Aid agencies rescue Zimbabwe

International aid agencies contributed $931 million towards effective humanitarian support to vulnerable Zimbabweans since 2016, the United Nations (UN) has said.

The statistics were revealed at a meeting jointly convened by government and the UN in Harare last week to validate programme results achieved under the 2016-2020 Zimbabwe United Nations Development Assistance Framework (Zundaf).

"…the results delivered under the 2016-2020 Zundaf stands at $ 931 million (58 percent) in terms of programme delivery at mid-point of the five-year programme cycle," UN said in a statement.

UN resident coordinator  Bishow Parajuli added that Zundaf-supported development results have been instrumental as catalytic for the achievement of key national development priorities of Zimbabwe and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Parajuli also noted that the results delivered under Zundaf have been made possible due to the close collaboration with the government, particularly the Office of the President and Cabinet.

Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Misheck Sibanda commended the strong partnership between government and the United Nations Development System.

"It is good to note that the UN has renewed its collective commitment to support the government and the people of Zimbabwe to realise their aspirations in the new dispensation as well as supporting national efforts to foster social cohesion, peace, economic recovery, job creation, improved quality social services, anti-corruption programmes, accelerated reform efforts in the public sector, credible, transparent and peaceful elections in 2018, and re-engagement with the international community."

Some concrete results achieved under the 2016-2020 Zundaf in social services and protection, include the rolling-out of a multi-million-dollar Health Development Fund to strengthen health systems and address child and maternal health.