1,200 Zimbabwean Children to Get Lifesaving Nutrition Support

More than 1,200 vulnerable children in Gokwe North, Goromonzi, Kariba and Mwenezi are set to benefit from life-saving nutrition supplies through a partnership between UNICEF and the Government of China.

The intervention is being implemented under the Combating the Impact of El Niño-Induced Drought in Zimbabwe project, which seeks to address the lingering effects of the 2023/24 drought on vulnerable communities.

The initiative comes as drought-related food shortages continue to highlight the importance of protecting children's nutritional well-being, particularly in rural communities where households depend heavily on agriculture.

The wider two-year programme was launched on August 7, 2026, at Kowoyo Clinic in Goromonzi District, with funding from China's Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund and implementation by UNICEF.

Speaking at the launch, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding highlighted China's continued support for Zimbabwe's response to climate-related challenges.

He recalled that China had provided 10,000 tonnes of wheat and rice following Zimbabwe's declaration of a national disaster in 2024, alongside support for the drilling of 300 boreholes.

UNICEF Representative in Zimbabwe Etona Ekole said the partnership would help address outstanding humanitarian needs while strengthening communities' resilience to future climate shocks.

Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora described the initiative as a reflection of the longstanding relationship between Zimbabwe and China.

“This project is a testament to the enduring friendship between our two countries and our shared commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable communities,” he said.

Beyond nutrition support, the programme also focuses on improving access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene services, strengthening child protection systems and expanding community-based interventions.

The wider initiative is expected to benefit more than 200,000 people across eight drought-affected districts, supporting recovery efforts while strengthening essential services for vulnerable families.