Japan avails US$774 000 grant to Zimbabwe to fight cholera in Manicaland

The government of Japan has extended a US$774 000 grant to Zimbabwe towards combating cholera in Manicaland province, which bears one of the highest burdens of the disease.

The funding which is being channelled through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), will specifically target the most vulnerable communities in the province,

In a statement, UNICEF said the funding will support cholera response through providing access to healthcare and safe water as well as sharing information.

The grant will provide a comprehensive range of life-saving support in areas such as access to safe water; provision of critical hygiene materials, healthcare, and nutrition, child protection as well as other essential social services.

“It comes at a crucial time in the cholera response, as Zimbabwe endeavours to allocate resources to urgently address and interrupt the cycle of cholera transmission,” said UNICEF.

Zimbabwe has been grappling with the cholera outbreak since February last year, recording more than 20 000 cases and over 400 deaths, with Manicaland and Harare being the hardest hit provinces as they accounted for 64 percent of all cases.

The Japanese grant will assist the government of Zimbabwe, UNICEF and their partners to scale-up the multi-sectoral cholera response in affected areas as well as prioritising improved support and treatment to people infected by cholera.

It will also be used to secure access to safe water with a special emphasis on the rehabilitation of sustainable, climate-resilient boreholes to ensure a lasting supply of safe water as well as disseminating messages on cholera prevention and treatment through mass media platforms and interpersonal communication channels.

New Ziana