Newsletter United Nations Zimbabwe

United Nations in Zimbabwe Newsletter United Nations Zimbabwe

Issue 19 | May 2020 www.zw.one.un.org

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Inside this Issue

Government, UN launch a US$ 800m appeal for humanitarian,COVID-19 response 3.7 M people continue to receive food assistance amid COVID-19 Revamping COVID-19 quarantine centre Providing services to survivors of gender-based violence during COVID-19 Working to protect vulnerable persons in the fight against COVID-19 Reorienting hygiene clubs to promote prevention against COVID-19 #LearningNeverStops Partnering with media in the fight against COVID-19 COVID-19 pandemic reveals investment in development reaps rewards during crisis Advancing human centred policy to protect the safety, wellbeing of workers Cylone Idai recovery programme may lend a lesson to recovering better from COVID-19 The production of this newsletter is made possible by

United Nations the generous grant from the Government of Sweden. Zimbabwe

1 Issue 19 | May 2020 UN in Zimbabwe Newsletter Government, UN launch US$800m appeal for humanitarian, #COVID-19 response

The Response Plan for Zimbabwe will be implemented in collaboration with 47 operational partners

Response plan targets 5.6 million people with relief and emergency assistance The 2020 Humanitarian Response Ribeiro said, “the Humanitarian Plan for Zimbabwe was launched Response Plan will play a key on 2 April 2020, targeting role in mitigating the impact 5.6 million people with food of the COVID-19 pandemic and assistance and support in the protecting those most vulnerable areas of health, water-sanitation in communities in Zimbabwe.” hygiene, education, protection, Following the declaration of US$84.9 million urgently nutrition, shelter, and camp COVID-19 as a national disaster required to support coordination and management. by President Emmerson D. National COVID-19 Mnangagwa on 19 March 2020, response in Zimbabwe The Plan requests for a total efforts have been scaled up to of US$715 million from the further contain the spread. international community. The experienced multiple climate Humanitarian Response Plan The Zimbabwe Humanitarian and economic related shocks was signed by the Minister Response Plan addresses the impacting the lives of many in both of Local Government, Public increasing vulnerabilities of rural and urban communities, Works, and National Housing, an estimated seven million with the COVID-19 pandemic Honorable July Moyo and the UN people who need multi-sectoral being the latest shock impacting Resident Coordinator, Ms. Maria humanitarian support. Food on the wellbeing and livelihoods Ribeiro in the presence of His insecurity remains the major of Zimbabweans. Those hardest Excellency President Emmerson concern with over 4.3 million hit have been forced to resort to D. Mnangagwa, Government people – or 46% of the rural negative coping mechanisms, Ministers, WHO and WFP population – requiring continued with particularly dangerous representatives and the media. assistance. Urban vulnerability consequences for women and has also been on the increase girls who are simply striving to Noting that the launch of the due to persistent economic survive. Humanitarian Response Plan was shocks, leaving some 2.2 million taking place in the context of the people food insecure according The Humanitarian Response COVID-19 pandemic at a time to the latest urban Zimbabwe Plan prioritizes lifesaving and when there are millions infected Vulnerability Assessment life-sustaining support targeting in the world and where the virus Committee assessment. the people most in need, has set-foot in Zimbabwe, UN including residual humanitarian Resident Coordinator Ms. Maria Since 2019, Zimbabwe has needs of Cyclone Idai-affected

Issue 19 | May 2020 2 UN in Zimbabwe Newsletter communities and on-going public health crisis and the The COVID-19 addendum to the support to refugees, and is being secondary impacts of the COVID-19 HRP seeks to mobilize emergency implemented in collaboration pandemic on vulnerable people funding for UN agencies and NGOs with 47 operational partners in Zimbabwe. The addendum, to provide support to public health through the cluster approach, which was also included in the emergency response to contain in which, of the total USD 715m Global Humanitarian Response the spread of the COVID-19, required: approximately 60% or Plan, complements the Zimbabwe through health programming, risk USD422m planned is for food Humanitarian Response Plan. communication and community security; USD 63m for health; USD engagement, infection control and 61m for water, sanitation and The UN Resident Coordinator in prevention, and provision of water hygiene; USD 42m for education; Zimbabwe Maria Ribeiro said, supply and increased hygiene and USD 21m for protection; USD18m “this additional appeal is part of sanitation intervention. for nutrition; USD 10m for shelter, the GHRP which will contribute to and USD 950,000 for camp Zimbabwe’s national response on As of 30 May 2020, the Zimbabwe coordination and management. COVID-19, particularly addressing appeal with total requirement of the most vulnerable, including US$ 800 million has been funded On 7 May, the United Nations children, the elderly, women, for 18.9% or US$ 151.1 million, and humanitarian partners in people with disabilities, people with Food Security funded 26%, Zimbabwe have appealed for living with HIV, refugees, migrants, Nutrition 15%, Protection 6%, an additional US$84.9 million to and those affected by drought and WASH 3.1% and Health 2.3 %, and respond to both the immediate food insecurity.” other sectors unfunded.

