Zimbabwe

Political instability, an economy in crisis and rising fuel and food costs threaten the proud residents of one of Africa's most beautiful countries.

Photo: Cassandra Nelson/Mercy Corps

Deteriorating economic conditions have imperiled livelihoods for thousands of Zimbabweans. What's more, the country claims one of the highest HIV rates. Mercy Corps is responding to these needs by creating support systems for orphans and other vulnerable children, and by addressing the basic urban development needs of the poorest Zimbabweans and their communities.

Responding to Zimbabwe's Cholera Epidemic ›

Mercy Corps is responding to an outbreak of cholera in Zimbabwe by securing much-needed medical supplies for cash-strapped health clinics.

Tough Choices ›

Topics: Economic Development

Naison contracted malaria earlier this year. But the mosquito nets are needed more for fishing than disease prevention.

Video: Helping Teens Manage Difficult Situations ›

Topics: Youth, HIV/AIDS

Almost one in three children in Zimbabwe are orphans, usually because one or both parents died of HIV/AIDs.

Untrammeled Spirit ›

Topics: Women's Empowerment, Education, Economic Development, Children

Tryphine lost her father when she was seven and her home at age 12. Mercy Corps is connecting her to the help she needs to overcome the challenges thrown her way at such an early age.

Protecting Zimbabwe's AIDS Orphans ›

Cassandra Nelson describes how we're helping parentless children get support and education.

Lynotte: Learning to Break the Cycle ›

Topics: HIV/AIDS

In Zimbabwe, exchanging school renovations for tuition vouchers is opening doors for AIDS orphans.

Protecting Zimbabwe's Most Vulnerable ›

Topics: HIV/AIDS, Children

Mercy Corps is paying for much-needed school improvements in return for tuition waivers for 750 orphans and vulnerable children.

Zimbabwe Facts

Population: 11.4 million
Size: Slightly larger than Montana
Human Development Index rank: n/a
Mercy Corps has worked here since 2002
Primary work: improved farming, urban job opportunities
Inflation rate (official): 11,200,000 percent
Population living with HIV (WHO estimate): 1.3 million

Program Details

Mercy Corps is responding to the needs of Zimbabwe's most vulnerable people during difficult economic and political times, focusing on orphans and vulnerable children, urban poverty, and water and community health.

Read more ›

Recent posts on globalenvision.org, Mercy Corps' student-written blog that explores the confluence of markets and poverty alleviation through news, commentary and discussion.

Donate to Mercy Corps

Featured Campaigns

Mercy Corps on the Web

One Table: Help us solve world hunger by investing in the world's women

Sign up for email updates

Mercy Corps

PO Box 2669, Dept W
Portland OR 97208-2669 USA
To give: (888) 256-1900
Contact Us Office Locations

Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities.

Over the last five years, we've allocated more than 89% of our resources directly to programs. America’s premier charity evaluator rates Mercy Corps a four-star charity. Click Here to learn more.