Zimbabwe is currently grappling with severe challenges brought on by an El Niño-induced drought, which has significantly affected food security, nutrition and access to healthcare services, particularly for children under 5. Malnutrition remains a critical public health concern in the country. Nearly one in three children are malnourished, with high rates of undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. These issues are especially pronounced among young children, who are most vulnerable to the long-term effects of poor nutrition.
Gutu district, located in Masvingo province, is a malnutrition hotspot. The district is experiencing a high burden of malnutrition cases, driven by a combination of extreme weather-related challenges, such as recurrent droughts, and ongoing economic hardships. These factors have exacerbated food insecurity and limited access to essential health and nutrition services.
In response to the El Niño-induced drought and its devastating impact on food security and child health, International Medical Corps, with support from the European Union (EU) and in partnership with Action Contre LaFaim, Nutrition Action Zimbabwe and Musasa, is implementing a 12-month project titled, “Zimbabwe El Niño Emergency Response,” to make lifesaving health services accessible to remote communities affected by the drought.
On a quiet morning in Washaya village, deep in the heart of Gutu district, Ruth, mother of 11-month-old Susan, was growing increasingly worried. Her daughter had been unwell for days. Susan’s tiny body was frail, her appetite had gone, and her energy was fading. Ruth felt alone and helpless. She was living with her in-laws while her husband worked more than 400 kilometers away. Desperate and lacking knowledge about malnutrition, she initially sought help from her local community, but Susan’s condition did not improve.
Watching my child suffer at home was heartbreaking. Had it not been for the health and nutrition project, I could have lost her. Today, I am happy to see my baby healthy again. This project saved her life.
Ruth
When word spread through the village that a health outreach clinic was coming to Firomumwe village in early May, it gave Ruth some much-needed hope. The clinic was part of a broader integrated project implemented by International Medical Corps and partners with funding from the EU and in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
When the time came, Ruth carried her daughter in her arms and made her way to the outreach clinic. There, nurses examined Susan and measured her mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), which was 11.5 centimeters, suggesting severe acute malnutrition (SAM)—a life-threatening condition that required immediate hospitalization.
Overwhelmed and in tears, Ruth explained that she could not afford the $20 transport fare to the Gutu District Hospital, which has a stabilization center—the hospital is 60 km from the outreach clinic. Our Health Officer assured her that the integrated project would cover the transportation cost.
On May 9, 2025, Ruth admitted her daughter to the newly refurbished stabilization center—supported by us and partners—free of charge. There, during the first week, Susan received Formula-75, followed by Formula-100, therapeutic milks specially formulated for nutritional rehabilitation. The team also provided her with solid, ready-to-use therapeutic food. At the end of two weeks, Susan’s MUAC increased to 12.2 cm, and she fully recovered from SAM. The team discharged her on May 22.
As Susan regained her strength, Ruth sat beside her daughter’s hospital bed, filled with relief and determination. The worst was behind them, but her thoughts were with the other mothers in her village and their children, still suffering in silence. “I don’t want any other child to go through what Susan went through,” Ruth says. “No child should suffer or die from something we can prevent.”
Ruth’s experience opened her eyes, not just to the dangers of malnutrition, but to the power of knowledge, access and timely care. She received counseling on malnutrition and followed the recommended four-star diet—a dietary approach to prevent malnutrition by ensuring a balanced intake of essential nutrients—for Susan.
Today, she dreams of a future in which every caregiver knows the signs of malnutrition, no one hesitates to seek help, and health services are within everyone’s reach. “Seeing the impact of our work on Susan’s recovery is truly an honor and keeps our team motivated,” says an International Medical Corps staff member.
The Zimbabwe El Niño Emergency Response project is saving children’s lives and providing caregivers with vital knowledge of malnutrition—through shared health messages during outreach activities—in addition to screening under-5 children for malnutrition and treating childhood illnesses.
Besides outreach services and refurbishment of the stabilization center, International Medical Corps and its partners like the EU have donated pediatric hospital beds, repaired the ceiling, painted the walls and provided essential medical equipment to improve the quality of care.
Thanks to the outreach program, community trust in the health system is growing. Referral pathways are stronger, and awareness is spreading. More caregivers are stepping forward, asking questions and bringing their children for growth monitoring.
