Olli Rehn, Acting Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian aid said: “The new Unity Government has to address numerous challenges to place Zimbabwe on the path to recovery. The country which was once the bread-basket of southern Africa is facing an enduring humanitarian crisis, compounded by the collapse of basic social services.” Commissioner Rehn added: “It is our duty to bring timely and consistent support to assist the basic needs of vulnerable people of Zimbabwe at this critical juncture for the country.”

The funds will be used for the recovery of essential health and safe water supply services by providing inter alia essential medicines and medical supplies, essential water treatment inputs as well as spare parts for the rehabilitation of water treatment plants, boreholes and water points. Projects will be implemented by non-governmental relief organisations, specialised UN agencies and the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement.

Background

Zimbabwe currently faces a critical health situation. In the past five years life expectancy has dropped, maternal mortality has dramatically increased and high rates of HIV prevalence persist. As a result of the protracted socio-economic crisis, access to health services and safe water has sharply deteriorated, as demonstrated by the largest cholera epidemic ever recorded in Africa.

The EU is currently the biggest donor to Zimbabwe’s public health sector, providing at least 60% of the available essential drugs.

The European Commission is overall the main donor to the vulnerable populations of Zimbabwe having provided €572 million in both humanitarian and essential development aid to the population since 2002.