The United Nations Children’s Fund says 78 percent of Zimbabweans are “absolutely poor” and 55 percent of the population lives under the food poverty line.
A UNICEF report entitled “Child-Sensitive Social Protection in Zimbabwe” said at least 6.6 million Zimbabweans cannot meet their basic needs and some 3.5 million children are chronically hungry.
UNICEF Communications Chief Micaela Marques De Sousa said the report indicates widespread poverty in the country despite the gains achieved since the inclusive government was formed in 2009.
De Sousa told VOA Studio 7 reporter Gibbs Dube that there is urgent need for international organizations to pool resources to help Zimbabweans. “Relief agencies need to work closely with the government to tackle these high poverty levels,” she said.
World Vision Zimbabwe Director Ellen Tagwireyi said the UNICEF report is on the mark as the country has an unemployment rate of at least 70 percent.
A UNICEF report entitled “Child-Sensitive Social Protection in Zimbabwe” said at least 6.6 million Zimbabweans cannot meet their basic needs and some 3.5 million children are chronically hungry