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Rodgers, sits in his tricycle wearing a striped shirt. He is wearing a bandage over his left eye following cataract surgery.

Our work in Zimbabwe

In recent years, Zimbabwe has experienced increased economic and political instability which disproportionately impacts people with disabilities, who make up close to 15% of the population.

This instability has put Zimbabwe’s healthcare system under immense strain, leaving many without access to essential medical services. Maternal and childhood illness, along with HIV, remain widespread, while a severe shortage of eye health professionals and equipment also means vital treatment is out of reach for many people.

Education is a major challenge for children with disabilities, as a lack of infrastructure and learning materials prevents them from attending school.

The country has also faced increasing climate-related disasters, particularly droughts and floods, over the past few years, which have negatively impacted rural communities and their livelihoods.

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What we do in Zimbabwe

Since 1974, we have been working in Zimbabwe alongside local partners to create lasting change. Together, we provide inclusive eye health services to prevent and treat blindness, strengthen healthcare systems, ensure children with disabilities have the support they need to access education and strengthen resilience to the climate crisis through building livelihoods, all hand-in-hand with our local partners and Organisations of Persons with disabilities (OPDs).

Kupa sitting in a wheelchair in front of a black board.
10%
of children with disabilities attend school in Zimbabwe. (UNICEF)

Our work in Zimbabwe

Together with our local partners, we:

  • Improve access to eye care and healthcare systems to prevent and treat conditions that can lead to disability.
  • Improve access to community mental health services.
  • Train teachers, improve infrastructure, and support children with disabilities to go to school.
  • Integrate Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) measures and provide emergency support to people with disabilities, their families, and communities during crises and disasters.
  • Support people with disabilities to access livelihood training and essential tools for sustainable, more climate-resilient living.
Your donation counts
A girl stands on crutches next to a chalkboard
Ropafadzo stands using her crutches. In the background there are goalposts and other children are playing.

“I am not sure what distance I walk from home to school, but it takes one hour for me to use my crutches to walk to school.”

Ropafadzo, Zimbabwe

Support our work in Zimbabwe

Your generous donation to our charity can make a world of difference to people living with disabilities in Zimbabwe. With your support, we can improve eyecare and healthcare services and create education and employment opportunities so people with disabilities can thrive.

Donations from individuals, corporate partnerships, charitable foundations, and legacy gifts are vital in funding our programmes. We also work closely with governments, institutions, and development organisations to strengthen healthcare systems, improve disability inclusion, and drive lasting change.

By donating today, you can help build a more inclusive Zimbabwe where no one is left behind.

Your donation counts
A man having his eye patch removed in Zimbabwe
Ropafadzo is smiling at school. She is sat at her desk.

Our work in this region

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Hadiza looks into the camera, she is wearing a pair of purple glasses.
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