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.

Blog Post: A land where fifty thousand dollars used to buy you nothing ›

Mercy Corps is committed to our work in Zimbabwe, partnering with communities to improve people's lives despite huge obstacles.

Blog Post: A chance for the people of Zimbabwe ›

This week I had the honor of testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Zimbabwe, along with a range of distinguished representatives.

Shipping Books to Zimbabwe Schools ›

There can be as few as one textbook for as many as 40 students in schools in Zimbabwe — if there are any textbooks at all. The 21,000 we shipped improved the textbook-to-student ratio eightfold at 50 schools.

Blog Post: Big smiles abound ›

Everyone in Zimbabwe seems to smile — despite living in one of the poorest countries. And I mean, BIG SMILES!

Blog Post: Zimbabwe, a land of paradox ›

I'm in Zimbabwe, a land of paradox. Among the world's lowest life expectancies of 37 years. That's right - 37!

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 ›

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

Video: Helping Teens Manage Difficult Situations ›

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

Untrammeled Spirit ›

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.

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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

Our programs in Zimbabwe provide humanitarian and development assistance to more than 300,000 people. We're strengthening food and livelihood security, increasing access to water and sanitation and supporting vulnerable children.

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Recent Blog Posts

November 02, 2009
A land where fifty thousand dollars used to buy you nothing
October 02, 2009
A chance for the people of Zimbabwe
August 15, 2009
Big smiles abound

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