Zimbabwe

Situated in Southern Africa, Zimbabwe is a landlocked country positioned between latitudes 15 and 23 degrees south and longitudes 25 and 34 degrees east. It shares borders with South Africa to the south, Botswana to the west and southwest, Zambia to the northwest, and Mozambique to the east and northeast. As of April 20, 2024, Zimbabwe's population stands at 16,948,290, based on Worldometer's analysis of the latest United Nations data, with a median age of 18.4 among its populace.

Despite occasional improvements in the country's economy, Zimbabwe remains one of the poorest nations globally, with an estimated poverty rate of around 20%. The modest economic gains have not significantly alleviated poverty, particularly affecting children who often lack access to essential rights such as food, shelter, and education. Consequently, many children are compelled to engage in low-paying jobs to help support their families. Moreover, numerous families, particularly those in rural areas, are forced to use contaminated and non-potable water sources, necessitating long journeys in marginalized regions to access clean water.

These challenges have led to various adverse health effects among children, including chronic diarrhea, infectious diseases, and dehydration. Furthermore, government restrictions on utilizing contaminated water sources make it challenging for young children to maintain basic hygiene practices, exacerbating the health risks they face.