Complex crisis, AIDS

Millions of people in the Southern Africa region are at risk, despite recent improvement in food security.

The people of Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe are struggling to cope with a food crisis, poverty and HIV/AIDS.

Following massive food shortages in 2001-2002, the region's populations face a complex crisis caused by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, food insecurity, poverty, weakened governance capacity and declining social services.

In June 2003, United Nations agencies estimated that some 6.5 million people in rural areas would require food assistance until the harvest in April 2004. A food gap remains, despite signs that cereal production improved in the six countries during 2002-2003.

In some countries, up to 33 per cent of the adult population are infected with HIV. As a result, millions of young people are left to fend for themselves and more than three million children are thought to be AIDS orphans in the six countries.

The consequences for the region are catastrophic. Millions of young people are entering adulthood with no life skills and no education to take up their positions in families, communities and governments.

The region's population is also suffering because the HIV/AIDS pandemic undermines the capacity of national institutions to deliver adequate services.

With crumbling health services, the region has experienced a general decline in health, human development, and increase in morbidity and mortality rates. People's ability to withstand shocks has been weakened.

Zimbabweans continue to face a particularly severe humanitarian crisis. Nearly half of the population has had their livelihoods eroded by severe macro-economic decline and precarious food security.

Safety net needed

Support for social services in the areas of water, health and education, capacity building and other safety net strengthening activities are needed, at a minimum to protect the lives and future of children and a growing number of orphans in the region.

In July 2003, the United Nations, in collaboration with NGO partners and the Southern Africa Development Community, prepared a plan to address critical needs in Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe. For this it requested US$ 530 million (including $114 million for Zimbabwe to cover the broader range of needs arising from the complex emergency there - see country page on the Zimbabwe crisis, via the link at the top of this page.)

The plan follows the approach outlined by the UN Special Envoy for Humanitarian Needs in Southern Africa, when in April 2003, he called for actions that address emergency needs of vulnerable populations while simultaneously taking action to address long term needs in the region. This approach has been widely embraced by all stakeholders. In early 2004, United Nations agencies and their partners will undertake a formal process of review of programmes and projects, as part of the Mid-Term Review of the Regional Appeal for Southern Africa. The review is expected to be completed by early February 2004. In the interim, the analysis and priorities presented should be given the fullest attention. 

The 2003 Appeal followed an enormous humanitarian effort during 2002 and 2003, which helped to significantly reduce the impact of massive food shortages and prevent further deterioration of vulnerable communities.

Request

Agencies request that donors contribute US$ 427,292,254  still required under the July 2003 Appeal for the region. (This amount includes US$ 109,447,399 is needed for the complex emergency in Zimbabwe, as described in that section which is accessible via the link at the top of this page.)

Funding Requirements in 2004
(US$)