Our work in Zimbabwe
Extreme poverty has risen sharply in recent years in Zimbabwe, due to economic and political instability. Chronic malnutrition caused by drought and widespread food shortages, a failing health system and high rates of HIV infection mean that the average life expectancy in Zimbabwe is around 60 years. We are working on programs aimed at improving the health and livelihoods (source...World Bank).
Partnership
Working with local communities in Zimbabwe since 2005
Programs
We support six programs through five local partners in Zimbabwe
Priorities
Sustainable livelihoods, protection, food and water security and health
Program snapshot
Putting Children First Program: Phase IV
Running since: 2016
Partner Agencies: CAFOD, Mashambanzou Care, St Albert’s Mission and Mavambo Trust
Aims: To improve the protection of the most vulnerable children and people within communities in Zimbabwe
Who it is for: Children, women, the elderly, widows, people with disabilities and HIV and AIDS
Achievements:
- Around 5,000 men and women have taken part in community awareness-raising sessions on gender-based violence
- Participants have learnt to navigate the legal system and have more confidence in case handling
- Through four sports gala days, the program has reached over 5,000 people with child protection information
Fact: The program aims to directly impact 18,000 people
More background
Once known as the ‘breadbasket of Africa’, Zimbabwe now struggles with hyperinflation and political instability. Extreme poverty is estimated to have risen from 29% in 2018 to 34% in 2019, an increase from 4.7 to 5.7 million people.
Drought affects millions of Zimbabweans every year, limiting food availability. Drought and reduced rainfall also affect the quality and availability of water.
Poverty has increased due to drought, exacerbated by the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, (GFC) affecting nearly eight million people in Zimbabwe. Inflation skyrocketed to around 300% in 2019.
Health care: Lack of access to sanitation facilities causes many preventable health issues. Zimbabwe also has a high maternal mortality and HIV and AIDS rates. Women and children living with food insecurity are at great risk of becoming malnourished (sources...World Bank, UNOCHA, IMF).
You can help
With your generous support, we help communities in Zimbabwe to improve food security and increase access to water and sanitation. We also work to protect children, improve access to health and education and raise awareness of HIV and AIDS.
You can provide critical lifesaving aid and assistance to the communities in Zimbabwe devastated by earthquakes, cyclones, flooding or conflicts. Your donation means that our partners on the ground can respond quickly and efficiently when disasters strike.