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26 April 2024
United Nations provides $5.5 million for Zambia’s Drought Response
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Press Release
15 April 2024
Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children commends the strong commitment and efforts of the Government of Zambia to end Violence Against Children and stresses the need to invest more in child protection and well-being
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Press Release
05 April 2024
UN Coordinator for El Niño and UNICEF Regional Director Call for internatioal solidarity and support for drought-stricken Zambia
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The Sustainable Development Goals in Zambia
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Zambia:
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25 September 2020
Have your say. Shape your future.
To mark its 75th anniversary, the United Nations is launching a global conversation on the role of international cooperation in building the future we want.
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02 October 2020
Decade of Action
Deliver #ForPeopleForPlanet. We have 10 years to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals. The year 2020 kicks off a reaffirmation of the 2030 Agenda. Demonstrate action through ambition, mobilization and game-changing outcomes for people and for the planet.
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28 October 2020
Coronavirus global outbreak
Everyone is talking about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Take part in getting your facts from reliable sources.
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03 April 2024
We the Women Global Survey
https://survey.jibunu.com/emi_0243/index.aspx?l=1 The United Nations is conducting the first ever We the Women Global Survey to learn about women's perspectives on a variety of global issues and how the international community can address them. Through the Global Survey, we aim to collect the insights of women around the globe on the issues they care about most. These opinions and observations will then be shared with key decision makers and provide an essential part of the Pact for the Future to be adopted during the Summit of Future taking place in September 2024 at the United Nations Headquarters. This survey, developed in conjunction with John Zogby Strategies, will be open between March 8th and 30th. All answers will be kept confidential and anonymous - results will be aggregated. We the Women is a campaign of Women Rise for All, an initiative by the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General. For more information, visit: https://unpartnerships.un.org/we-the-women.
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14 March 2024
My Journey in Afghanistan
LUSAKA Zambia, March 2024---From Zambia to Afghanistan, from development to a fast-paced humanitarian emergency; my experience with the Communication and Advocacy team in Afghanistan was the epitome of a “stretch”. Now returned home to Zambia, I reflect on my journey with a blend of emotions.The decision to go to Afghanistan will forever hold a special place in my heart. A six-month maternity cover turned to a two-year staff contract, where I witnessed the onset of a humanitarian crisis, the aftermath of the Taliban takeover of the government followed by unending decrees. Girls can only go to school up to sixth grade, women are not allowed to work, go to parks, or even leave their homes without a "Maharam" male escort. Of course, these decrees have presented various challenges for the population on different levels. Colleagues in the office are also grappling with the difficulties of balancing work responsibilities while seeking mental peace, which affects everyone in Afghanistan. The staff's unwavering commitment to meeting the urgent needs of vulnerable children and women is truly inspiring. In addition to delivering essential services for the overall humanitarian response, management's top priority is ensuring the well-being of staff members. Their relentless efforts to tackle complex issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, and insecurity are evident, all while ensuring that staff are in the best position to deliver the desired results.Stretch assignments provide opportunities for learning, such as different management and leadership styles, and enhance skills through exposure to various professional experiences, teams, offices, and working environments. During my stretch in Afghanistan, I learned many hard skills, such as writing in crisis communication, how to maneuver around donor fatigue, and responding to and pitching to media. But this experience has also shaped my perspectives and approach to humanitarian work, and there are some important lessons I want to share. #1. In every UNICEF country, children come first: After August 15, 2021, when the Taliban took over the government, Afghanistan faced compounded challenges, especially for its vulnerable population of children and women. This led to operational changes for aid agencies on the ground, including UNICEF. Despite the difficulties, UNICEF remained committed to delivering aid across the country.I saw some positive perspectives on Afghanistan, emphasizing resilience and hope, particularly among children and women. During my last field mission to Nili in central Afghanistan, a visit to the Pas-e-Toup community-based education class, a heartwarming moment occurred when grade 2 learners recited a poem highlighting the themes of light, hope, and trust shining through their eyes. #2. Don’t forget security: Security considerations are at the forefront of our planning and execution of duties. Shortly after completing the mandatory SSAFE training for emergency duty stations, I realized that in Afghanistan, both culture and religion significantly influence our security measures and ultimately impact our work. Collaborating with local colleagues allowed me to understand the culture and incorporate it into my work.Afghanistan has a complex and dynamic security environment. By maintaining detailed security measures, the office continuously assesses and adapts to changing security threats, allowing for the implementation of appropriate risk mitigation strategies. Regular security assessments, training, and protocols enable UNICEF to stay up to date with the security dynamics, minimizing vulnerabilities and safeguarding staff and operations.Overall, the incorporation of detailed security measures is vital for UNICEF in Afghanistan to protect staff, ensure the continuity of operations, safeguard beneficiaries, build trust, and adapt to the evolving security landscape. By doing so, UNICEF effectively fulfills its mandate of supporting children and their families in need.