Funding status of the 2020 Humanitarian Response Plan as of 30 May 2020

ZIMBABWE Funding Overview of humanitarian appeal As of 28 May 2020

FUNDING OVERVIEW $800.7 $151.1m $151.1m $2.7m funded through appeal funded outside appeal million 18.9% funded Total requirement Humanitarian Appeal Funding (84,9M COVID-19)

FUNDING BY SECTOR

Funds received through the appeal (US$) Total requirement % Funded

Food Security $128.0M | $355.3M $483.3M 26.0%

WASH $2.3M | $97.3M $99.6M 2.3%

Health $2.3M | $72.2M $74.5M 3.1%

Education $0M | $53.2M $53.2M 0.0%

Protection $1.6M | $26.2M $27.8M 6.0%

Nutrition $3.6M | $21.0M $24.6M 15.0%

Shelter and NFIs $0M | $12.1M $12.1M 0.0%

Coordination & $5.0M 0.0% common services $0M | $5.0M

Refugee Response $0M | $4.5M $4.5M 0.0%

$0.95M 0.0% CCCM $0M | $0.95M

COVID-19 $1.8M - -

Not speciﬁed $14.1M - -

Funded unmet Requirements

Creation date: 28 May 2020 Sources: Financial Tracking Service - as of 28 May 2020 - https://fts.unocha.org Feedback: [email protected] https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/country/zimbabwe Some countries have commited their funds though not reflected here as their donation is not yet reported to FTS (https://fts.uochs.org/content/report-contribution)

3 Issue 19 | May 2020 UN in Zimbabwe Newsletter 3.7m people continue to receive food assistance amid COVID-19 As of 31 March 2020, WFP revised its Standard Operating Procedures for food distributions to align with the National Public Health Emergency Preparedness Plan in response to COVID-19. These measures seek to minimize the risk of exposure of personnel, partners, stakeholders and beneficiaries.

The on-going operations continue to deliver at full capacity, while ensuring that all health and safety mechanisms, as advised by the WHO and the Ministry of Health and Child Care, are in place at each food distribution point. Social distancing protocol, handwashing facilities and the sensitization of beneficiaries on the risks of and preventative measures for COVID-19 have been enacted.

WFP’s extensive footprint at food distribution points across Zimbabwe mean these critical health and safety messages reach millions of people far and wide. As the COVID-19 spreads in harvest, which is usually the main Also, health officials are onsite to Zimbabwe, the World Food source of food and household conduct health screenings and Programme (WFP) warns that income for many. body temperature checks when the country’s already vulnerable necessary. population is severely at risk of Rebecca Kapaira, a mother of five plunging into a deeper state of in Shamva district, says COVID-19 food insecurity. has come at a time when drought was already affecting her family It has launched an appeal and now, life is even more difficult. for US$130 million to cover “A combination of this pandemic the immediate food needs of and hunger is a double blow for Zimbabwe’s most food insecure me. We need to stay healthy, but population up until August 2020. we also need food,” she said. Hunger continues to be driven by severe climate-induced drought The United Nations provides and economic hardship. life-saving food assistance to US$130 million urgently needed 3.7 million people like Rebecca to cover the immediate food Since 2018, Zimbabwe has been each month and plays a critical needs of Zimbabwe’s hit by its worst drought in decades. role in Zimbabwe’s humanitarian most food insecure population Consequently, most districts in response to the COVID-19 up until August 2020 Zimbabwe have had no green pandemic.

Issue 19 | May 2020 4 UN in Zimbabwe Newsletter

Revamping COVID-19 quarantine centre

female panties, one laminated China bag and six bars of soap.

“We are aware that among the returnees some will be vulnerable without resources, and these non- food item kits will come in handy.”

