Multi-million, multi-year ENSURE programme launched

The multimillion and multi-year USAID funded Enhancing Nutrition, Stepping Up Resilience and Enterprise (ENSURE) programme, being implemented by World Vision Zimbabwe, was officially launched on 19 February at a colourful ceremony attended by government ministers, diplomats, representatives of various NGOs, USAID personnel and senior government officials. ENSURE is implemented in Manicaland and Masvingo provinces focusing on nutrition, agriculture, resilience, gender and environment. Speaking at the launch, the guest of honour, Dr Ignatius Chombo, who was standing in for the Vice President Joice Mujuru, who could not attend because she had visited the flooding victims at Tokwe – Mukorsi, said the ENSURE programme fitted well with the government thrust. “Since independence, Zimbabwe has focused on fighting against poverty and promoting child and maternal health and these have been the priority areas. The two projects, ENSURE and Amalima, are designed and aim to address these government priorities,” said Minister Chombo. There are many lessons to be learnt from the implementation of ENSURE, Dr Chombo, who is also Minister of Local Government, said. “The lessons learnt will inform our efforts in other areas where the projects are not being implemented,” said Dr Chombo. He added that government was going to support the implementation of the two projects and urged close collaboration between the implementers and the authorities. “The two projects (ENSURE and Amalima) should show verifiable impact on the people and government will play its part to ensure the success that it should be,” he added. Speaking at the same occasion, the USA ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellence Bruce Wharton, said it was gratifying to see so many influential government officials attending the launch. “This launch marks a new effort to advance food and nutrition security. We need to enjoin food assistance with economic growth because as we know, food assistance is only immediate and does not protect communities from future shocks,” said the USA ambassador. The programme will result in improved business practices and it establishes a firm foundation on which the people of Zimbabwe can stand, added HE Wharton. “The United States wants Zimbabwe to prosper and our joint efforts are to make drought prone areas in Zimbabwe self-reliant,” added the ambassador. Other government ministers who attended include Minister Oppah Muchinguri (Gender and Community Development), Minister Sithembiso Nyoni (Small to Medium Scale Enterprises) Deputy Minister Tongai Muzenda (Labour and Social Welfare and Minister David Parirenyatwa (Health and Childcare). The deputy chief secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Retired Colonel Christian Katsande chaired the official launch.