United Nations Radio

Zimbabwe is facing a multi-sectorial humanitarian situation, which is expected to get even worse in 2009. Four million Zimbabweans are in need of food assistance, a number which will rise during the "hunger season" from January to April. The cholera outbreak, due to poor water sanitation, has affected close to 9000 people and has killed 366. Not only has the health care system collapsed, the educational sector is suffering as well. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) issued a consolidated appeal of 550 million dollars to help Zimbabwe face this crisis.
Stephanie Coutrix reports


Briefing of news conference available below