In 2021, despite the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges, UNFPA Zimbabwe continued to deliver for women and young people on the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)agenda with generous support from our partners. COVID-19 presented challenges but it also opened up new opportunities, innovations and allowed us to be more agile and think more broadly.
We made substantial investment towards ensuring continuity of maternal health and Gender Based Violence (GBV) service provision within the COVID-19 pandemic context and its associated socio-economic challenges. This was through strengthening existing and building new strategic partnerships and targeted interventions to reach the most vulnerable and address emerging issues.
Significant focus was given on strengthening capacity of health facilities to deliver services in particular the provision of emergency obstetric and neonatal care (EmONC). This included provision of lifesaving equipment such as anaesthetic machines, medicines and drugs, capacity building of health workers and strengthening of the referral system.
In addition, UNFPA would like to appreciate and acknowledge the support from funding partners and the Government of Zimbabwe towards ensuring reproductive health commodity security in the country. In 2021 through advocacy for domestic funding for contraceptives the Government of Zimbabwe made a financial contribution towards contraceptives procurement.
The COVID-19 pandemic increased women and girls risk to GBV and there was notable increase in cases. Support was provided for the establishment of mobile one stop centres in hard to reach areas so that survivors can access comprehensive GBV services. To ensure that students continue accessing information on their SRHR, during the COVID-19 lockdown period, UNFPA and partners supported interactive radio programmes on Life skills, sexuality, and HIV and AIDS. Through the Youth Economic Empowerment programme young people’s opportunities were expanded and at the same time they were equipped with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and make informed decisions. This report highlights these and other results UNFPA and partners achieved in promoting women and girls and young people’s SRHR in Zimbabwe in 2021.
The year 2021 also marked conclusion of the 7th Country Programme of Cooperation with the Government of Zimbabwe. The 8th Country Programme will cover the period 2022 to 2026. It will focus on consolidating gains made, upscaling and accelerating efforts to improve the health and well-being of women and girls, young people, vulnerable and the marginalised in Zimbabwe.
