Zimbabwe is currently facing a humanitarian crisis with millions of people, and children, in need of aid and health services. The country is not only dealing with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also other diseases HIV and AIDS, and preparing for other outbreaks of diseases like cholera in 2021. Right now, around 38,000 of children are also suffering with severe acute malnutrition (SAM), and those numbers continue to rise as food security decreases in Zimbabwe. Due to the impact of the pandemic, nationwide job security and incomes have decreased. People are unable to buy basic necessities and food. They are also dealing with an economic crisis, which has resulted in food prices skyrocketing.
The pandemic has left millions of people food insecure, and in need of access to safe water and other health services. Since the spread of COVID has continued increasing, Zimbabwe’s issues will most likely continue through 2021. The lack of income and health services will cause the numbers of citizens starving and getting sick to increase. As access to health services and sanitation decrease, there is also the possibility of a spread of more diseases, like cholera, in 2021. A forecast for Zimbabwe says that they may receive large amounts of rain during rainfall season, which will increase the spread of diarrheal diseases. UNICEF is calling for humanitarian aid, but Zimbabwe will need to focus on fixing their public health system, as well as strategically rebuilding their economy.
UNICEF, which is an IGO, is working with multiple governments world-wide to provide aid to Zimbabwe. By providing health services and other aid, hopefully the spread of illnesses can slow down. Monetary aid could also help fix the economic crisis and increase food security for people. UNICEF is not the only IGO working in Zimbabwe, but they still needs lots of help to improve living conditions for citizens.