Zimbabwe

Overview

The political situation in Zimbabwe has become increasingly strained following the Zimbabwean army’s removal of President Robert Mugabe in November 2017. Since 2008, the country has been in economic crisis, with impacts seen in the costs and reduced availability of food, fuel, and medicines. With legitimate and alternative currencies quickly devaluing against the US dollar, inflation and liquidity shortages are expected to worsen unless effective measures are taken. Should the economy collapse, as in 2008, serious consequences for food security and health are very likely.?Coupled with economic and political issues is Zimbabwe's worsening health crisis. Doctors and other health workers are embarking on indefinite strikes since 2019 to protest lack of pay and government’s inability to provide medical facilities at hospitals. Cholera and typhoid outbreaks are putting extreme pressure on Zimbabwe’s health system and dilapidated WASH infrastructure.?The already fragile humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe is compounded by the impact of Tropical Cyclone Idai (March 2019), which affected around 270,000 people in Manicaland, Masvingo, and parts of Mashonaland East provinces.? Underlying vulnerabilities such as high food security levels, limited livelihood opportunities, and limited access to health services have been reinforced, including the risks of renewed outbreaks of waterborne diseases.?

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