CARE Canada

Published purpose

The people of Zimbabwe are coping with the impacts of an unprecedented cholera outbreak, the world's highest inflation rate and one of the world’s lowest life expectancies. Over 5 million people are in need of food assistance. Another year of erratic weather is anticipated in 2009, which combined with the failure to procure and adequately distribute seed stock is expected to lead to another failed harvest. Unemployment is estimated at 80 percent in Zimbabwe, which also has one of the world's highest rates of HIV/AIDS. CIDA’s contribution is supporting CARE Canada to help protect the health of vulnerable populations in Zimbabwe. The project focuses on improving access to clean water and promoting sanitary hygiene practices in areas of Masvingo province, where needs are great. Project activities include conducting emergency assessments; distributing equipment and materials to collect, transport and store water in hygienic conditions; and health education initiatives to improve hygiene awareness at the household level.