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Zimbabwe: Monthly humanitarian update - October 2010
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
October 31, 2010

http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/MDCS-8BHHTR?OpenDocument

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Zimbabwe's humanitarian situation remains in a state of fragile stability since the second quarter of 2009 when the effects of the 2008/9 crisis started being overcome. It is, however, important to note that stakeholders are only moderately optimistic, particularly now that new challenges for 2011 seem to be emerging.

Persistent needs point to structural weaknesses that foster underlying vulnerabilities. For instance, infrastructural degradation in the basic sectors of health as well as water and sanitation keep the country in a situation of generalized humanitarian need as sudden shocks evolve into emergencies. Unless these are addressed, the country will remain vulnerable while its ability to respond to shocks remains compromised.

In this context and to consolidate the positive changes recorded so far, there is a need to reinforce the ongoing Early Recovery activities and to explore new ways of addressing the underlying vulnerabilities to the extent possible, while remaining mindful of the large remaining basic needs.

The unexpected Influenza A H1N1 outbreak in October, coupled with the ongoing cholera and measles epidemics reflect the fragile humanitarian situation. Ordinarily, such outbreaks would be easily controlled in a functional health system. The continued need for agricultural input support, food aid and income generating projects also testify of the same.

It was with this in mind that humanitarian partners met to plan for the 2011 Consolidated Appeal Process (CAP) with emphasis on the need to move from emergency to early recovery mode. This should address current challenges and pave way for long term relief and restoration of livelihoods.

Limited inflows of both humanitarian and development funding continue to hamper the country's course from a generalized humanitarian crisis to early recovery.

Zimbabwe's current CAP requires $478 million to meet humanitarian needs. However, by end of October 2010, it was only 46.6% funded at $222 million. While this was a slight increase of $14 million, or 3% on the $208 million reported at the end of September 2010, it is insignificant in comparison to the country's needs.

An analysis of Zimbabwe's CAP between August and October 2010, reveals a worrying trend that reflects marginal support. In August, the CAP was 42% funded, followed by a 1.6% increase to 43.6% in September and the current 46.6% in October 2010. This is far below the 50% mark at this time of year and inadequate to meet the country's needs. In October 2009, the country's CAP requirement of $719 million was 55% funded at $396 million.

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