He said IOM will continue working with other stakeholders to minimise the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Beitbridge Civil Protection chairperson, Mrs Skhangazile Mafu-Moyo said the gesture by the humanitarian organisation was a boost to the district. “It is also pleasing to note that some corporates, commercial farmers and non-governmental organisations are coming on The International Organisation Beitbridge, Mr Nhamo Muleya board.” for Migration (IOM) has donated said the sets of donations to 380 tarpaulins that are used to revamp the quarantine center The donation comes a few days make tents and 50 sets of non- was part of the United Nations’ after Government procured food food items to the National Social contribution to ongoing efforts to feed 100 people at the NSSA Security Authority (NSSA) Hotel in by the Government to curtail the quarantine centre. Beitbridge which is being used as spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. a quarantine and isolation centre for returnees from South Africa. “As an organisation we have decided to capacitate the Civil The hotel can accommodate Protection Unit (CPU) so that up to 280 people and plans are they may effectively operate underway to modify its casino to the quarantine centre,” said Mr accommodate an additional 100 Muleya. people. “Each tent can accommodate A total of 24 people are a family of six people and in quarantined at the hotel and the addition, we have brought 50 sets Zimbabwe Consulate in South of non-food items to be used by Africa is still working on modalities distressed returnees. to repatriate those who have UN at the forefront supporting volunteered to return home. So “The non-food item kits include the National response to far 3,055 people have registered two pots, six plates, six mugs, curtail Covid-19, providing with the consulate seeking help one washing basin, two mosquito humanitarian assistance and with various issues including food nets, one spoon, 30 aqua tabs for working towards better social- and repatriation. water purification, two packets of economic recovery sanitary pads, one plastic bucket, IOM’s project assistant for four adult female pants, two child

5 Issue 19 | May 2020 UN in Zimbabwe Newsletter Providing services to survivors of gender- based violence during COVID-19

“Our work with Spotlight as well as contraceptives. UN also helps improve the reporting Initiative, supported by European Women Country Representative, of cases. Union to end violence against Delphine Serumaga maintains women and advancing women’s that it is essential to address the As part of the nation’s COVID-19 rights is not stopping during the immediate needs of women. response efforts, UNFPA COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, our Zimbabwe is working closely contribution to the fight against “Everybody thinks that the world with civil society organizations the COVID-19 is to ensure that we stops just because we have and the Ministry of Women’s continuously monitor and bring Covid-19 amongst us. No! That Affairs Community and Small to forward cases of gender-based is not true. All other essential Medium Enterprises Development violence through our members,” services must continue. It is (MWACSMED) to ensure the said Director of Zimbabwe imperative to ensure that women continuation of GBV services. Women’s Bureau, Ronika have an escape route when they Mumbire. are faced with abusive situations, CSO partners include Musasa while other individuals who are Project, Adult Rape Clinic, Family Women are largely affected witnessing abuse must have AIDS Counselling Trust, Family both physically and emotionally adequate knowledge to advise or Support Trust, FACT, ZAPSO, while they are also at higher risk report such situations,” she said. ZICHIRE and World Vision. of infection as they respond to the crisis. Data from previous Life-saving services for survivors These efforts include equipping outbreaks’ emergency response of gender-based violence continue all supported GBV facilities – static efforts often divert resources to be offered during Zimbabwe’s and mobile one-stop centres, from essential services, COVID-19-related lockdown, such shelters and safe spaces – with exacerbating ordinary lack of as those offered by Bubi Shelter COVID-19 infection, prevention access to services, including in Bubi district. This provides, not and control (IPC) supplies. IPC pre- and post-natal health care, only shelter for survivors, but has supplies include masks, gloves,

