The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is urgently requesting US$84.9 million to fund its emergency response for children and women impacted by the El Nino crisis in Zimbabwe.
The funding aims to deliver life-saving interventions to 1.34 million people, including 866,000 children, amidst a complex humanitarian situation worsened by water and food insecurity.
Zimbabwe is grappling with an El Nino emergency, severely affecting young children, pregnant and lactating mothers, and adolescents.
These El Nino-induced challenges coincide with ongoing public health emergencies in the country, including cholera and polio outbreaks, creating a multifaceted humanitarian crisis.
The El Nino-driven drought is causing numerous health problems in children, such as disease outbreaks, infectious and respiratory illnesses, and heightened malnutrition.
Water scarcity is expected to exacerbate the spread of diarrhoeal and other waterborne illnesses among children, further complicated by weakened immunity due to malnutrition.
“We are especially concerned about the vulnerability of children during this crisis,” said Nicholas Alipui, UNICEF Representative in Zimbabwe.
“Reduced access to clean water and a poor diet increase the risk of malnutrition and diarrhoeal diseases in children, impacting their right to education and protection.
“The full effects of these interconnected issues will likely unfold in the coming months. Hence, a proactive preventative approach is crucial to avert excessive child deaths.”
UNICEF’s appeal complements the recent UN-interagency appeal launched to support the Zimbabwean government’s response to the El Nino emergency.
URGENT: @UNICEFZIMBABWE's Rep a.i @nicholas_alipui urges support for Zimbabwe's children amid #ElNiño crisis. $84.9M needed to aid 866 000 children. Let's unite, save lives, and secure their future. #Foreverychild, a right to health, protection and a safe planet. pic.twitter.com/klqulvuu5G
— UNICEF ZIMBABWE (@UNICEFZIMBABWE) May 14, 2024
“We urge the donor community to generously support UNICEF’s appeal,” Alipui added.
“This funding is critical to safeguard children’s rights to health, education, and protection during this crisis.
“It will also help mitigate child morbidity and mortality, prevent malnutrition and provide treatment, improve water access, ensure uninterrupted education for children, and protect them from abuse and exploitation.
“Additionally, it will strengthen household resilience to cope with the crisis,” Alipui said.
The current drought’s effects on child nutrition are expected to persist into next year due to severely depleted household food production and reserves.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a state of disaster in April over a devastating drought. He added that the nation needed US$2 billion for humanitarian assistance.