#3. “Whole office accountability”: During this time, I experienced the concept of "whole office accountability." With national colleagues unable to report to the office following the Taliban takeover of the government, I stretched myself to support other sections, ensuring the completion of assignments critical to providing essential humanitarian response to Afghanistan's vulnerable children and women. Collaboration became increasingly vital to ensure a smooth workflow with no gaps in processes.My greatest takeaway is that each one of us contributes to the greater mandate of UNICEF. Whether at any level or in any section, each person's contribution adds to the positive results of the entire office.#4. Be extremely agile: In Afghanistan, the rapidly changing landscape often renders meticulously laid plans ineffective. Cultivating flexibility to swiftly respond to evolving circumstances can prove to be an asset in navigating the unpredictable environment.#5. The importance of mental health: Mental health represents a significant concern among both staff of UNICEF and the population of Afghanistan. UNICEF's work in the country is crucial in addressing these challenges and supporting the well-being of individuals. Several factors contribute to the mental health issues faced by staff and the Afghan people:Decades of conflict and insecurity, resulting in chronic stress, trauma, and loss among the population. Frequent violence, displacement, and exposure to dangerous situations have a severe impact on mental well-being. Significant humanitarian crisis, with millions of people struggling to meet their basic needs. Widespread lack of access to essential services, and precarious living conditions exacerbate the stress and anxiety felt by individuals, especially children and women.Living and working in Afghanistan has instilled in me a profound appreciation for both my birthplace and my current residence. However, witnessing the detrimental impact of persistent decrees on the rights of women and girls has further fueled my determination to provide unwavering support to these vulnerable populations.Taking inspiration from one of my professors' advice, "every mountain has a song," I reminded myself every day to maintain a receptive mindset. I actively listened, observed, and gained valuable knowledge from my local colleagues. Respect for elders - engaging in conversations with older colleagues and showing them deference is highly appreciated. Strong community bonds - embracing communal values emphasizes the importance of cooperation, collaboration, and solidarity. Hospitality - welcoming colleagues into your workspace, offering tea or refreshments, and showing genuine interest in their lives outside of work. Gender segregation - in situations where separation is observed, maintain professional boundaries, and avoid making others uncomfortable. Cultural sensitivity - avoid insensitive remarks or actions that may offend their values, and instead, foster an environment of inclusivity and tolerance. Patience and flexibility - cultivate patience and maintain an adaptable mindset to ensure effective collaborations. Personal relationships matter - take time to establish relationships, engage in small talk, and express genuine interest in your colleagues' lives. Group decision-making - involve colleagues in discussions before making important choices to foster a sense of inclusion and collective ownership. Celebrate cultural festivals - acknowledge important Afghan cultural festivals, such as Eid, Nowruz, or Jashne Dehqan. To ensure a successful endeavor for my Zambian colleagues venturing to work abroad, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of cultural understanding, sensitivity, and respect for local traditions, beliefs, and customs. For example, I wholeheartedly embraced the conservative Afghan dress code, actively participated in cultural programs, and savored their delightful cuisine. This approach, when applied to UNICEF's work, effectively establishes connections, and facilitates access to targeted populations.As a Peer Support Volunteer in Afghanistan, I gained firsthand understanding of the challenges and exhaustion that can arise in emergencies. Dealing with traumatic events and witnessing the suffering of others took a toll on my emotional health. Through this experience, I learned effective strategies to deal with these difficulties and develop resilience in a restricted, high-security environment. Furthermore, I have acquired valuable skills to assist my colleagues in maintaining their mental well-being. Maintain a positive mindset: Cultivating a positive outlook even in difficult circumstances, seeking social support: by engaging in open communication and mutual encouragement. Choosing physical and mental well-being: by engaging in regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep. Establishing routines: setting realistic goals for each day. Maintaining a sense of normalcy: where possible, engage in activities that remind you of normalcy and help you feel connected to the outside world. Stay informed: Keeping yourself updated about the local situation, security protocols, and any changes that may affect your daily life. Seeking support from the staff counsellor if needed: It's important to acknowledge and address one’s mental health needs.Relying on the teachings of Romans 12:1, I found solace in sharing both joy and sorrow with colleagues in Afghanistan. While healing may be a slow process, I have made my contribution through my work, compassion for my neighbours, and empathy for their ongoing loss. Collaborating with UNICEF, we strive to provide hope and support to those in need.To all the children, women, and families holding onto hope, may peace and resilience guide you. And to my UNICEF colleagues back in Afghanistan, may your dedication inspire hope and foster unity, love, and peace.
