As the world marks the 55th Earth Day, humanity is facing tough challenges to survive due to the worsening state of the planet Earth caused by unsustainable human activities.
Across the globe, communities are working together to find solutions to the worsening environment year after year. Yet, their food security, incomes, and health continue to be threatened by climate change, as they possess the fewest resources to cope with its impacts. Pollution prevention and biodiversity loss add to the dire situation.
The investment available for environmental protection is not enough to change the current state of the Earth; people need to change their attitudes and become more aware of the impact of their actions on the environment. Restoring the environment calls for living in harmony with nature, renewing commitments to invest in clean energy, reducing the production and consumption of new products, preventing pollution, and embracing sustainable, regenerative environment practices.
DAPP Zimbabwe is committed to protecting the planet, building communities and supporting people by connecting them with others in transformative and sustainable programmes, unleashing their potential for positive change and action.
An example is our Green Paths for You (Th) and Climate Project in Shamva District that is empowering 300 young people to drive environmental sustainability actions through training in four thematic courses: agroforestry, aquaculture, apiculture and horticulture. These courses respond to local market demands while considering climate-related aspects. By integrating climate-smart agriculture training with interactive learning methods, youths gain skills and knowledge to protect the environment while generating income.
Despite environmental challenges, restoring the planet is achievable. It only requires actions that inspire hope and empower communities to build resilience against the impacts of climate change. DAPP Zimbabwe recognizes the significance of collective action in the fight to restore the planet’s ecosystem by collaborating with partners and governments to enhance sustainable practices that protect the Earth.
DAPP Zimbabwe is proud to share its 2024 Annual Progress Report, showcasing the organization’s achievements in promoting sustainable development across the country.
With over 40 years of experience, DAPP Zimbabwe has been complementing government efforts through implementing short and long-term development projects in five thematic areas: Health, Agriculture, Education, Community Development, and Emergency. The 2024 report reflects a collective effort that has made a significant impact on people’s lives in Mashonaland Central, Manicaland and Masvingo provinces.
In the year 2024, our presence impacted the lives of 258,000 individuals from all circles. Notably, DAPP worked with 4,622 smallholder farmers using innovative models like Farmers’ Clubs and From Communal to Commercial Farmer, resulting in strengthened farmers’ resilience and improved agriculture production. Additionally, 692 students received support from Early Childhood Development to tertiary level, while life skills and vocational training enhanced employability and self-employment opportunities for youth.
The organization’s health projects empowered individuals and communities to take an active role in their own health through person-centered care models. By prioritizing awareness on HIV, TB, reproductive health, hygiene, and sanitation, DAPP reached 115,000 people with TB and HIV information. Community Development projects worked with 1,831 families promoting children’s rights through a family-centered approach.
DAPP Zimbabwe pledges to continue working shoulder-to-shoulder with communities to improve their lives and promote sustainable development. The organization’s success is attributed to the collective effort of its staff, volunteers, government, stakeholders, and valuable partners.
Over the past two and half years, the colliding AIDS and COVID-19 pandemics along with economic and humanitarian crises have placed the global HIV response under increasing threat (UNAIDS Global AIDS Update 2022). Despite Zimbabwe’s progress in combating TB and achieving the 95-95-95 UNAIDS target, TB continues to pose a substantial threat to public health, necessitating sustained efforts to eradicate it.
The gap between health needs and the resources available to meet them is alarmingly wide. By taking immediate action and investing more in HIV and TB healthcare, the global health community can save lives, enhance well-being, and promote the rights through building stronger and more resilient health systems for all.
As DAPP Zimbabwe, our health programmes mainly respond to the HIV epidemic, TB, malaria and malnutrition. We have established project structures, but the true strength of our health programmes lies in our connections with the communities we serve.
On this day, April 7th, 2025, as the World commemorates the 77th World Health Day, we take the opportunity to highlight the work of some of our projects in the health sector, HOPE Bindura and TC TB Makoni, which are committed to prioritising HIV/AIDS and TB in urban and rural District areas.
The HOPE Bindura project, established in 1998, empowers individuals through a people-centred approach, providing free HIV testing, counselling and preventive services. The project also promotes safer sexual practices and skills-building initiatives for adolescent girls and young women in Bindura urban and rural Mashonaland Central.
HOPE Bindura empowers individuals to take charge of their health, make informed choices and foster resilience and dignity.
The TC TB Makoni project in Manicaland province aligns with the National TB Strategic Plan, aiming to reduce TB and contribute to the global goal of ending TB by 2030. Through community-led interventions, the project provides comprehensive support to co-infected individuals, including antiretroviral therapy and TB treatment and works towards Universal Health Coverage.
By harnessing the collective efforts of local leaders, community volunteers and extension officers, the TC TB Makoni project helps to reduce stigma and discrimination against those affected with TB and HIV.
This year’s World Health day is running under the theme; Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures.
