
Online Reporter
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have allocated US$10 million towards climate-smart social services in Zimbabwe and Comoros.
In a statement on Tuesday, UNICEF Executive Director, Ms Catherine Russell said the money was part of a three-year grant worth US$39 million that seeks to develop climate-smart and gender-responsive social services for children in the two regions.
Over 120 000 people, of which 48 000 are children, are being targeted under the grant.
“UNICEF is grateful to the Government and the people of the Republic of Korea for their support for children on the frontlines of the climate crisis,” said Ms Russell.
The fund, she said, represents the single largest grant received from the Korean Government.
“The total grant is US$39 million, with US$29 million allocated to the East Asia and Pacific region and US$10 million to the Eastern and Southern Africa region.
“For Zimbabwe, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and tropical cyclones are projected to increase. Zimbabwe is currently experiencing an El Niño,” said Ms Russell.