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11 March 2024
Celebrating Women: A Refugee Woman’s Inspiring Story
The family was forced to leave due to the political persecution they faced. Their journey was long, hazardous and involved travel by trains, boats, and buses. Some of the routes they took to Zambia were on foot over difficult terrain. Despite the poverty and other hardships, they have endured over the last 12 years, Ndaywel believes her ability to survive when she fled her country made her determined to help her family adapt to the conditions of life as a refugee and helped her overcome the challenges she faced and achieve what she has today thanks to the safety she found in Zambia. Upon arriving in Zambia by boat through Mpulungu Harbour on Lake Tanganyika, Ndaywel and her family continued their journey by road to Lusaka, the capital city. After being granted refugee status by the Government of the Republic of Zambia, they were transferred to Meheba Refugee Settlement in Northwestern Province, where Ndaywel started running a restaurant business and also worked hard to be productive through agricultural activities, growing maize, beans, and groundnuts. These business ventures enabled this inspirational woman to provide for her family and contribute to the community. Ndaywel's entrepreneurial spirit demonstrates how refugees can contribute to their host communities and become self-reliant.In 2018, Ndaywel and her family were permitted to move to Lusaka based on medical grounds after her daughter was diagnosed with a disability. In Lusaka, she was selling a wide range of merchandise, including agricultural produce. Suddenly, COVID-19 hit and dramatically altered the visibility of her business in Lusaka, and the family was again struggling to make ends meet. While her small business is a testament to her resilience and determination to provide for her family, it was not enough to endure the economic shocks faced by everyone.In 2022, Ndaywel, now a mother of three (with an additional six children from her husband), was identified by UNHCR’s livelihoods partner, Caritas Czech Republic, to receive assistance to help her recover and improve her income. She received ZKW5,000 (about US $200) in cash support and a sewing machine. Thanks to support from UNHCR, Ndaywel is again able to afford essential household needs like food and clothing, including for one of her daughters who requires special care at home due to a disability that prevents her from attending school. “Despite facing many challenges, the support I received helped boost my confidence and business,” said Ndaywel. She stands out as a member of the Makeni Tailoring Production Centre Co-operative Limited, in Lusaka. This remarkable collective of women offers tailoring services and ready-made products, including shirts, trousers, dresses, and school uniforms. The co-operative sells their products to the public and is making a profit.Ndaywel's story highlights challenges faced by refugees when forced to flee their home countries and seek asylum. It also highlights the importance of recognizing that refugees come with talent, drive and a determination to rebuild their lives. Investing in strong women like Ndaywel is crucial in helping refugee communities and their hosts build cohesive and thriving communities. On International Women’s Day, 8 March 2024, UNHCR celebrates women like Ndaywel, who are determined to thrive amid very challenging circumstances.
