United Nations together with Zimbabwe has launched a humanitarian plan worth $715 million in order to help 46% of suffering Zimbabweans who continuously need help with food and other necessities as they might be at high risk of being affected by the COVID-19.
According to statistics, a third of the Zimbabwean population are suffering in isolated rural areas with no sufficient supply of water, shortage of food and medication itself. The people’s condition is critical as they might not be in full position to fight against the pandemic if ever it got too serious in the country.
Zimbabwe has been economically challenged for a whole decade and because of the dilapidating and unstable economy, the less fortunate might be fully paralysed by the rapid spread of the virus. It is only the bourgeoisies and middle class people who might manage to get quick medication and survive the pandemic.
So far, the country has suffered eight COVID-19 cases and one death. The President in a press statement ordered 16 million Zimbabwean citizens to stay at home so as to help flatten the curve and help people stay safe.
Responding to this sad news, United Nations therefore offered its help with a humanitarian plan that prioritises food aid, health, education, sanitation and water to support the vulnerable to sustain their lives during this hurtful pandemic period. Amongst the vulnerable were the victims of the 2018 Cyclone Idai who were helped to pass this stage.
Zimbabwe is currently unable to aid its people as it has poor healthcare facilities thus the impact of the pandemic could be very catastrophic for the Southern African country. According to the UN, an estimated 7 million people in the country need multi-sectoral humanitarian support. Rising urban vulnerability has left some 2.2 million people food insecure.
“It is extremely important that the food system keeps on functioning, food insecurity remains the major concern with over 4.3 million people, or 46% of the rural population, requiring continued assistance ” commented World Food Programme regional director Lola Castro.
