Zim halfway towards achieving SDGs Dr Ayodele Odusola

Valerie Mpundu Herald Correspondent

Zimbabwe is halfway towards achieving sustainable development goals laid down within the United Nations system despite facing challenges, which it has solved through innovation, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) resident representative Dr Ayodele Odusola has said.

Speaking at a mid-term stakeholder’s consultative meeting of the UNDP Zimbabwe country programme document in Harare last week Dr Odusula said UNDP will continue to support Zimbabwe overcome obstacles to enable it to achieve the goals.

“The year 2023 marked a significant milestone for Zimbabwe as it reached the halfway point towards achieving the sustainable development goals. Despite the challenges, Zimbabwe has shown resilience and innovation in addressing these obstacles,” he said.

The consultative meeting was attended by Government officials, development partners, implementing agencies and communities,

Going forward, Dr Odusola said: “We will bolster efforts towards re-engagement and clearing debts and arrears, crucial steps for economic stability,” he said.

Dr Odusola spoke about the interventions made in many sectors including the medical supply chain, construction of 178 pharmacies equipped with modern amenities, support for vulnerable girls, food security investments and provision of safe water.

Health interventions included a medical supply chain.

“The completion of Mutare NatPharm warehouse has greatly enhanced our medical supply chain, ensuring essential medicines are available,” he said.

On the health front, he said over one million people continued with their antiretroviral treatment, significantly contributing to the fight against HIV and AIDS.

“Additionally, 19 health facilities and two warehouses joined the 1 044 already using solar power, generating a combined 1,85MW of solar power. We helped communities save over US$276 000, re-investing these funds into local agriculture and small enterprises.”

UNDP resident coordinator Mr Edward Kallon said the UNDP’s partnership with Government through the country programme was hinged on commitment to sustainable development and well-being of all Zimbabweans.

“We are collectively working towards a prosperous, resilient and inclusive Zimbabwe. Let us continue to work hand-in-hand to realise this vision, ensuring no one is left   behind.

“Alignment with National Development Strategy 1 is a bold step towards realising Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, which aims to transform an upper-middle income society, aligning priorities with a strategic operations framework,” he said.

Skills Audit and Development Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Rudo Chitiga, said there was need to address the issue of skills development.

“We need to look at the workforce and ensure Zimbabwe does not rest. Although we rely on minerals, there is also a need to develop and retain our skilled workforce.

“There is a lot of skills development missing and we need to work on that for nation building,” she said.

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