BY JENNIFER DUBE
The country’s ailing health sector last week got a lifeline when the British government, through the Department for International Development (DFID), injected US$120 million for maternal and child health in the country.

Despite the rhetoric about sanctions and imperialism, Britain is among the leading supporters to Zimbabwe’s health sector.

DFID permanent secretary Mark Lowcock last week announced that the department would be spending an additional £74 million (approximately US$120 million) over the next four years to help improve the health of women and children in the country.

Dave Fish, the head of the DFID office in Zimbabwe said the support would go a long way towards enhancing the national response to HIV and Aids.
He said the money would be used to get more anti-retroviral drugs to those who need them, enhance public participation in community health care decisions. It will also be used to purchase of essential medicines, he said.

“In short, that means targeting British support where it is most needed – to the poor and vulnerable in Zimbabwe,” said Fish.
Fish dismissed the “rhetoric” of sanctions peddled by politicians saying his country remained committed to assisting the needy in the country.

Local clinics might have drugs supplied by the UK — FISH

“So the next time you hear the rhetoric and tired propaganda around so-called sanctions or imperialism, remember that your local clinic has drugs supplied by the United Kingdom,“ said Fish.

“It may be staffed by nurses and doctors part-paid by the United Kingdom.”

In 2010, Fish added, the UK provided between 85% and 90% of all contraceptive pills, injectables and implants in Zimbabwe.

A significant component of British funding has also gone to poverty and hunger alleviation, education and agriculture support.

“As long as political circumstances allow, the United Kingdom will continue to expand support for the provision of basic services; increase our focus on wealth creation and complement this with technical advice to the authorities in preparation for a transition to a more stable government,” Fish said.