UNOCHA Under-Secretary General Mark Lowcock to Visit Zimbabwe

United Nations humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock will visit Zimbabwe from 27 February – 1 March to see the current humanitarian situation in the country. This visit will mark Mr. Lowcock’s first visit to Southern Africa as Emergency Relief Coordinator and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs.

During his visit, Mr. Lowcock will meet with senior Government officials, the diplomatic community, humanitarian organizations and members of civil society. Mr. Lowcock is also expected to meet with people in Epworth and Mudzi district, who have been affected the most by increasing food insecurity. Zimbabwe is facing rising humanitarian needs as a result of erratic rains and the economic challenges, with 5.3 million people estimated to be in urgent need of assistance.

Mr. Lowcock will also launch, with the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Bishow Parajuli, on behalf of the Humanitarian Country Team, the 2019 Zimbabwe Flash Appeal on 28 February 2019 in Harare. The Flash Appeal call on the international community to further contribute to the aid organizations’ efforts to save lives in response to Zimbabwe’s economic challenges and deteriorating humanitarian situations.