERCS and IFRC adds value,” said Dr Asha.
Additionally, the delegation visited the Resilient, Improved and Strengthen Community (RISE) project, that is being implemented by ERCS with financial support from IFRC in Shella Borkoshe Kebele, Sodo Zuria Woreda, Wolaita zone, focusing on building resilience to climate change-related disasters.
At the end of the visit, the delegation held fruitful discussions with government officials of Wolaita Zone to strengthen the partnership and serve the disaster-affected communities effectively.
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