Issue 19 | May 2020 6 UN in Zimbabwe Newsletter

shared,” he said. “We are very Project Call Center receives happy and grateful for the shelter approximately 500 calls from as it is doing a good job in checking survivors of sexual and gender- and supressing GBV. The shelter based violence. Within a week has helped improve reporting of of the lockdown being enforced GBV cases.” in Zimbabwe, however, we have received 592 calls from women Gender-based violence Currently housing 15 survivors and girls experiencing GBV.” toll-free hotlines available and 4 accompanying minors, 24 hours: the facility shelters women and This increase in GBV cases is girls who have experienced GBV, worrisome, but organizations Musasa Project: 08080074 mostly at the hands of those who such as Musasa Project are Zimbabwe Women are supposed to love and protect working tirelessly to ensure that Lawyers Association them. women and girls receive the (ZWLA): 08080131 help and services they require to “Enduring this type of violence is overcome abuse. For instance, not an easy experience,” said Dr. Musasa Project has continued to thermometers, temporary Julitta Onabanjo, UNFPA Regional provide safe spaces to survivors isolation tents for GBV survivors Director for East and Southern of GBV who need to seek shelter with suspicious symptoms, Africa, during a recent visit to the away from their abusive homes. and extra transport support as shelter. alternatives to limited availability Through the joint global Spotlight of public transport for survivors “We must ensure that perpetrators Initiative of European Union and being referred to higher levels of are prosecuted and that this the United Nations is providing care. These measures are critical leads to convictions. We must assistance to organizations such to ensure that survivors receive never allow this to happen as a as Musasa Project to ensure the services they need, while community. We must also ensure survivors of GBV have access to also mitigating against the risk of that perpetrators are prosecuted quality GBV services. This support exposure to COVID-19. and that this leads to convictions,” will prove to be even more critical she said. as cases of GBV rise rapidly due As a safe haven, Bubi shelter to the pressures of the COVID-19 has become a beacon of hope in The majority of GBV cases pandemic. the community. It shows what registered at Bubi shelter involve can be achieved when there is adolescent girls. The facility has To report for sexual and solidarity against the crime of also emerged as a strong link in gender-based violence, contact violence against women and the referral system, ensuring that immediately the following toll- girls. The facility brings together survivors get a comprehensive free hotlines available 24 hours: religious leaders, councillors, package of care. Bubi equips and men and women from the the survivors with skills and Musasa Project: 08080074 community to discuss how to end knowledge on how to deal with Zimbabwe Women Lawyers GBV against women and girls in GBV, thus training them to become Association (ZWLA): 08080131 the community, explained Ward community ambassadors ready to Councillor Mbizo Siwela. help others who might potentially experience violence. We are very happy and grateful for the shelter as it is doing a good job The Covid-19 pandemic has had in checking and supressing GBV. a tremendous effect on gender- based violence due to resultant “The shelter has helped bring socio-economic stresses. Cases of to light the plight of the girl gender-based violence have been child through community forum on the rise globally, as well as in 15% increase in calls from meetings, where issues relating Zimbabwe. women and girls to prevention of and response experiencing GBV during the to gender-based violence are In a normal month, the Musasa lockdown period

7 Issue 19 | May 2020 UN in Zimbabwe Newsletter Working to protect vulnerable persons in the fight against COVID-19

COVID 19 situation, it is important to collect information on the peculiar needs of the target populations including people living with HIV (PLHIV) to inform ongoing efforts against COVID-19.

UNIADS facilitated a study through a web-based survey monkey and a WhatsApp link. As of the 9th of April 2020, a total of 130 respondents had completed the WhatsApp and 40 had completed the Survey monkey. Most respondents flagged out the issue of food shortages as PLHIV who were making a living through vending and cross boar er trading among other things had their livelihoods severely affected Noting that there was currently no to ensure they have adequate by the lockdown due to COVID 19. clear evidence that people living stocks of essential medicines. with HIV are at an increased PLHIV expressed concerns on how risk of acquiring COVID-19 or of Government and stakeholders and where they are to collect their becoming more ill from it, Mr. are responding to the challenges resupplies, as their usual pick-up Martin Odiit, UNAIDS Country brought about by COVID-19. The points such as Beatrice Infections Director in Zimbabwe said that Ministry of Health and Child Care hospital have been turned to be many people living with HIV were has sent out rapid guidance on COVID 19 emergence centres. ageing and/or have other health HIV and AIDS services including >3 conditions that makes them more to 6 multi-month dispensation of Concerns were also raised by some susceptible to COVID-19. ARVs to reduce the requirements people living with HIV over COVID of frequent visits to the health induced stigma, the rising fear of The conditions that people facilities. The National AIDS contracting COVID 19 from clients living with HIV cope with include Council and Ministry of Health among health workers who do not Tuberculosis, heart disease or and Child Care continue to have proper personal protecting lung disseminate messages on HIV and equipment resulting in some of disease, which are known to make COVID-19 with UNAIDS providing PLHIV leaving health facilities people more vulnerable to severe Information Education and without getting their medicines. COVID-19 disease. In addition, Communications materials on there are still people living with People Living with HIV and COVID There is still a huge gap in HIV who are not on antiretroviral 19. information for people living therapy which may compromise with HIV on COVID 19 and its their immune systems. Mr Odiit said, these efforts will implications with regard to their contribute to reducing the health and wellbeing. Positive UNAIDS and partners are risk of COVID-19 among target living tips are causing discomfort encouraging people living with populations of the HIV and among PLHIV as they are HIV to take precautions to reduce AIDS programmes and ensure misconstrued to mean added risk exposure to COVID-19 and to reach continuity of life saving services. associated with PLHIV which has out to their health-care providers However, given the ever evolving not been scientifically proven.

