Zim faces humanitarian crisis: UN

CHENGETAI MURIMWA

The United Nations (UN) has warned that Zimbabwe may experience a humanitarian crisis as a result of the devastating drought, Business Times can report.

 

Speaking on Sunday at the Zimbabwe Economic Development Conference in the resort town of Victoria Falls, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Edward Kallon stated that 60% of Zimbabweans are food insecure due to the worst drought in 40 years, which was brought on by El Niño.

 

He called for prompt intervention to solve the problem.

 

“The situation is dire, and we must act now to prevent a humanitarian crisis,” Kallon said.

He added: “Climate change demands a collective response, and we must work together to build resilience and drive economic transformation.”

Kallon said the UN recommended a multi-faceted approach such as mobilizing domestic and international resources for climate resilience, ensuring effective governance and resource utilization, fostering partnerships among government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector and preparing for future climate shocks through early warning systems and risk management.

The UN also emphasised the  need for debt relief and restructuring to support Zimbabwe’s economic growth.

Related