EU Pledges $345,000 For Zimbabwe Returnees, Cholera Response

August 8, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

The European Union is providing 345,000 US dollars in humanitarian aid to help Zimbabwe respond to a surge in people returning from South Africa following violence against foreign nationals and a growing cholera outbreak. The funding will support the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society in assisting more than 5,000 vulnerable returnees at Beitbridge border post, where reception facilities have come under pressure after almost 110,000 people crossed back into Zimbabwe between April and July 28.

Many returnees have been spending nights at the reception centre while waiting for transport to their home areas, exposing them to cold winter temperatures and limited shelter. The EU-funded operation will provide emergency shelter, food, blankets, clean water, healthcare, hygiene assistance and other essential relief supplies. It will also provide psychosocial support, protection services and assistance to help separated families reconnect.

Women and girls, who account for an estimated 65 percent of the returning population, will receive targeted health, protection and dignity assistance. The response will also prioritise children, older people, people with disabilities and others with specific needs. The second component of the funding will support Zimbabwe’s response to a cholera outbreak first detected in Rushinga district in January. The disease has since spread to districts in Manicaland and Midlands provinces, including Nyanga, Mutasa, Mutare City, Chipinge, Chimanimani and Zvishavane.

Mining communities and border areas have emerged as major hotspots, while limited access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene services is increasing the risk of further transmission. The funding will support 88,200 people through measures including community surveillance, early case detection and referral, hygiene promotion and household water treatment. Volunteers will also be trained and deployed, while a rapid-response strategy will be used to contain outbreaks in affected districts. Both operations will run for six months and will be implemented with the Zimbabwean government, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, UN agencies, non-governmental organisations and other partners.

Source: FSX Business News