Issue 19 | May 2020 8 UN in Zimbabwe Newsletter

Protecting the most vulnerable is United Nations in partnership of utmost importance, addressing wirh Persons with Disabilities the double vulnerability of Organizations produced those affected by poverty, awareness-raising videos in sign discrimination, violence, pre- language, Shona, and Ndebele, existing illness, age, disability, as well as Advocacy videos by migration and the specific famous Zimbabwean Disability difficulties faced by refugees and Advocates. Available HERE stateless persons. Health-care facilities stocks essential medicines to reduce Meanwhile, on 26 March 2020, exposure to UNESCO’s International Bioethics COVID-19 for people living with double vulnerability Committee (IBC) and World Commission on the Ethics The Ethical Principles that should of Scientific Knowledge and guide COVID-19 Response include Technology (COMEST) issued notably Solidarity, Justice, There were also worries on a joint statement highlighting Autonomy, Informed Consent, how the PLHIV, persons with the importance of adhering to Transparency, Privacy, Autonomy, disabilities and people living in international ethical principles and Non-discrimination. Policy remote and hard to reach areas that are rooted in human rights in advice resources are available will be reached with COVID 19 the preparedness and mitigation HERE information so that they are not efforts of COVID-19 pandemic. left behind. Ensuring human rights compliance in the response to COVID-19

The world is facing an “But they also focus our attention and disseminated human rights unprecedented crisis. At its core on who is suffering most, why, and compliance measures that need a global public health emergency what can be done about it.” to be taken in to consideration in on a scale not seen for a century the prevention and mitigation of requiring a global response with Upholding and protecting human such unintended consequences. far-reaching consequences on rights prepare the ground now economy , social and political for emerging from this crisis with spheres. more equitable and sustinable societies, development and Human rights are key in shaping peace. the COVID-19 pandemic response, both for the public health Meanwhile the priority is to save The human rights compliance emergency and the broader lives. In view of the exceptional in the response to COVID-19 impact on people’s lives and situation and to preserve life, covers the rights to participation, livelihoods. Human rights put countries have no choice but to access information, health, food, people centre-stage. adopt extraordinary measures. education, state of emergency and Extensive lockdowns, adopted to emergency legislation, freedom In his policy brief published in April slow transmission of the virus of movement and people living 2020, the UN Secretary General Mr. restrict by necessity freedom of in institutions, discrimination, Antonio Guterres said,“Responses movement and, in the process leaving no one behind and do that are shaped by and respect freedom to enjoy many other no harm, children, women and human rights result in better human rights. personswith disabilities: Available outcomes in beating the COVID19 HERE pandemic and preserving human In response, the United Nations dignity.” in Zimbabwe has developed

9 Issue 19 | May 2020 UN in Zimbabwe Newsletter Reorienting hygiene clubs to promote prevention against COVID-19 #LearningNeverStops

Due to COVID-19 pandemic In Zimbabwe, the education 2020. more than 1.5 billion students emergency cluster has developed “You should always wash your across the planet including a COVID 19 response strategy with hands with soap under running 4.56m Zimbabwean students are three objectives: water for at least 20 seconds, affected by school closures due to • Prevent spread and no more handshaking, try to the COVID-19 outbreak. transmission of coronavirus stand one metre apart, and among teachers, learners and don’t touch your face,” she says, To facilitate inclusive learning school communities demonstrating to a group of opportunities for children and • Mitigate the impact of the pupils gathered for a lesson about youth during this period of sudden coronavirus emergency on COVID-19. and unprecedented educational learning and wellbeing of disruption, the UN is spearheading teachers, learners and school The 60-member club was formed global education coalition to communities through key ensure learning never stops. interventions • Ensure safe return to quality UN Deputy Secretary General learning for teachers, learners Amina Mohamed expressed and school communities the UN’s full commitment to the Coalition, warning that “for Angela Mudzokora, 11, and millions of children and youth members of her school’s Health from disadvantaged backgrounds, Club at Kushinga Primary School Zimbabwean students are school closures could mean in Zimbabwe’s Chimanimani active in disseminating the loss of a vital safety net – District, have been on hygiene Covid-19 precautionary of nutrition, protection and awareness activities together with messages to their fellow emotional support.” their teachers since end of March students and communities

