Zim Now Writer
The European Union will be funding health programmes and electoral processes to the tune of EUR47 million over the next three years.
Two agreements to that effect were signed in Harare today (Monday).
“Improved health is central to human happiness, well-being and economic progress, as healthy populations live longer, are more productive and accumulate more savings” as stated in Zimbabwe's National Development Strategy 1 in Chapter 9. Health is a fundamental human right in terms of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the European Union is today proud to contribute to the realisation of that right and to Zimbabwe's visions for 2030,” said EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe Jobst von Kirchmann in his speech at the ceremony.
The money will be going to specific programmes which Government will implement with UN agencies.
“Today marks another historic milestone in the relationship between the Government of Zimbabwe and the European Union, through the signature of two Financing Agreements on ‘Improving Health Outcomes for the Population of Zimbabwe (EUR 41 million, approximately US$40 million), and ‘Support to the Zimbabwean Electoral Process’ (EUR 6 million, approximately US$5.9 million),” said Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube in his keynote address at the signing ceremony.
The two agreements are part of the Euro 148 million (approx. US$144.6 million) package allocated to Zimbabwe for the 2021 – 2027 Multi Annual Indicative Programme, targeting the following thematic areas; Green economic growth, Social recovery & human development, and Good governance & citizens’ rights.
“The ‘Improving Health Outcomes for the Population of Zimbabwe’ support will be channelled through the newly established Health Resilience Fund (HRF), a successor to the Health Development Fund (HDF),” said Prof Ncube.
Government will join hands with UNICEF on the implementation and has the objective of saving lives, with a strategic focus on leaving no one behind, targeting the most vulnerable in society, as well as, strengthening health delivery systems and the sector’s preparedness against emerging diseases.
The ‘Support to the Zimbabwean Electoral Process’ support will be implemented by the Government & UNDP, with the aim to contribute to the consolidation of democracy and peace, with particular emphasis on inclusion, participation and representation of women, youth and persons with disabilities in democratic processes.
“The Support comes at an opportune time, when Government is prioritising the strengthening of good governance in order to foster economic development. Globally, it has been acknowledged that building institutional capacities is critical for economic growth and development,” said Prof Ncube.
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