After the worst drought in decades hit Zimbabwe in 2024, around 7.6 million people are projected to face food insecurity in 2025, along with high levels of wasting and stunting among children.

Compounding the crisis, a cholera outbreak affected thousands of people, highlighting the urgency of improving water, sanitation and hygiene services – especially in drought-affected and remote areas.

To address these challenges, the government of Japan launched five projects totalling more than $6.95 million under Japan’s 2024 Supplementary Budget and the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD).

As part of this, UNOPS is spearheading a comprehensive response to Zimbabwe’s medical waste management challenges by procuring and installing three high-temperature, smokeless medical waste incinerators in Harare and Bulawayo.

Designed to meet World Health Organization and International Organization for Standardization standards, the incinerators will significantly improve safe disposal practices and reduce environmental hazards. UNOPS will also support building up long-term technical capacity through training and technology transfer.

Additional projects implemented by UNICEF, the UN Development Programme and the World Food Programme will help strengthen maternal and child health, prevent malnutrition, enhance food security, and harness digital innovation to empower families and communities.

The five transformative projects will benefit more than 86,000 people and reach hundreds of thousands more through digital platforms and life-saving messaging.

Read more here.