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uplifting the lives of women and children in the Zimbabwe. At least 100 children die everyday in Zimbabwe largely from preventable diseases and eight women die everyday due to pregnancy-related complications.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, UNICEF Zimbabwe acting country representative Mr Marc Rubin, said the $30.4 million presented an enormous contribution to the country’s ongoing efforts to improve the lives of women and children.
“A lot of progress has been achieved for women and children in the past three years in Zimbabwe but the progress would not have been possible without the support of donors such as the Government of Sweden,” he said.
Mr Rubin said the grant would also support the country’s the Health Transition Fund, Child Protection Fund and Education Transition Fund.
Speaking at the same ceremony, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance Mr Willard Manungo commended the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) for the grant, saying it would go a long way in supporting underfunded health areas.
“This contribution will go along way in providing support to underfunded areas such as capacity building, policy development and advocacy,” he said.
“On behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, allow me to commend the Swedish government for this contribution and also mention that this is in addition to its support to Zimbabwe through the Multi Donor Trust Fund,” he added.
Acting ambassador of the embassy of Sweden Mr Magnus Carlquist said the government of Sweden remained committed to improving lives of women and children in Zimbabwe.
“It is particularly pleasing to note that previous support provided by the government of Sweden has made a marked difference in the lives of many people,” said Mr Carlquist.
More than $24 million has been contributed by the government of Sweden to various health and humanitarian programmes in Zimbabwe such as HIV and AIDS in the last five years. — New Ziana.
Online Reporter