The Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Maputo, Abigail Dressel, handed over the equipment to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior, Victor Canhemba Júnior, on Thursday.
Speaking at the delivery ceremony, Canhemba Júnior said that the gesture symbolizes “not only the delivery of material resources, but above all the strengthening of a strategic partnership based on mutual trust and commitment to the protection of human life and the environment”.
“The threats associated with dangerous substances are no longer a distant concern, but a real risk with potential impact in any region of the world,” he stated.
In the specific case of chemical agents, he warned of their devastating effects, with an impact on public health, the environment and critical infrastructures, which requires greater institutional preparation and coordinated response capacity.
In this context, he highlighted the strategic role of SENSAP (National Security and Public Assistance System) as a first-line force in emergency situations, defending the continuous investment in technical resources and the training of its personnel.
“The donation of this material represents a significant reinforcement of our operational capacity, allowing us to improve readiness levels, reduce response times and increase the effectiveness of rescue operations,” he stated.
He also valued the training component, considering that the training provided to SENSAP members is a crucial step to guarantee the correct use of equipment and the dissemination of knowledge.
“Training not only ensures the correct use of resources, but also creates a nucleus of experts capable of replicating best practices across the country,” he added.
He also highlighted that responding to incidents involving weapons of mass destruction requires an integrated approach, involving the sectors of the State apparatus that deal with health, defense, environment and civil protection.
“This is a joint effort that requires institutional coordination and a multidisciplinary approach,” he said.
Canhemba Junior also reiterated Mozambique’s commitment to aligning its prevention and response mechanisms with international standards, taking into account its geostrategic position and the challenges associated with internal security.
(AIM)
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