§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) if he will make a statement on the latest humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe; [167818]
(2) what progress is being made to ensure that humanitarian aid in Zimbabwe goes to those in most need; [167822]
(3) if he will make a statement on levels of (a) cholera and (b) dysentery in Zimbabwe. [167823]
§ Hilary BennLarge number; of Zimbabweans continue to be in humanitarian need. This is largely the result of the Government of Zimbabwe's misguided economic policies, including the poorly implemented fast track land programme, exacerbated by the HIV/ AIDS epidemic and erratic rainfall. At least eight million Zimbabweans, over half the population, have been receiving donor-funded food aid in recent months, in advance of the imminent harvest, which should improve food security for the majority of Zimbabweans.
950WThe crop forecast is not yet finalised, but the harvest may cover less than half of the country's food needs over the next 12 months. The Government of Zimbabwe has stated its intention to import grain to meet the national food deficit. Given, the Government's economic difficulties, this may be unrealistic. In the meantime, the Government say that they will not decide for some months whether to ask for further international food aid after June. Households most likely to be in need of assistance, either food or other resources, will be those with no access to land or income that are also affected by HIV/AIDS or include orphans, disabled children and the elderly.
DFID Zimbabwe provides financial support to the UN system for rigorous monitoring and evaluation of donor-funded humanitarian programmes, including both the effective targeting of those in the most need, and ensuring that there is no political interference in the process. Monitoring and evaluation reports are regularly provided to donors and discussed at meetings with the United Nations, non-governmental organisations, civil society and other donors. DFID remains confident that the humanitarian relief provided by the UK reaches those members of society who are most in need of assistance.
According to the latest figures from the Ministry of Health, there have been 77 cases of cholera and 9,860 cases of dysentery since January. However, the number could be much higher due to the decline in surveillance. Many cases are not reported as people cannot afford to go to hospitals or hospitals are failing to report reasons for death.
DFID has provided funds to Save the Children UK to respond to cholera outbreaks. The aim is to ensure that the disease does not spread further and that the communities at risk are assisted with soap and other hygiene items, as well as water purification tablets and oral dehydration supplies to treat diarrhoea.