Issue 19 | May 2020 10 UN in Zimbabwe Newsletter

mounting of COVID-19 awareness the virus are still being practised. posters around the school grounds. “It’s a challenge to raise awareness about an illness that the villagers The posters developed through have never seen or heard of in resources from the Health their lives,” said Mr. Tonha. “But Development Fund, a multi- it’s critical that we begin to inform donor pooled fund supported and educate the community about by the United Kingdom’s UKAID; the symptoms and preventative the European Union, Irish Aid; measures before it’s too late. It the Swedish Government and is working well with the students UN actively supporting national GAVI, were distributed, with other and I am sure the villagers will also communication and country materials across Zimbabwe. This heed the call.” engagement to raise awareness is part of a national prevention on preventing and mitigating and awareness campaign to Meanwhile, in April 2020, Prof COVID 19 mitigate against the spread of the Hubert Gijzen, UNESCO Regional corona virus. Director signed an agreement with the Executive Secretary of last year to raise awareness Before the lockdown, UNICEF SADC to launch the joint initiative on hygienic issues amid fears on #LearningNeverStops. of an outbreak of waterborne teams were visiting Kushinga and surrounding schools in Chipinge diseases, such as cholera and Noting that the agreement was typhoid following Cyclone Idai and Chimanimani Districts, distributing Teachers’ Guides on part of an ongoing efforts to that devastated the region in early replicate the global coalition on 2019. key messages and actions for COVID-19 prevention and control, #LearningNeverStops at regional and posters to schools. and country level, Prof Gijzen said The club has now turned its focus that the initiative brings together to ensuring that fellow pupils – multitude of partners, including and people in the surrounding “Teachers talk about coronavirus during the morning assembly, UN agencies (UNICEF, ITU, WB community – are equipped with but the health club members are and others), NGOs, Private information on preventing and ‘more effective’ because they sector partners like Microsoft, protecting themselves and others engage in more intimate formal Huawei, GSMA, Weidong, Google, against COVID-19. and informal sessions among Facebook, Zoom, KPMG, non- fellow pupils,” says Mr. Tonha. profit organizations such as Khan “We cannot repeat the same Academy, Dubai Cares, Profuturo, mistakes. We have the power to “Using the Guides and key Sesame Street and others. act… we now understand the messages, I am able to train the power of information. It can save students to share the information lives,” Angela says. effectively with their classmates and their families at home.” Mathew Tonha, the school Health Coordinator, said the school The impact of their messages established the club to promote is noticeable. “Everyone now peer to peer health education in washes their hands with soap August 2019. at home after I told them about coronavirus,” says 10-year old “After the trauma the children Doust Toma. suffered after Cyclone Idai, we thought that apart from Despite the commendable efforts UN teams distributing teachers professional counselling, the by the Kushinga School Health guides on key messages and children would be able to comfort Club, the need for increased actions for COVID 19 prevention each other and also share awareness is visible in the and control, and posters information among themselves,” surrounding community where to schools in Chipinge and he said, as he supervised the cultural norms that might spread Chimanimani districts

11 Issue 19 | May 2020 UN in Zimbabwe Newsletter

Partnering with media in the fight against COVID-19

“The COVID-19 is a serious health As of 30 April, four people had The level of public knowledge crisis,” says Dr. Alex Gasasira, WHO died of COVID-19 in Zimbabwe. about coronavirus is low, and Representative in Zimbabwe “And “Thankfully, that number is low even some journalists are just in a crisis, people get scared, they right now,” says Dr. Gasasira. getting up to speed. “There were a seek out information to stay safe. “But it could rise fast, especially lot of things about COVID-19 that At the same time, a lot of rumours if misinformation spreads fast.” became clear in the workshop,” and half-truths get spread around. To contain the spread of the That is why we see false messages disease, the United Nations and and videos circulating on social partners are working with media media, and unfounded theories to boost their role in reporting about how the virus is transmitted. accurately on the coronavirus so All of this misinformation can be that audiences can stay safe. deadly. We’re facing not only a health crisis, but potentially an A two-day online workshop information crisis.” convened by the UN Communications Group, 25 UN entities, brought As in any country, rumour, comprising all 25 UN entities, together 250 journalists from innuendo, lies, and half-truths brought together 250 journalists nationwide with 50 government spread rapidly in Zimbabwe. from nationwide with 50 officials and youth leaders to Roughly two weeks ago, for government officials, youth formulate a COVID-19 strategy example, a press release leaders, and others on the reportedly from the Office of the frontlines of the response to President made the rounds on COVID-19. Journalists in the says Columbus Mavhunga, a social media, announcing that the training came from the country’s multimedia journalist. “For national lockdown on COVID-19 55 registered outlets in print, example, the difference between had been extended. Countless radio, digital, and other media, as coronavirus and COVID-19—I people had seen or heard the well as from the corps of “citizen now know that the former so-called news before the press journalists” that has arisen around causes the latter.” Mavhunga said release was revealed as a forgery. the edges of official media. the workshop also cleared up

