Providence Moyo
Zimbabwe faces a deepening humanitarian crisis, with 7.6 million people, including 3.5 million children, urgently needing assistance in 2025.
UNICEF has sounded the alarm, warning that without swift action, the situation could spiral into a catastrophe.
The organization is appealing for $36.5 million to provide life-saving interventions to 1.6 million people, prioritizing the most vulnerable children and families.
“The situation is dire, and we must act quickly to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe,” UNICEF stated, highlighting the compounded challenges caused by El Niño-induced droughts, food shortages, floods, and public health emergencies.
UNICEF’s 2025 Humanitarian Action for Children Factsheet outlines a comprehensive response plan targeting critical areas such as health, nutrition, water and sanitation, education, and social protection.
The integration of HIV response, risk communication, and measures to address gender-based violence will further enhance efforts to meet urgent needs.
“The El Niño-induced drought, food and nutrition crisis, floods, and public health emergencies have pushed many families to the brink.We urge donors to support our efforts to provide the assistance they so desperately need,” the statement reads.
UNICEF plans to prioritize integrated interventions, ensuring children have access to health services, clean water, and education while protecting them from harm. The organization’s efforts aim to restore hope to communities on the verge of collapse and address the long-term impact of these overlapping crises.
As the call for global support intensifies, the $36.5 million appeal represents more than just funding it is a lifeline for millions of Zimbabweans. With 2025 fast approaching, the international community’s response will determine the fate of countless lives.
