Zimbabwe

89-year-old Mlanzi is blind and cares for five grandchildren - one of which, Janet, is pictured with her (names have been changed) [Fiona Callister/CAFOD]

CAFOD has supported programmes in Zimbabwe for almost 30 years - where more than 80 per cent of the workforce does not have a regular job

Currently in the midst of an economic, political and social crisis, and many of the great advances made since independence – in education, health and agriculture – have been undone.

Zimbabwe gained independence from Britain in 1980. The first prime minister, Robert Mugabe, is now the President and has ruled since independence.

CAFOD has supported programmes in Zimbabwe for almost 30 years - during the war for independence, we helped the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace and social welfare programmes for displaced people and refugees.

Now, many people are struggling to survive as inflation rates continue to escalate, in a country where more than 80 per cent of the workforce does not have a regular job.

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Please note, following instructions from the Zimbabwe Government to all aid agencies, CAFOD has decided to temporarily suspend its work in ZimbabweRead more about this decision

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Zimbabwe Crisis: Latest news CAFOD continues to meet the ongoing needs of ordinary people in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe "on the edge of a precipice" The Archbishop of Harare has issued an urgent appeal for help as Zimbabwe faces a spiralling food crisis - one in three people will need food aid following a disastrous harvest