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Crisis Severity0 Very lowVery high 5
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Impact0 Very lowVery high 5
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Humanitarian Conditions0 Very lowVery high 5
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Complexity0 Very lowVery high 5
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Access ConstraintsNo constraintsExtreme constraints
Key figures
Overview
23/04/2020
The political situation in Zimbabwe has become increasingly strained following the Zimbabwean army’s removal of President Robert Mugabe in November 2017. Since 2008, the country has been in economic crisis, with impacts seen in the costs and reduced availability of food, fuel, and medicines. With legitimate and alternative currencies quickly devaluing against the US dollar, inflation and liquidity shortages are expected to worsen unless effective measures are taken. Should the economy collapse, as in 2008, serious consequences for food security and health are very likely.?Coupled with economic and political issues is Zimbabwe's worsening health crisis. Doctors and other health workers are embarking on indefinite strikes since 2019 to protest lack of pay and government’s inability to provide medical facilities at hospitals. Cholera and typhoid outbreaks are putting extreme pressure on Zimbabwe’s health system and dilapidated WASH infrastructure.?The already fragile humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe is compounded by the impact of Tropical Cyclone Idai (March 2019), which affected around 270,000 people in Manicaland, Masvingo, and parts of Mashonaland East provinces.? Underlying vulnerabilities such as high food security levels, limited livelihood opportunities, and limited access to health services have been reinforced, including the risks of renewed outbreaks of waterborne diseases.?
Latest Developments
07/07/2020
07/07/2020: Over 15,000 nurses in Zimbabwe are striking since 29 June because of insufficient wages. This is one of the effects of the economic crisis Zimbabwe is facing, the already crippled health sector, and the strain put on the sector by COVID-19. The strike could aggravate the already limited COVID-19 response capacity of the country's public health systems.?
30/06/2020: Continuing effects of the economic crisis in Zimbabwe are surfacing with fuel scarcity and long queues at petrol stations. The prices of basic goods have soared in the past month, with a loaf of bread increasing by 36% and cornmeal by 30%. On 26 June, the government suspended all mobile money transactions aiming to curb criminality and "economic sabotage".?
30/06/2020: A diarrhoea outbreak was reported in June in Zimbabwe's second largest city of Bulawayo. Nine people have died and over 1,500 cases are reported as of 29 June. Residents report receiving water supply only once a week, which is contributing to the spread of the disease. The city's sewer system is dilapidated, and there are reports of raw sewage flowing from burst pipes. The situation is further aggravated by deficiencies in the health system and the COVID-19 pandemic.?
26/06/2020: On 23 June, Zimbabwe announced a 150% increase in the price of petrol and diesel, effective immediately. The increase in fuel prices comes after the Zimbabwean dollar fell by more than 50% against international currencies on 23 June, leaving inflation rates at 786%. The country’s complex crises are already deepened by COVID-19, collapse of services in the health sector, scarcity of water, drought, and food insecurity.?
Key Priorities
28/11/2019
WASH: Old and poorly maintained WASH facilities need investment and upgrades to prevent continual waterborne disease outbreaks and to guarantee potable water supplies. Lack of currency in the country and power blackouts have resulted in the closure of water treatment plants, leaving up to 2 million people without access to clean water. ?
Food security: IPC Phase 3 (Crisis) food security levels are widespread, with price rises due to the economic crisis further impacting food availability. ?
Livelihoods: Zimbabwe’s economic crises and several other factors have contributed to an unemployment rate of 80%, which, combined with rising inflation, means livelihood support needs are high. ?
Health: Access to health care has become restricted as shortages of medicine and medical staff persist as economic crisis continues to worsen. ?