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07 March 2024
OP-ED – INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2024 “INVEST IN WOMEN: ACCELERATE PROGRESS”
The fight for women’s rights over the past fifty years is a story of progress. Women and girls have demolished barriers, dismantled stereotypes and driven progress towards a more just and equal world. Women’s rights were finally recognised as fundamental and universal human rights. Hundreds of millions more girls are in classrooms around the world. And pioneering leaders have smashed glass ceilings across the globe. But progress is under threat. And full equality remains light years away. Billions of women and girls face marginalization, injustice and discrimination, as millennia of male domination continue to shape societies. The persistent epidemic of gender-based violence disgraces humanity. Over four million girls are estimated to be at risk of female genital mutilation each year. Discrimination against women and girls remains perfectly legal in much of the world. In some places, that makes it difficult for women to own property, in others, it allows men to rape their wives with impunity.Meanwhile, global crises are hitting women and girls hardest. Wherever there’s conflict, climate disaster, poverty or hunger, women and girls suffer most. In every region of the world, more women than men go hungry. In both developed and developing countries, a backlash against women’s rights, including their sexual and reproductive rights, is stalling and even reversing progress. New technologies – which have such potential to dismantle inequalities – too often make matters worse. That can be because of unequal access, algorithms with baked-in bias, or misogynistic violence – from deep fakes to targeted harassment of specific women. At our current speed, full legal equality for women is some 300 years away; so is the end of child marriage. This rate of change is frankly insulting. Half of humanity can’t wait centuries for their rights. We need equality now. That means accelerating the pace of progress. And that relies on political ambition, and on investment – the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day. We need public and private investment in programmes to end violence against women, ensure decent work, and drive women’s inclusion and leadership in digital technologies, peacebuilding, climate action, and across all sectors of the economy. We must also urgently support women’s rights organizations fighting against stereotypes, battling to make women’s and girls’ voices heard, and challenging traditions and cultural norms. Currently they receive a paltry 0.1% of international development spending. That must change. Investment may sound far removed from women’s everyday lives. But it takes investment to give schoolgirls the same opportunities as schoolboys. It takes investment to provide digital education and develop skills. It takes investment to provide the childcare that enables caregivers, who are mainly mothers, to do paid work outside the home. And it takes investment to build inclusive communities and societies with the full participation of women and girls of all backgrounds. Putting money behind equality is the right thing to do, but it also makes financial sense. Supporting women to enter formal labour markets grows economies, boosts tax revenues and expands opportunities for all.Securing the investment we need in women and girls requires three things. First, increasing the availability of affordable, long-term finance for sustainable development, and tackling the debt crisis strangling many developing economies. Otherwise, countries simply won’t have the funds to invest in women and girls. We need immediate action to provide breathing space for countries with unbearable debt repayments looming, and to encourage multilateral development banks to leverage far more private finance at affordable costs. Over the long term, we must reform the international financial architecture and make it far more responsive to the needs of developing countries. Second, countries must prioritise equality for women and girls – recognising that equality is not only a matter of rights but the bedrock of peaceful, prosperous societies. That means governments actively addressing discrimination, spending on programmes to support women and girls, and ensuring policies, budgets and investments respond to their needs. Third, we need to increase the number of women in leadership positions. Having women in positions of power can help to drive investment in policies and programmes that respond to women and girls’ realities. I am particularly proud that since early in my tenure – and for the first time in history – we have equal numbers of women and men in senior management across the entire United Nations system. Equality is overdue. Ending the patriarchy requires money on the table – it’s time to cough up. The Author is Secretary-General of the United Nations
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05 March 2024
United Nations Responds to Zambia’s Drought Disaster and Emergency
The United Nations (UN) is working with the Government in preparing a drought response plan to support affected households in 84 severely affected districts across seven provinces. The UN Resident Coordinator in Zambia, Beatrice Mutali, says the UN family has been getting ready to support Zambia and recently developed a Multi-hazard Preparedness and Response Plan to help the country to navigate challenges posed by the onset of El Niño conditions and climate change, as well as the unprecedented cholera outbreak ongoing.“With the drought response plan, we expect the government to launch a humanitarian appeal that we hope will enable us to mobilize about USD30 million to provide humanitarian support, livelihoods recovery, and resilience building for the over 1 million households of which a significant number are children, at risk of food insecurity, acute malnutrition, and disease,” Ms Mutali said.The dry spell has from mid-January this year affected most of the central and southern half of the country, that has received less than normal rainfall leaving 1 million hectares of maize destroyed, almost half of the country’s maize cultivation. It is also projected that the drought will lead to a power deficit or 430 Megawatts and affect ground and surface water levels, with severe consequences for sectors beyond agriculture since +80 per cent of Zambia electricity generation comes from hydropower.To know more about the Multi-hazard Preparedness and Response Plan here
