Irish Aid has provided funding support to Zimbabwe since the country gained its independence in 1980. The Irish Aid country programme is managed by the Irish Aid team at Embassy Pretoria. Irish Aid also provides funding support to Zimbabwe from its Civil Society Fund and other funds. In 2013 the Irish Aid Zimbabwe country programme was worth €3,078,000. Total Irish Aid support to South Africa in 2013 was €6,470,000.
During 2013, Ireland supported the Health Transition Fund (HTF), which ensures that every district hospital in Zimbabwe has a minimum of two doctors and a midwife. Previously, the majority of district hospitals had no doctor on staff, and a shortage of nurses. All health facilities now provide routine immunisation services, and vaccine coverage has reached more than 90%. Through the HTF we supported procurement and distribution of essential medicines, and equipment for maternal, newborn, and child health. In December 2013, 89% of facilities had 80% of essential medicines.
Assistance to the Integrated Support Programme has resulted in increased take up of family planning, and cervical cancer screening. Irish Aid also supported three community based NGOs in implementing a comprehensive HIV and AIDS programme, which includes palliative care, counselling, nutrition, advice, livelihood support, and HIV prevention. As a result of this and similar programmes, there has also been a reduction in infections among people living with HIV, and fewer medical complications.
