The United States has pledged US$470,000 to fight the spread of COVID-19 in Zimbabwe. As of Friday, March 27, the World Health Organization (WHO) said over 530,000 people have been infected with COVID-19 worldwide and more than 24,000 people have died from the disease. Zimbabwe declared its first case last weekend. Soon after this declaration, Zimbabwe announced two additional confirmed cases and the passing of Zororo Makamba on Tuesday, March 24. On the 27th of March Zimbabwe COVID-19 cases rose to 7 soon after President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced a 21 day lock-down set to be effected stating the 30th of March.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is coordinating with the Government of Zimbabwe, the WHO, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other stakeholders to identify priority areas for investment.
Through this funding, the WHO will help the Government of Zimbabwe with life-saving activities such as preparing laboratories for large-scale testing for COVID-19, implementing a public-health emergency plan for points of entry, and activating case-finding and evidence-based surveillance for influenza-like illnesses.
“This assistance will build on the ongoing investments by the United States in Zimbabwe’s health sector. Since 1980, the United States Government has provided over US$1 billion in health assistance to strengthen health systems, so that Zimbabweans can live longer, healthier lives,” said USAID Mission Director Stephanie Funk.