Overview
Concern’s team on the ground are reporting severe deterioration in the humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe. This is being exacerbated by several outbreaks of cholera in the country, a direct consequence of a severe lack of clean water and adequate sanitation.
Food distributions
Concern’s most recent food distributions started in three districts back in October 2008. “The situation is critical,” says Mark Harper, Concern’s Assistant Country Director for Programmes in Zimbabwe, “as it is the United Nations who sources the food and their stocks will run out by January.”
Aiming to improve livelihoods
Against this background, farmers in Zimbabwe are receiving very low payments for their surplus maize from the government. Concern is continuing to focus on improving livelihoods for the most vulnerable people. Communities Concern is working with are benefitting from the livelihoods work, such as: conservation farming; nutrition gardening; training and seed and fertiliser distribution.
This means, there is some potential for good harvests in the second quarter of 2009. This would reduce people’s need for food aid later next year.
Year-round access to water
Concern has also helped communities rehabilitate and dig boreholes and wells in Zimbabwe. In areas where boreholes are not viable, we installed three sand abstraction pumps. This gives communities year-round access to water for irrigation and safe household use.
HIV support groups
Groups where people meet regularly to discuss the underlying causes of HIV transmission have been established by Concern. Issues such as how gender-based violence is fueling the epidemic are discussed, aiming to change attitudes and behaviour.
Concern also works with three hospitals providing HIV prevention services in isolated areas. HIV and AIDS training has also been provided for community workers and health centre staff.