Issue 19 | May 2020 12 UN in Zimbabwe Newsletter

myths about the pandemic and have to record the emotions and ourselves but so that we can be covered the ethical dimensions of get good quality story,” she says. role models to viewers.” reporting on COVID-19. The problem is, like many other countries, Zimbabwe is facing a The burden of any health crisis The training also played an dire shortage of face masks and is not borne equally throughout important practical role, other protection. Even many society, says Dr. Angela Muriithi, connecting journalists with health care workers are lacking Plan International Country government officials, who can personal protective equipment; Director in Zimbabwe, who spoke serve as sources for reporters. reporters have even less. at the workshop. “The most “People always improvise when vulnerable populations — children, there is an information gap,” adds “We don’t live in a vacuum. We women and adolescent girls, Lynette Manzini, another journalist have to go back to our families,” youth, persons with disabilities who attended the training. “The says Tembo. “Yet we don’t even and the elderly — are often much workshop helped to bridge the know what we are exposing them more adversely affected. Media gap between Ministry officials to because every day we talk to practitioners should design more and journalists and suffocate the various people. If you get a cough content specifically for the needs grapevine.” or a slight headache you think you of these groups.” have the coronavirus. We live in If journalists have a role to play fear and anxiety.” “People are hungry for in sharing safety information, information,” says Hubert Gijzen, they sometimes face obstacles Speaking during the training, UNESCO Regional Director for in putting it into practice. So Dr. Anywhere Mutambudzi from Southern Africa, who addressed says Abigail Tembo, a reporter the Ministry of Information journalists in the workshop. “The with Zimbabwe Broadcasting said journalists should receive people of Zimbabwe need you in Corporation, the only broadcast protective equipment from their this work. We need you to share station in this nation of 14 employers. He added that TV facts and dispel myths. Accurate million people. “Viewers want journalists should ensure that reporting is one of the best tools audible audio. They want human their interviewees are wearing we have to stop this disease. In a connection. That means I have protective gear in the proper way very real sense, you, journalists, to pin a microphone to a lapel. I “so that we don’t only protect are on the front lines of this fight.”

13 Issue 19 | May 2020 UN in Zimbabwe Newsletter

UN has supported the National Response Plan to COVID-19 through the procurement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for frontline health workers with US$4.1 million. UNDP is partnering with the Government, other UN agencies and the private sector to engage communities on information dissemination; support youth-led business working on the COVID-19 response, and to support the informal sector. Further, options for Global Fund support to the COVID response by the health sector are also being considered. COVID-19 pandemic reveals investment in development reaps rewards during crisis Cricensia Tshu, one of the nurses maternal theatres and wards; at Sipepa Rural Hospital, takes pharmacies for medicines and out the insulated case of vaccines vaccine refrigeration; information from the refrigerator to prepare systems; and night lighting in the for the day. As with other days, facilities. 405 health facilities across the Cricensia prepares to receive country equipped with solar mothers as they bring their infants “The experience from our systems for their vaccination shots. partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, and Two years ago, this routine activity Global Fund provides a platform The partnership between would not have been guaranteed. to continuously invest in a robust Government, Global Fund and Unreliable power supply, which health system that can adequately UNDP to strengthen national has affected Zimbabwe and absorb the demand on health health systems is supporting the most Southern African countries, facilities” said UNDP Resident country towards achievement created inconsistencies in the Representative, Georges van of SDGs 3, 7, 8, 13 and 17: Good availability of vaccines which need Montfort. health and well-being, Affordable to maintain a cold chain from the and clean energy, Decent work, central pharmacies in Harare to As Zimbabwe prepares for a Climate action and partnerships. Sipepa, over 550 km away. potential surge in COVID-19 cases, the investment in 405 health UNDP with support from the facilities with solar grids will Global Fund and in partnership play a critical role in response to with Ministry of Health and the disease. Power for medical Child Care, and the Ministry of devices, information systems Local Government, Rural and and lighting will be important to Urban Development, equipped contain the spread of the virus, 405 health facilities across the provide care for patients and for country with solar systems of real-time reporting of incidents UN procures Personal varying capacity. These systems across the country. Protective Equipment (PPE) for provide primary power for frontline health workers worth US$4.1 million critical operations including in Through the Global Fund, the

Issue 19 | May 2020 14 UN in Zimbabwe Newsletter Advancing human centred policy to protect the safety, wellbeing of workers

