Essential Medicines in Zimbabwe - UNICEF Consolidated Appeal Process 2009

The humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe continues to deteriorate illustrated by an unprecedented cholera outbreak exacerbated by a political stalemate that has resulted in failed/failing public systems. Zimbabwe has the world's highest inflation and one of the lowest life expectancies. It is anticipated that 2009 will be another year of erratic weather which combined with the failure to procure and adequately distribute seed stock will lead to another failed harvest for the over 5 million people already in need of food aid. Unemployment is estimated at 80 percent in Zimbabwe which also has one of the world's highest rates of HIV/AIDS. The country is faced with inadequate vital and essential medicines in all its health facitilies. Although support was received from different partners through UNICEF procurement systems in 2008 the gap was estimated at 70% of required needs. This project aims to contribute to the health sector objectives in Zimbabwe including to: strengthen timely and appropriate response to disasters and public health emergencies; ensure universal access to basic health services by filling specific gaps; reduce the burden imposed by the most prevalent diseases; address the particular needs of specific vulnerable groups; and improve information management coordination monitoring and evaluation of health interventions gaps and trends in disease occurence. Activities include support to the implementation of disease outbreak response with focus on cholera and other diarrhoeal diseases and the procurement and distribution of essential and vital drugs vaccines equipment and supplies.