WFP Sees $200 Million Gap in Zimbabwe As Food Rises

By Staff Reporter
|
48388
|
December 07, 2019

The United Nations World Food Program says it is struggling to raise more than $200 million to ease food insecurity in Zimbabwe. Economic collapse and recurring droughts in the country — once the breadbasket of southern Africa — have left 5.5 million people without enough to eat.

Maria Gunzi, a 66-year-old widow, farms her land, but worries she will not have enough food to last until the next harvest.

"Hunger and poverty are real here, I do not even have fertilizer for the land I am preparing," she said. "All my crops were burnt by the sun last season and there is no food aid coming. These wild fruits are not getting buyers, people are broke. I wish the government would chip in with assistance, especially for us, the old. Hunger is giving me a real headache."

Gunzi is among the 5.5 million people in Zimbabwe who are food insecure until at least next April, because of the collapsed economy and recurring droughts, according to the World Food Program.

"For us, we look at the severity of the (economic) situation, and coupled with the fact that the forecast for the 2019/2020 agricultural season is also not good, it is almost similar to last year's forecast," said Eddie Rowe, director of World Food Program in Zimbabwe. "We reckon that we will be in for a long run."

Eddie Rowe, the director of the World Food Program in Zimbabwe, says the organization has a funding gap of more than $200 million to ease the southern African nation's humanitarian crisis, in Harare, Dec. 5, 2019. (Columbus Mavhunga/VOA)

WFP says it sometimes imports food from Zambia to aid Zimbabwe, but the drought-damaged Zambia has imposed a ban on corn exports.

"We are running against time. We need these commodities by January," Rowe said. "For us to implement this program at scale, reaching 4.1 million, from January up to April, and then 1.5 million May and June, it would cost us a total of $293 million. We have only received 30 percent of that. Meaning that we have a funding gap of $211 million."

The WFP official maintains hope that international donors will assist Zimbabwe, though he knows the country is competing for funds with emergency situations in war-torn places such as Yemen, Sudan and Somalia.

But any aid would be a relief to Maria Gunzi, who says climate change has affected her, as she used to be able to fend for herself.

Category:
News
Update

Info News

Personal Injury Lawyer: When Should You Contact an Attorney After an Accident?

After an accident, many people are unsure whether they need a personal injury lawyer. Some claims are simple and can be handled directly with an insurance company. Others involve serious injuries, disputed fault, medical bills, lost wages, or long-term recovery. In those situations, speaking with a personal injury attorney may help you understand your options.

A personal injury lawyer usually helps people who were injured because of another person’s negligence. Common cases include car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, slip-and-fall injuries, workplace-related third-party claims, and wrongful death claims.

You should consider contacting an attorney if your injuries require medical treatment beyond a simple checkup. Emergency room visits, surgery, physical therapy, specialist care, or long-term pain can increase the value and complexity of a claim. Insurance companies often review medical records carefully, and a lawyer can help organize the evidence needed to support your case.

You may also need legal guidance if the insurance company denies liability or blames you for the accident. Fault can affect how much compensation is available. In some states, partial fault may reduce or even prevent recovery, depending on local law.

Evidence is very important in a personal injury claim. After an accident, try to collect photos, witness information, police reports, medical records, repair estimates, and communication from insurance companies. Keep a written record of symptoms, missed work, doctor visits, and how the injury affects your daily life.

A personal injury claim may include several types of damages. These can include medical expenses, future medical care, lost income, reduced earning ability, pain and suffering, property damage, and other related losses. The value of a claim depends on the facts, documentation, injury severity, and available insurance coverage.

Many personal injury attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. This means the attorney is paid from a percentage of the settlement or verdict, rather than charging upfront hourly fees. However, fee agreements vary, so always review the terms carefully.

Timing is also important. Every state has a deadline called a statute of limitations. If you wait too long, you may lose the right to file a claim. That is why it is usually better to ask questions early instead of waiting until the claim becomes complicated.

A personal injury lawyer cannot guarantee a specific outcome, but they can explain the process, communicate with insurance companies, evaluate damages, and help protect your rights. This article is general information only and is not legal advice.

Medical Malpractice Lawyer: When A Medical Mistake Becomes A Legal Case

Doctors, nurses, hospitals, and medical professionals are trusted to provide safe care. But when a preventable medical mistake causes serious harm, the patient may have a legal claim. This is where a medical malpractice lawyer can help.

Medical malpractice happens when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care and the patient is injured as a result. Not every bad medical outcome is malpractice. Some treatments carry risks even when doctors do everything correctly. The key question is whether the provider acted carelessly or failed to do what a reasonable medical professional would have done.

Common medical malpractice cases include misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, surgical errors, birth injuries, anesthesia mistakes, medication errors, hospital infections, failure to order tests, and failure to properly monitor a patient.

These cases are complex because they require strong medical evidence. A lawyer may work with medical experts who review records and explain whether the provider’s actions were below the accepted standard of care.

Victims of medical malpractice may face additional surgeries, long recovery periods, permanent injuries, emotional trauma, lost income, and expensive medical bills. Compensation may help cover current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability, and other losses.

Medical malpractice cases also have strict deadlines. Many states require claims to be filed within a certain period after the injury is discovered. Some states also have special rules before a lawsuit can begin, such as expert certificates or medical review panels.

A medical malpractice lawyer can help determine whether the case is strong enough to pursue. They can collect records, consult experts, calculate damages, negotiate with insurers, and file a lawsuit if necessary.

If you believe a medical mistake caused serious harm, it is important to get legal advice quickly. Medical malpractice claims are difficult, but with the right evidence and legal strategy, injured patients may be able to hold negligent providers accountable.