Zimbabwe has faced a sharp rise in malaria cases since April 2025, driven by climate-related shocks, disruptions to routine health services and increasing pressure on the public health system. The surge in malaria has strained health facilities, particularly in rural areas, and persistent transmission of infectious and waterborne diseases continues to pose serious risks.

With funding from the government of Japan, UNOPS will procure and install modern hospital equipment that will improve hygiene standards and reduce hospital-acquired infections. UNOPS will also procure patient-transfer ambulances as well as information and communication technology equipment for rural health centres in high-burden malaria districts.

WHO will support health authorities in Zimbabwe to urgently respond to the ongoing malaria outbreak in high-burden districts.

Zimbabwe is also experiencing ongoing challenges to food and nutrition security. Limited access to markets, technology and advisory services affects smallholder farmers and youth-led agritech initiatives.

To respond, WFP will strengthen food and nutrition security in Zimbabwe by supporting youth-led digital innovations designed to tackle persistent gaps in market access for farmers, advisory services, mechanisation, and disease surveillance.

In all, the projects will benefit more than two million people.

"Japan is confident that these initiatives will contribute meaningfully to accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, strengthening national systems, and improving the health, nutrition, and well-being of communities across Zimbabwe," said Ambassador Nobutaka Maekawa.

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