Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding (L) poses for a photo with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Zimbabwean officials at a signing ceremony of the certificate of completion for a China-aided health assistance program in Harare, Zimbabwe, on May 27, 2025. China and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Tuesday signed the certificate of completion for a China-aided health assistance program for women and girls affected by Tropical Cyclone Idai, which hit the eastern parts of Zimbabwe in 2019. (Xinhua/Tafara Mugwara)
HARARE, May 27 (Xinhua) -- China and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Tuesday signed the certificate of completion for a China-aided health assistance program for women and girls affected by Tropical Cyclone Idai, which hit the eastern parts of Zimbabwe in 2019.
The concluded project, which ran from 2020 to 2024, was funded by China through the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund and implemented by UNFPA in partnership with Zimbabwe's Ministry of Health and Child Care to address the reproductive health needs of women in the most affected areas.
Tropical Cyclone Idai damaged healthcare infrastructure and limited access to essential services, leaving Zimbabwe facing a maternal health crisis, which was further worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to the crisis, the project was implemented to strengthen emergency obstetric and neonatal care in the cyclone-affected districts of Chipinge and Chimanimani.
According to UNFPA, the project contributed to 63,327 deliveries, including 8,567 cesarean sections. A total of 10,862 pregnant women benefited from refurbished maternity waiting homes, while 94,643 women accessed modern family planning methods. The project also contributed to the reduction in maternal mortality from 462 to 363 deaths per 100,000 live births.
In addition, a total of 296 healthcare workers were trained in emergency obstetric and neonatal care.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held in the national capital of Harare, Zimbabwean Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Sleiman Kwidini expressed gratitude to China for the assistance.
"Most of the people affected were pregnant mothers who needed assistance at that time. Because of the disaster, however, there was nowhere for them to go. With UNFPA, China has provided assistance by doing all those good works that have reduced maternal mortality," Kwidini said.
He also said the program aligns with the government's aim of ending neonatal mortality, adding that without a healthy nation, Zimbabwe can not attain its developmental goals.
On his part, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said the program stands as a shining example of successful tripartite cooperation among China, UN agencies, and Zimbabwe.
"It has proved that collective action and solidarity are the most powerful tools in overcoming challenges. Within the frameworks of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, South-South cooperation, and other initiatives, China is ready to engage in tripartite and multipartite cooperation with more international partners to jointly propel Zimbabwe's economic and social development and revitalization, and help realize the country's Vision 2030," said Zhou.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding (L, Front) signs the certificate of completion for a China-aided health assistance program in Harare, Zimbabwe, on May 27, 2025. China and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Tuesday signed the certificate of completion for a China-aided health assistance program for women and girls affected by Tropical Cyclone Idai, which hit the eastern parts of Zimbabwe in 2019. (Xinhua/Tafara Mugwara)
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