adminPaidamoyo Chipunza Senior Health Reporter
The World Food Programme has warned of a possible increase in refugees flocking into Zimbabwe amid indications 6 000 Mozambican refugees are already camped at the buffer zone between Zimbabwe and Mozambique awaiting relocation to Tongogara Camp in Chipinge.
According to WFP, due to clashes between Mozambican government forces and Renamo, and renewed insecurity in the Kasai Region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), an increased number of refugees entered the country in 2017.
Responding to questions during an event to mark one year of progress under the WFP Zimbabwe’s five-year strategic plan in Harare on Monday, WFP Country Director Mr Eddie Rowe said if nothing is done, the situation could lead to serious health problems ranging from malnutrition due to food shortages and water and sanitation-related diseases as the camp may not be able to handle the increased number of refugees.
Speaking at the same event, United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator Bishow Parajuli appealed for assistance from the international community to intervene in this pending crisis.
“The sad fact is, these people come to other countries as refugees for certain reasons. They are depending on your help in terms of education, health support, food, sanitation, and shelter. We have a challenge in meeting those requirements. What I want to say is we depend on support from partners.
“I am told that the support that is needed to help them is not there. We are therefore appealing to partners for support.
Refugees need support to improve their health, sanitation and nutrition and education until the time they return to their country,” ” said Mr Parajuli.
Online Reporter
Peter Tanyanyiwa