HARARE, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for timely and efficient aid distribution to people facing food shortages resulting from an El Nino-induced drought.
"The timely delivery of food aid as well as agricultural inputs to our people at the grassroots level must be prioritized," Mnangagwa told a cabinet meeting Tuesday. "I... challenge the relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to apply themselves and devise strategies that will increase transport and logistical efficiency in getting aid and support to our people."
According to the government, an estimated 7.6 million people, more than half the country's population, are facing food insecurity and need food aid during the lean season period from December to March next year.
Mnangagwa said the government has made notable progress in implementing policies and programs that address the welfare of citizens while promoting economic development.
He said a slow growth rate of 2 percent is expected this year, due to the impact of the drought and challenges such as energy shortages.
"We remain resolute and optimistic that the fiscal and monetary reforms introduced during the year will increasingly underpin currency stability and usher economic rebound," Mnangagwa said.
He thanked stakeholders in the health sector for managing to contain a long-running cholera outbreak and called for cautious monitoring of the lingering threat of cholera and mpox.
According to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Zimbabwe has moved from active mpox transmission to a controlled stage. ■