“COVID-19 and the world of The sectors most at risk include policy measures informed by work”, the International Labour accommodation and food international labour standards Organization’s (ILO) preliminary services, manufacturing, retail, focusing on four pillars: protecting assessment held in March 2020 and business and administrative workers in the workplace; noted that the world of work is activities that employ about 1.25 supporting enterprises, being profoundly affected by billion workers. employment and incomes; the global virus pandemic. In The Report further says 81 per stimulating the economy and addition to the threat to public cent of the global workforce of 3.3 jobs; and using social dialogue health, the economic and social billion are currently affected by between government, workers disruption threatens the long- full or partial workplace closures and employers to find solutions. term livelihoods and wellbeing of resulting in layoffs and reductions millions. in wages. In these initial phases of the response it is important to The ILO notes that COVID-19 The challenge in the world of work prioritise the safety and health will transcend the urgent in Zimbabwe is quite complex due of frontline and essential service concerns about the health of to the high levels of informality workers through provision of workers and their families, (76% of employment) and absence adequate personal protective the virus and the subsequent of social safety nets especially equipment (PPE); adjusting economic shocks will impact the health insurance with only about working arrangements (social world of work across three key 7% of the population covered. distancing, including telework dimensions: 1) The quantity of The absence of comprehensive and staggered hours were jobs (both unemployment and social protection makes workers possible; minimise losses of jobs underemployment); 2) The quality and the families vulnerable, and incomes; and ensure effective of work (e.g. wages and access to disproportionally increasing access to paid sick leave and social protection); and 3) Effects women’s burden due to their care support for working parents as on specific groups who are more work roles. well as prevent discrimination vulnerable to adverse labour and exclusion. market outcomes. The ILO proposes human-centred

15 Issue 19 | May 2020 UN in Zimbabwe Newsletter Cylone Idai recovery programme may lend a lesson to recovering better from COVID-19 how the two have defied old age to focus on agriculture production.

The couple, Dingane and Nancy Sithole who live in Chipinge, eastern parts of Zimbabwe, fell victim to Cyclone Idai which hit Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe mid March 2019.

The two are working hard to shrug off the ‘victim’ tag and are charting a way for a better future.

“The time the cyclone hit was the most devastating moment in my life,” says Nancy. “We were caught unawares, and this was worsened by the fact that the rains pounded without ceasing during the night. Houses were flooded, some walls gave in while roofs were blown off. It was very terrifying.”

In response to Cyclone Idai, which also provided training to the Nancy says they woke up to see hit Zimbabwe in March 2019, the UN beneficiaries on crop production, their house destroyed. This is Office for Project Services (UNOPS) climate smart agriculture, where they had stored their harvest with US$72 million funding from agronomy, and on stock feed from the previous season and had World Bank established Zimbabwe utilisation. anticipated to pull through to the Idai Recovery Project, a major next harvest without incident. multi-sectoral recovery project, Additionally, WHO and UNICEF implemented by FAO, IOM, UNICEF, are cooperating to accelerate “I looked at my field and it WHO and WFP. the revitalization of basic health was so distressing to note that services. To date, more than 25,000 the promising crop had been The four-year Zimbabwe Idai people have been reached with destroyed. The runoff had levelled Recovery Project (ZIRP) aims not health services in ZIRP targeted the field and uprooted some of simply to restore what was lost, but areas. the crops. Imagine, we had a to build back better and smarter to good crop, then suddenly we had mitigate future impacts. Supporting the early recovery an empty field greeting us the with food assistance, WFP food for following morning,” she adds. ZIRP is assisting disaster-affected asset programme has allowed the communities to recover their rehabilitation of watersheds, check The couple stays with four means of subsistence. To address dams, stone bunds, terracing and orphaned grandchildren of school the immediate recovery needs dams linked to nutrition gardens going age. Nancy says the thought WFP and FAO are supporting the or irrigation schemes. of providing for the four, given her affected communities by providing advanced age, troubled her greatly. food assistance and agricultural They are an elderly couple, the inputs. Some beneficiaries are husband is aged 95 while the wife is “There was a swift response as already harvesting crops thanks 17 years younger, but the lush green different organisations started to the inputs received. FAO has maize in their field is a testimony of assisting us. I must be honest with

Issue 19 | May 2020 16 UN in Zimbabwe Newsletter

you, I had never received food bridges to ensure access to have managed to plant for the or clothing handouts in my life. markets and services. current season as I was struggling For me it was embarrassing but to feed my grandchildren and we had no choice. I felt like I was As the approach of ZIRP is to would not have managed to buy disabled, and I was longing for a harmonize project activities across seed and fertiliser,” adds Nancy. time when we will be able to feed sectors, UNICEF is rehabilitating ourselves,” adds Nancy. communal WASH services and providing educational materials ZIRP works towards assisting to community schools. Providing the affected communities with technical assistance for greater medium-term recovery with an quality data on internally emphasis on building resilience. displaced people (IDPs), IOM has To this effect, FAO and UNOPS are conducted a Return Intention collaborating to reconstruct key 25,000 people reached with community irrigation schemes. “I am glad that I was selected as UNOPS is also reconstructing one of the beneficiaries under this health services in ZIRP targeted damaged schools, roads and project. I was not sure how I would areas

Empowered lives. Resilient nations.

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