The humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe, plagued in recent years by food shortages, an erosion of basic services and an economic downturn due in part to long-running political strife, has significantly improved but continued aid is still needed to maintain the positive gains, a top United Nations official said today.
"Any sudden shock can wipe out the recent gains," Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Catherine Bragg said at the end of a three-day visit. "We must continue working together to avoid losing the momentum. The international community has been generous to the people of Zimbabwe in 2009 by granting $642 million for humanitarian needs. It is my hope that this will continue well into 2010."
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