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<p>The UK is seriously concerned about the challenging humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe.
Humanitarian needs are rising, due to the combination of poor and erratic rains and
a deteriorating economic situation. Recent analysis shows that without support 5.5
million people in rural areas and 2.2 million in urban areas will not have access
to the food they need. In response to these needs, the Department for International
Development has committed £49 million through a new Zimbabwe Humanitarian and Resilience
Programme to support people who do not have access to the food they need.</p><p>Our
Embassy in Harare continues to monitor developments closely, encouraging the Government
of Zimbabwe to implement the Staff Monitored Programme (which runs until March this
year) agreed with the International Monetary Fund. Our Ambassador discussed the humanitarian
crisis facing the country and reinforced the need for comprehensive political and
economic reform and the protection of the poorest during her meeting with Vice President
Chiwenga on 9 December 2019. On 11 March the Zimbabwean Finance Minister announced
a set of measures intended to stabilize the exchange rate and inflation. Whilst we
welcome the measures, which are in line with the recent IMF recommendations, we will
monitor closely how the measures are now implemented.</p>
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