Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
THE European Union has released US$345 000 in humanitarian assistance to support Zimbabwe’s response to the increasing number of citizens returning from South Africa following xenophobic violence and to bolster efforts to contain a worsening cholera outbreak.
In a statement last week, the EU said the funding will provide life-saving assistance to thousands of vulnerable people, with the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society leading the emergency response in partnership with the Government and other humanitarian organisations.
“The European Union is reinforcing its support with US$345,000 in humanitarian aid to contribute to the support to the increased number of Zimbabwean returnees fleeing violence in South Africa and to strengthen Zimbabwe’s response to a surging cholera outbreak,” reads the statement.
According to the bloc, nearly 110 000 Zimbabweans crossed back into the country through Beitbridge Border Post between April and July 28 after violence targeting foreign nationals erupted in South Africa, placing immense strain on reception facilities.
The EU said more than 5 000 vulnerable returnees will receive assistance, complementing ongoing Government efforts and support from humanitarian partners.
Many returnees are spending nights at the Beitbridge reception centre while waiting for transport to their destinations, exposing them to harsh winter conditions and limited shelter.
The funding will enable the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society to provide emergency shelter, food, blankets, clean water, healthcare, hygiene support and other essential relief supplies.
The humanitarian operation will also offer psychosocial support, protection services and Restoring Family Links services to help reconnect families separated during the crisis.
The EU said women and girls, who account for an estimated 65 percent of the returning population, will receive targeted assistance addressing their health, protection and dignity needs, while older persons, children and people with disabilities would also be prioritised.
The humanitarian package also includes support for Zimbabwe’s cholera response following the outbreak first detected in Rushinga District in January this year.
Since then, cases have spread to Nyanga, Mutasa, Mutare City, Chipinge, Chimanimani and Zvishavane, with mining communities and border areas emerging as key hotspots.
The EU said inadequate access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene services continued to heighten the risk of disease transmission in the affected areas.
Under the programme, about 88 200 people will benefit from cholera prevention and response measures, including community surveillance, early case detection and referral, hygiene promotion, household water treatment and rapid response activities.
Volunteers will also be trained and deployed to strengthen community engagement and improve preparedness against further outbreaks.
“The two operations will run for six months and will be conducted in coordination with the Government of Zimbabwe, the IFRC, United Nations agencies, NGOs and other stakeholders,” reads the statement.
The European union said the intervention forms part of its broader humanitarian commitment to supporting vulnerable populations affected by natural disasters and human-induced crises worldwide.
