Published by the government of Zimbabwe
23 December 2008
Harare — THE health sector got a major boost at the weekend when Zimbabwe received 140 tonnes of medical supplies airlifted into the country by the United Nations Children's Fund.
This in response to the Government's December 4, 2008 request for assistance to combat cholera and revive the health delivery system.
As part of its 120-day emergency plan launched soon after the Government's request, Unicef pledged to procure essential medicines for 1 780 health facilities in the country and supply cholera treatment centres with medicines and equipment.
Unicef acting representative to Zimbabwe Mr Roeland Monasch said the delivery, which arrived in batches on Sunday and yesterday, comprises intravenous fluids, oral rehydration supplies, drip equipment, essential drugs, midwifery and obstetric kits to be used in the cholera response and provision of essential services to expectant mothers.
"This is a strategic measure to address a desperate situation. We are already supplying 70 percent of the country's essential drugs and these airlifted supplies will further boost Unicef's life-saving support," said Mr Monasch.
Two of the three planes carrying the drugs landed in the country on Sunday morning while the third arrived yesterday.
At least 750 people have died of cholera while nearly 24 000 cases have been reported in Zimbabwe.
However, the disease has been contained and cases are on the decline.
According to Unicef, the closure of major hospitals owing to a prolonged nurses and doctors' strike, lack of drugs and equipment worsened the situation.
Dutch Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Joseph Weterings said the Netherlands would do everything to help Zimbabwe-ans.
Responding to Government's request for assistance to combat cholera and put the health delivery system back on track, the Netherlands has allocated an additional US$11,7 million in humanitarian aid to Zimbabwe. This comes in addition to the US$15 million already made available to Zimbabwe this year.
Unicef is supplying more than half a million litres of potable water every day, and 3 800 tonnes of treatment chemicals for all urban areas in Zimbabwe, among other life-saving interventions during the current emergency.
Since Zimbabwe declared cholera and the health system a national emergency, a number of donors and diplomats have come in with sizeable donations.
Over the weekend, Tanzania donated 40 tonnes of medical supplies to fight the cholera epidemic while Sadc has launched an emergency request for medical aid.
Last week, the United Nations Population Fund donated five tonnes of surgical sundries towards central hospitals' maternity services for a period of at least three months.
A fortnight ago, Namibia responded to Government's request for assistance with a donation of US$200 000 worth of drugs.
Two weeks earlier, South Africa had partnered Government to contain the cholera outbreak in Beitbridge.
Other non-governmental organisations and UN agencies have also assisted through the provision of incentives for staff working in cholera treatment centres, logistics and experienced staff.
The assistance from the donor community is earmarked either for cholera or revival of the health sector.
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