HARARE - United Nations Zimbabwe has revealed its intention to avail a food assistance package that will cushion more than 1,5 million families from starvation following a failed farming season.

UN resident and humanitarian coordinator Alain Noudehou said the organisation was in the process of organising assistance for close to two million Zimbabweans in need of food aid.

“UN agencies, through the Humanitarian Country Team coordinates and provides assistance to the vulnerable in Zimbabwe. For example, the UN is currently preparing to assist 1,6 million food-insecure people during the lean season of 2012 and 2013,” said Noudehou.

He was addressing journalists during a media breakfast to mark the 67th anniversary of the United
Nations Day in Harare yesterday.

UN Zimbabwe has invested immensely towards enhancing the capacity of local authorities on service delivery particularly water and sanitation.

Noudehou emphasised UN Zimbabwe’s commitment to help the country fulfil Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and improve livelihoods.

Noudehou said the UN,  in collaboration with the government, will  on November 5, hold a UN Day symposium which seeks to drive home the need for development partners to be environmentally sensitive.

“As you may know a green economy is defined as one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. The symposium will seek to raise awareness and enhance partnerships around these themes,” he said. - Wendy Muperi