World Food Programme Protracted Relief and Rehabilitation Operation in Zimbabwe

April 2011 – The humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe has stabilized somewhat since the political, economic and social instability of 2008/2009, which included a major food crisis, an unprecedented cholera outbreak that affected 100,000 people, the deterioration of the health system and restrictions on non-governmental organization (NGO) access. Since then, major cholera outbreaks have been prevented due to strengthened preparedness, and there have been significant improvements made in access to safe sanitation. However, the situation remains fragile. This CIDA contribution aims to help the World Food Programme (WFP) meet the food needs of an estimated 1.55 million beneficiaries in Zimbabwe. The operation assists food insecure populations through: seasonal targeted assistance to protect lives and livelihoods as well as enhance self reliance of vulnerable households in response to seasonal food shortages; health and nutrition interventions to improve the well-being of chronically ill adults; social safety nets to promote food access and consumption among vulnerable food-insecure households.