A TWO-YEAR drought-response project expected to benefit more than 210,000 children has been launched in Zimbabwe as the government and development partners intensify efforts to support communities affected by the El Niño-induced drought.
According to a statement obtained by Hurumende News Hub, the programme is funded by the China Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund and will be implemented by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The project will focus on nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, commonly known as WASH, and child protection.
It brings together the Government of Zimbabwe, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, UNICEF Zimbabwe, Huayou Zimbabwe and other development partners.
Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora, who officiated as guest of honour at the launch, highlighted the importance of coordinated interventions in addressing the effects of drought and protecting vulnerable children and communities.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding welcomed the growing participation of Chinese companies in programmes supporting Zimbabwe’s economic and social development.
Huayou Zimbabwe Deputy General Manager Wang Yuchun said the company’s participation in the drought-response project demonstrated its commitment to addressing community needs and supporting children and families affected by drought.
He said Huayou Zimbabwe would continue working with the government, United Nations agencies and other partners to help create a healthier, safer and more resilient environment for local communities.
According to the company, Huayou Zimbabwe has invested more than US$3 million in education, healthcare, poverty alleviation and other community-development programmes since commencing operations in the country in 2022.
The company has previously partnered with UNICEF Zimbabwe in implementing a positive-parenting programme for employees, their families and surrounding communities. More than 100 employee households reportedly benefited from the initiative.
Huayou Zimbabwe also said it was providing nutritious meals to more than 2,000 pupils at five local schools and had supported the construction of more than 10 boreholes to improve access to water.
The company described its involvement in the drought-response programme as another step towards addressing the needs of children and families experiencing the effects of drought.
Over the next two years, participating organisations are expected to combine their resources and expertise to expand access to essential services and strengthen the capacity of affected communities to withstand future shocks.
Among those who attended the launch were Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Itayi Ndudzo, Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Emily Jesaya, UNICEF Zimbabwe Representative Etona Ekole and Huayou Zimbabwe Deputy General Manager Wang Yuchun.
Government officials, development partners, community representatives and other stakeholders also attended the event.
The programme comes as vulnerable households continue to experience food, water, sanitation and child-protection challenges associated with drought.
