The European Union is reinforcing its support with USD 345,000 in humanitarian aid to contribute to the support to the increased number of Zimbabweans returnees fleeing violence in South Africa and to strengthen Zimbabwe’s response to a surging cholera outbreak. The funding will help provide life-saving assistance to thousands in urgent need.
The EU is supporting Zimbabwe Red Cross Society in assisting over 5,000 vulnerable returnees from South Africa following violence targeting foreign nationals. Between April and 28 July. almost 110 thousand people have crossed back into Zimbabwe, placing significant pressure on reception facilities at Beitbridge Border Post. Many returnees are spending nights at the reception centre while waiting for transport home, facing cold winter temperatures and limited shelter. This support intends to join forces with the ongoing Government-led efforts and other partners to assist returnees at Beitbridge and with transport services.
The EU funding will reinforce the efforts of the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society in delivering much-needed relief including emergency shelter, food, blankets, clean water, healthcare, hygiene support, and essential relief supplies. The operation will also provide psychosocial support, protection services, and Restoring Family Links (RFL), helping families reconnect with loved ones. The humanitarian response prioritizes support for women and children, older persons, people with disabilities, and others with specific needs. Women and girls, who constitute an estimated 65 per cent of the returning population, will receive targeted support to address their specific health, protection, and dignity needs.
The cholera outbreak, first detected in Rushinga District in January 2026, has since spread to several districts in Manicaland and Midlands provinces. Since then, transmission has been reported in Nyanga, Mutasa, Mutare City, Chipinge, Chimanimani and Zvishavane, with mining communities and border areas emerging as major hotspots. Limited access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services in these areas continues to increase the risk of further transmission.
In response to the cholera outbreak, the EU funding will provide 88,200 people with anticipatory measures and response, such as training and deploying volunteers to strengthen community surveillance, early case detection and referral, hygiene promotion, household water treatment, a rapid response strategy to mitigate cholera outbreaks, and community engagement in the affected districts.
The two operations will run for six months and will be conducted in coordination with the Government of Zimbabwe, the IFRC, United Nations agencies, NGOs and other stakeholders.
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