UNICEF Zimbabwe releases its 2023 Annual Report showcasing results for women and children

Harare, 7 March 2024 - UNICEF Zimbabwe has released its 2023 Annual Report that outlines the situation for women and children in Zimbabwe with an overview of results in the areas of Social Policy, Health, Nutrition, HIV/AIDS, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Education, and Child Protection.

The 2023 Annual Report of UNICEF Zimbabwe highlights the major achievements for children realized in the year thanks to the strong partnership between the Government of Zimbabwe, UNICEF and partners, including the donor community.

‘I am pleased to see our investment in budget analysis, dialogue through the child budgeting series and engagement with relevant Government Ministries and the Parliament is contributing to improvement in social sector allocation and results in the face of multiple challenges. I also appreciate the commitment and flexibility of our donors as we rededicate ourselves to further opportunities for children in Zimbabwe,’ said Dr Tajudeen Oyewale at the launch of UNICEF’s 2023 Annual Report.

Tomorrow Dr Tajudeen Oyewale completes his mission as UNICEF Representative in Zimbabwe, after having served in the country for nearly three years.

In 2023, UNICEF rolled out large scale programmes benefiting the most vulnerable women and children in Zimbabwe, working with the Government, donors, development partners, Civil Society Organizations, other UN Agencies and guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) in support of Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1.

In 2023, joint action by UNICEF with the Government, Donors, implementing partners and young people:

• reached 143,000 people, including 73,103 children, with the Emergency Social Cash Transfer programme.
• trained 15,000 village health workers to improve access to basic health services for those in need.
• secured access to anti-retroviral drugs for 17,097 children living with HIV.
• reached 157,713 students through School Health Clubs to promote good hygiene practices.
• solarized 128 disadvantaged schools ensuring improved access to energy and support for digital learning for children.  
• increased the birth registration rate for children under-five years to 51 per cent.
• engaged 133,393 adolescents and young people on issues impacting them.

‘Looking back on the accomplishments of 2023, I applaud Zimbabwe and its partners for the resilience and commitment to children. Through our collaborative efforts, we realized tangible results, reaffirmed our dedication to uphold the rights and welfare of all children, everywhere and at all times in the Country,’ said Dr Oyewale.    

UNICEF 2023 Annual Report is also looking to the future with a thrust to continue to bring focus to social sector allocation for children, influence legislative and policy actions and invest in strengthening national and sub-national systems to deliver results for children. Climate action and resilient systems will remain a priority, including the response to key outbreaks of cholera and polio, and the climate induced emergencies like El-Nino.

UNICEF will also strengthen its partnership with donors, including on visibility and play a convening role to align donor investment with national priorities, while taking forward private sector partnership opportunities.

In 2023 donors, development partners and UN joint programmes have contributed over US$90 million to UNICEF programmes including more than US$8 million for humanitarian action, to respond to the needs of women and children in Zimbabwe.

‘I express my gratitude to the Government, donors, partners, and staff for their unwavering dedication to Zimbabwe's children as I look forward to more joint results in 2024,’ concluded Dr Oyewale.

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Multimedia: Full annual report can be accessed here

UNICEF Zimbabwe Annual Report 2023