The Government of Japan has donated USD 774 000 to Zimbabwe for the emergency cholera response in Manicaland Province, channelled through the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
The funding will specifically target the most vulnerable communities in Manicaland, which bears one of the highest burdens of cholera cases in the country.
According to the Ministry of Health’s cholera statistics, Harare and Manicaland provinces are the hardest hit by the pandemic, accounting for a combined total of at least 64% of Zimbabwe’s cases.
As of January 30, 2024, Zimbabwe had reported 21,640 suspected cholera cases, 2,381 confirmed cases, 20,951 recoveries, 71 confirmed deaths, and 414 suspected cases.
Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Shinichi Yamanaka, expressed hope that the support will facilitate swift recovery and life rebuilding for the most vulnerable, while also aiding in preventing further spread and outbreaks.
UNICEF Zimbabwe Representative, Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale, acknowledged the funding’s role in scaling up the multi-sectoral cholera response in affected areas.
“We are extremely grateful to the Government of Japan for this support,” he said. “It exemplifies their commitment to the people of Zimbabwe, addressing the urgent needs of affected communities and building resilience against public health emergencies.”
“The grant will provide a comprehensive range of life-saving support, including access to safe water, critical hygiene materials, healthcare, nutrition, child protection, and other essential social services. It arrives at a crucial time in the cholera response, as Zimbabwe strives to allocate resources to urgently address and interrupt the cycle of cholera transmission.”
