Failing to secure the health and safety of children is unfortunately nothing new in Zimbabwe, however to see the actual figures is shocking, when you see that little progress has been made to save the children in the last decade. In Zimbabwe malnutrition of children is increasing, the increase is due to a number of factors, including the decline in children's access to appropriate healthcare and continual food shortages. The 2005/06 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS), has shown results that little improvement has been made in the country, when compared with the results issued in the 1998-99 Demographic and Health Survey.
Overall the the nourishment of children in the country is considerably higher than in past decades, and with immunizations down to almost 50%, it was 75% in 1999. Stunting, the comparison of a child's height compared to their age, is prevalent in 29% of children. Stunting is primarily caused by low birth weight and a poor diet, especially during infancy, indicated the overall effects of chronic malnutrition. In addition to other various health concerns, over half, 58%, of Zimbabwean children are anemic and there has been a decrease in healthcare for pregnant women and an increase in home births.
The survey also gathered data on domestic violence in the country, a first for the survey, which revealed that 36% of women aged 15-49 have been the victim of a form of physical violence. Approximately 13% of these woman stated they had stated that violence on them had been carried out by their mothers, stepmothers or mothers-in-law. With survey also showed that around 25% of women surveyed had encountered of a form sexual violence. Domestic and sexual violence, carries an often detrimental, and long-term impact on the health of children.
”My dream was to have a bouncing, healthy baby, for that is is what every mother looks forward to but, because of poverty, that has not been possible. I just pray that my little daughter will not die” (IRIN)
For now the children of Zimbabwe pray for a time of peace, prosperity and health, a time when children are free to be just that children, free from worry, hunger and suffering. For now an entire new generation of children are left to suffer in the failing state.
Please see my post, Zimbabwe's Children in Crisis, on July 25, 2007, for more detailed information on the situation of children in Zimbabwe.