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Press Release
26 April 2024
United Nations provides $5.5 million for Zambia’s Drought Response
The United Nations (UN) has through the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) activated an allocation of up to $5.5 million to support Zambia’s response to an unprecedented drought that has left about 7.5 million people in 84 districts in need of assistance, with the majority being women and children. The funding is subject to completion of necessary formalities by UN agencies in Zambia that are delivering as one in supporting the Government-led efforts to provide humanitarian and lifesaving assistance to affected populations.The CERF funds will help in providing emergency food aid, distributing clean and safe water, protection, and delivering healthcare services to address drought-related health risks, among other needs. The support will also help to strengthen resilience in drought-affected communities to mitigate or avoid the humanitarian impacts of the drought and ensure that emergency relief enhances sustainability. The Acting UN Resident Coordinator in Zambia, Penelope Campbell, has welcomed the support from CERF and underscored commitment by the United Nations in helping Zambia respond to the drought emergency.“We stand in solidarity with the people of Zambia at this challenging time and are happy that CERF has initiated this emergency funding which will help alleviate the difficulties being faced because of the El Niño-induced drought. We commend President Hakainde Hichilema for declaring the drought emergency and further announcing an appeal as that enables the UN and other partners to mobilize support,” said Dr. Campbell. The drought has significantly impacted eight (Central, Copperbelt, Eastern, Lusaka, Muchinga, North-Western, Southern and Western provinces) of the country’s 10 provinces. The most affected are Western, Southern, Central and Lusaka provinces. The most vulnerable groups directly affected include small-scale farmers that depend on rainfed agriculture, livestock herders, and individuals reliant on natural water bodies and shallow wells.###About CERFCentral Emergency Response Fund (CERF) is one of the fastest and most effective ways to ensure that urgently needed humanitarian assistance reaches people caught up in crises. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005 as the United Nations global emergency response fund, CERF enables humanitarian responders to deliver life-saving assistance whenever and wherever crises strike. The main 10 donors to CERF are the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Canada, USA, Belgium and Italy. For more information, please contact:Mark Maseko, National Information OfficerUnited Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Lusaka, P: +260-211-386200 E: masekom@un.org
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Press Release
15 April 2024
Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children commends the strong commitment and efforts of the Government of Zambia to end Violence Against Children and stresses the need to invest more in child protection and well-being
During this fruitful mission, the SRSG was accompanied by Honourable Doreen Mwamba, Minister of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS) and the UN Country team in Zambia.Lusaka, 15 April – Throughout her 7-day mission, the SRSG had a first-hand engagement with the leadership of the country and stakeholders on efforts to end all forms of violence against children in Zambia, which is a Pathfinding country to end Violence Against Children since 2016. The SRSG met with the Government and a variety of stakeholders including His Excellency the President, the Vice President, Cabinet Ministers, Provincial and District authorities, Members of the Parliament, House of Chiefs, Cooperating Partners, National Human Rights Commission, Civil Society Organizations, traditional leaders and media. She also undertook various on-site visits of programmes and institutions engaging directly with children, youth and women as well as front line social workers.These interactions helped her explore areas of collaboration with the Government and partners to strengthen and scale up integrated child protection systems that are accessible to all children and their caregivers, leaving no child behind (children in street situations, children on the move, children with disabilities, children in conflict with the law, children living in poor and rural areas among others).“The commitment and mobilization of the Government and all stakeholders I met during my visit, are clear,” stated the SRSG. During her meeting with His Excellency the President, Hakainde Hichilema, he reiterated his pledge to end child marriage and other forms of violence against children by 2030. “Ending Violence Against Children is a priority for the Government of the Republic of Zambia. This country has a young population, so it is imperative to invest in children’s protection and well-being. What is at stake is the human capital of this country which is essential for its socio-economic development,” emphasized Hon. Doreen Mwamba, Minister of Community Development and Social Services. The enactment of the Children’s Code Act, the amendment of the Marriage Act and the repealing of the Juveniles Act as well as various policies and programmes aiming at ensuring social protection, access to child and gender-sensitive education, health and justice, demonstrate this commitment. Despite having progressive laws and policies that protect children from different forms of violence, Zambia is still experiencing challenges to ensure a protective environment. Violence against children remains a major concern