In our rapidly evolving global landscape, many of us, rooted in our Christian beliefs, perceive an uptick in natural disasters, conflicts, pandemics, and other profound challenges. Zimbabwe, too, has borne the brunt of these monumental shifts. The devastating Cyclone Eline in 2001 impacted over 30,000 of our citizens. Prolonged droughts in 2007 and 2010 touched the lives of nearly 3.8 million individuals. The cholera epidemic of 2008 afflicted close to 100,000 people. Merely two years back, the ferocity of Cyclone Idai ravaged our eastern regions, leaving 270,000 affected and taking over 340 precious lives. The wake of this disaster witnessed shattered agricultural sectors, disrupted education, and extensive infrastructural damage, especially in regions like Chimanimani and Chipinge. And, as the specter of Covid-19 looms globally, Zimbabwe finds itself grappling with its far-reaching implications.
Zimbabwe’s susceptibility to recurring natural disasters, highlighted by recent events, emphasizes the urgency for a robust and inclusive disaster response strategy. Bridging the Gap Foundation, through Arundel Group of Hospitals commendable efforts during and post-COVID, adopts a proactive and comprehensive approach, intertwining prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. Zimbabwe’s vulnerability to natural disasters underscores the need for a strategic approach. Bridging the Gaps Foundation’s response is anchored on four core pillars:
Prevention: The Foundation collaborates with experts to identify potential hazards and implement measures to curtail their impact, such as strengthening infrastructure and initiating public health campaigns.
Preparedness: Emphasizing readiness to Manage Crisis
Response: In a disaster, the Foundation swiftly dispatches resources and aid to affected regions, prioritizing immediate medical assistance, clean water, food, and shelter.
Recovery: Post-crisis, the Foundation aids community rehabilitation, encompassing physical reconstruction and socioeconomic support, to fortify resilience against future challenges.
Through these coordinated efforts, Bridging Gaps Foundation is not only helping Zimbabwe navigate the aftermath of natural disasters but is actively working towards building a nation that’sresilient, informed, and prepared for any future calamities.