UNESCO and the East African Kiswahili Commission (Kakama) have launched a Disaster Preparedness and Response Framework for Media Institutions to strengthen the role of news organizations in disaster risk reduction and emergency response.

The framework, aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, provides practical guidance for media to develop preparedness plans and promote accurate reporting that encourages informed decision-making.Climate change has increased disaster risks globally, causing annual economic losses exceeding $2.3 trillion.

The initiative emphasizes translating materials into Kiswahili to ensure accessibility across East Africa, with media playing a critical role in disaster management from preparedness to recovery.Dr.

Caroline Asiimwe highlighted the need for media to focus on risk assessment and prevention rather than post-disaster reporting, ensuring communities receive reliable information during crises.