and a daily reality for many children in Zambia. According to the Violence Against Children Study (2014). About 41 per cent of girls and 49 per cent of boys report having experienced or witnessed physical violence at household level and about 65 per cent of children indicate they have been bullied in school. Moreover, child marriage continues to have high prevalence with 29 per cent of girls and 2.8 per cent of boys married by age 18. Teenage pregnancy has remained stagnant at 29 per cent. There are also challenges with data availability and accessibility, coordination, and fragmentation of service provision. ”There is a need to accelerate the implementation of the Children’s Code Act to better coordinate the efforts, and to invest more in integrated child protection services which involve many sectors (social welfare, child protection, education, health, home affairs, labour, tourism and justice) at central, provincial and district levels. Increased budget allocation for core child protection services is critical to address the insufficient numbers of social workers the country has. Prevention of violence makes economic sense as it will have high return on the development of the country.” highlighted the SRSG.The SRSG also stressed the need to listen to and involve more children. “Children, who represent about 53 per cent of the population, cannot be seen as a problem to solve, but as an asset to invest in. And they must be part of the solution to end Violence Against Children. “To conclude, the SRSG stated that less than six years remain to achieve the implementation of the 2030 Agenda – Sustainable Development Goals. “The clock is ticking! Coordinated and sustainable actions to end Violence Against Children by 2030, are needed more than ever,” she highlighted while reiterating her support to the Government, in close collaboration with the UNCT. Note to editors:For photos of the visit and b-roll, click here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11Ax8LbeJJ0waI8PT2qgULJcu58dvAknA?usp=sharingAbout Pathfinding: Pathfinding Countries | UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children For further inquiries, please contact:Mark Maseko, National Information Officer, UN Information Centre (UNIC). +260955767062 l Email: masekom@un.orgMainza Kawanu, Communication Officer, UNICEF. +260969100157. Email: mkawanu@unicef.org
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Press Release
05 April 2024
UN Coordinator for El Niño and UNICEF Regional Director Call for internatioal solidarity and support for drought-stricken Zambia
Reena Ghelani, the UN Assistant Secretary General and Climate Crisis Coordinator for the El Niño / La Niña response and Eva Kadilli, UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, called for international solidarity and urged for concerted efforts to support the humanitarian response during their visit to Zambia, which concluded today.Children and communities in Zambia need urgent support as the country faces a severe drought induced by El Niño, while still battling to recover from a historic cholera outbreak. The UN representatives met with Government and local partners involved in ongoing efforts to address both the drought and the cholera outbreak and heard from communities and NGOs working on the frontlines of the humanitarian crisis.“Communities affected by the drought need immediate support in terms of cash and food assistance. At the same time, we must help them become more resilient to climate shocks. The farmers we met who are using climate-smart techniques have been able to harvest some crops despite the drought. This shows us the importance of investing in climate adaptation for countries like Zambia that will face more frequent and severe droughts in the future,” warned Reena Ghelani. This mission followed a recent declaration by President Hakainde Hichilema of a State of Emergency and National Disaster, noting that 84 of the country’s 116 districts were affected by the prolonged drought and 1 million acres of crops, about half the country’s planted area, had been destroyed. Experts have warned that the drought will impact food production and electricity generation. Communities in Zambia rely mainly on hydropower, and its consequences could last until the end of the lean season in early 2025. The crisis could have regional implications as well, because Zambia is a major maize exporter in the region.The Zambian Government has reported over 22,400 cholera cases since last year and more than 720 deaths. Over 8 million people are exposed to severe and intense drought and 6 million people are at risk of food insecurity, who are to be targeted in the response according to the El Niño Impact assessment, with about 40,000 people facing emergency levels of food insecurity. “Children are the most impacted by climate shocks, and the impacts of El Niño in the region have been devastating. In Zambia, a large number of the population in need, about 3 million, are children. Throughout the visit, we have been able to interact with community members, including female farmers. They are worried for their children as the drought could lead to an increase in malnutrition cases. This will require immediate attention and UNICEF is ready to scale up our response in country, in coordination with the Government, the UN family and partners,” said Eva Kadilli. Preliminary assessments indicate that over half of households surveyed have either no food stock left or less than one month supply available, and that more than 57 per cent of households assessed are already employing crisis and emergency level coping strategies. The United Nations in Zambia has put together a multi-hazard preparedness and response plan to support Government-led efforts, and is calling upon international partners to join forces with the UN, to be able to provide emergency assistance and boost preventive measures and sustainable recovery. Note to editors:For photos of the visit and b-roll, click here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1kwcW116hSLsZEwjB2MQyBbIu-yGB97TG?usp=sharing For further inquiries, please contact:Mark Maseko, National Information Officer, UN Information Centre (UNIC). +260955767062 l Email: masekom@un.orgPriscilla Lecomte, Communications and Advocacy Lead, Office of the Climate Crisis Coordinator – El Niño response. + 254 794 32 10 34 l Email: lecomte@un.orgSasha Surandran, Regional Communications, UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa. +254 745 191 754 / ssurandran@unicef.org
