Japan, UN Agencies Partner Zimbabwe to Strengthen Health Systems and Enhance Food Security
The Governments of Japan and Zimbabwe, in collaboration with key United Nations agencies, have launched a series of projects aimed at strengthening Zimbabwe’s health systems and enhancing food security.
The joint initiative, announced in Harare on 13 April 2026, is being implemented through the United Nations Office for Project Services, World Health Organization and World Food Programme under the framework of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, supported by Japan’s 2025 Supplementary Budget.
The four projects are designed to improve infection prevention and control in health facilities, respond to the ongoing malaria outbreak, and support youth-led innovations to address food security challenges. Collectively, the interventions are expected to directly or indirectly benefit more than two million people across the country.
Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Maekawa, said Japan had committed approximately USD 2 million to support the initiatives, with funding allocated to UNOPS, WFP and WHO to implement targeted interventions.
He expressed confidence that the projects would accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by strengthening national systems and improving the health, nutrition and overall well-being of communities.
The support comes amid a surge in malaria cases in Zimbabwe since April 2025, attributed to climate-related shocks, disruptions in routine health services and increased pressure on the public health system. Rural health facilities have been particularly affected, while ongoing food and nutrition insecurity continues to impact vulnerable populations, including smallholder farmers.
Under the programme, UNOPS will implement two projects focused on improving infection prevention and control. These include the procurement and installation of modern hospital laundry and disinfection equipment, as well as the deployment of ambulances and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment to rural health facilities in high-burden malaria districts.
The initiative will also introduce advanced Japanese ambulances to improve patient transport, particularly for malaria cases, while strengthening technical capacity through training and collaboration with Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Child Care. The interventions are expected to benefit over 1.5 million patients and approximately 2,500 healthcare workers.
Meanwhile, WFP will focus on strengthening food and nutrition security by supporting youth-led digital innovations aimed at improving market access, advisory services and disease surveillance in agriculture.
The programme will empower 12 youth-led teams to develop scalable solutions, including digital marketplaces for farmers and artificial intelligence tools for early detection of crop and livestock diseases. These innovations are expected to benefit at least 1,200 smallholder farmers by improving efficiency, reducing losses and enhancing resilience within food systems.
WHO, on the other hand, will support Zimbabwe’s health authorities in responding to the malaria outbreak by strengthening health facility and community capacities. The intervention will focus on improving rapid diagnosis and treatment, as well as integrating mental health and psychosocial support into emergency health services.
Up to 231,320 people in high-burden districts are expected to gain access to timely malaria services, while healthcare workers will receive training in case management, surveillance and rapid response.
The partners noted that the collaboration reflects Japan’s continued commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s development priorities, including strengthening health systems, promoting innovation and enhancing resilience against public health and food security challenges.
Japan has remained a longstanding partner to Zimbabwe, providing humanitarian and development assistance in areas such as health infrastructure, food security and community resilience, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