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Press Release
04 March 2024
United Nations Responds to Zambia’s Drought Disaster and Emergency
In response to the Presidential declaration of the drought national disaster and emergency in Zambia, the United Nations (UN) is working with the Government in preparing a drought response plan to support affected households in 84 severely affected districts across seven provinces. The UN Resident Coordinator in Zambia, Beatrice Mutali, says the UN family has been getting ready to support Zambia and recently developed a Multi-hazard Preparedness and Response Plan to help the country to navigate challenges posed by the onset of El Niño conditions and climate change, as well as the unprecedented cholera outbreak ongoing.“With the drought response plan, we expect the government to launch a humanitarian appeal that we hope will enable us to mobilize about USD30 million to provide humanitarian support, livelihoods recovery, and resilience building for the over 1 million households of which a significant number are children, at risk of food insecurity, acute malnutrition, and disease,” Ms Mutali said.The dry spell has from mid-January this year affected most of the central and southern half of the country, that has received less than normal rainfall leaving 1 million hectares of maize destroyed, almost half of the country’s maize cultivation. It is also projected that the drought will lead to a power deficit or 430 Megawatts and affect ground and surface water levels, with severe consequences for sectors beyond agriculture since +80 per cent of Zambia electricity generation comes from hydropower. ###For more information, please contact:Mark Maseko, National Information OfficerUnited Nations Information Centre, Lusaka P: +260-211-386200 E: masekom@un.org
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Press Release
01 February 2024
United Nations provides $2.5 million to fight cholera in Zambia
Lusaka, 1 February 2024 - The United Nations (UN) has allocated $2.5 million in response to the cholera outbreak in Zambia. The funds, provided by the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), will be used to support efforts by the Government in controlling the further spread of the disease.
As of 30 January 2024, a total of 16,258 cases were reported, including 606 deaths since the outbreak started in October last year, according to the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZHPHI).
The CERF funds will help cholera case management at health facility level and access to water and sanitation at homes, schools, and health facilities in the most affected areas. Other activities to be prioritized are awareness raising and community engagement through training and deployment of community-based volunteers. Additionally, the funding will support the protection of key groups, particularly women and girls, who might face the risk of experiencing gender-based violence and sexual exploitation as secondary impacts.
The UN Resident Coordinator in Zambia, Beatrice Mutali, has pledged continued UN support to helping Zambia respond to the emergency.
“We are grateful to CERF for providing emergency funding in a speedy manner. As the UN in Zambia we are here to support all the way. We are on the ground, through UNICEF and WHO as technical leads with other agencies supporting and Delivering as One to help the Government fight this cholera outbreak,” said Ms Mutali.
Through WHO and UNICEF, the UN recently provided 1.7 million vaccines to Zambia, deployed 26 experts and made available more than $600,000 through core funds to support the Government’s immediate cholera response.
The other support provided included the provision of 320,000 sachets of Oral Rehydration Solution, nearly 6,000 test kits, chlorine, soap and personal protective equipment, among other critical supplies.
Zambia is facing an unprecedent cholera outbreak, with the fatality rate around
four percent, and children aged below five years being disproportionately affected. The current outbreak has the capital city Lusaka as the epicentre and has been also fueled by the floods occurring in many parts of the country. ### About CERF CERF is one of the fastest and most effective ways to ensure that urgently needed humanitarian assistance reaches people caught up in crises. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005 as the United Nations global emergency response fund, CERF enables humanitarian responders to deliver life-saving assistance whenever and wherever crises strike. The main 10 donors to CERF are the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Canada, USA, Belgium and Italy. For more information, please contact: Mark Maseko, National Information Officer United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Lusaka, P: +260-211-386200 E: masekom@un.org
four percent, and children aged below five years being disproportionately affected. The current outbreak has the capital city Lusaka as the epicentre and has been also fueled by the floods occurring in many parts of the country. ### About CERF CERF is one of the fastest and most effective ways to ensure that urgently needed humanitarian assistance reaches people caught up in crises. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005 as the United Nations global emergency response fund, CERF enables humanitarian responders to deliver life-saving assistance whenever and wherever crises strike. The main 10 donors to CERF are the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Canada, USA, Belgium and Italy. For more information, please contact: Mark Maseko, National Information Officer United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Lusaka, P: +260-211-386200 E: masekom@un.org
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