The United Nations (UN) has committed to help Zimbabwe achieve the 15 percent budgetary allocation to the health sector in line with the Abuja Declaration, UN Resident Coordinator Bishow Parajuli has said.
Speaking during the Launch of the International Day of Yoga held in the capital today, UN Resident Coordinator, Bishow Parajuli said UN with the support from development partners is providing support in the areas of HIV response, Maternal and Reproductive Health, Neonatal and Child Health.
“To date, there has been a noticeable reduction in the prevalence of communicable diseases- HIV, TB, Malaria as well as water-borne diseases such as Cholera, Typhoid and many more though we still have a long way to end these communicable diseases as well.
“In line with Zimbabwe’s commitment to universal health coverage and quality health for all under the SDG 3, the UN with the generous support from Development Partners such as the Global Fund, EU, GAVI Alliance, and the governments of Sweden, UK, Ireland and the United States is providing support in the areas of HIV response, Maternal and Reproductive Health, Neonatal and Child Health, and in general strengthening the health system,” said Parajuli.
In collaboration with the Embassy of India, the Art of Living in Zimbabwe, UN today launched the International Day of Yoga aimed at providing a holistic approach to health and well-being.
According to Parajuli, the adoption of International Day of Yoga recognizes that global health is a long-term development objective that requires closer international cooperation.
“The adoption of International Day of Yoga recognizes that global health is a long-term development objective that requires closer international cooperation through the exchange of best practices aimed at building better individual lifestyles devoid of excesses of all kinds.
“The UN recognizes that yoga provides a holistic approach to health and well-being.
“The United Nations in Zimbabwe in response to the increasing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) has recognized that wider dissemination of information about the benefits of practicing yoga would be beneficial for the health of Zimbabweans and the world population at large.
“Marking International Day of Yoga in Zimbabwe is therefore in line with the UN General Assembly proclamation which calls on all UN Member and observer States, the organizations of the United Nations system and other international and regional organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and individuals, to observe the Day, in accordance with national priorities, to raise awareness of the benefits of practicing yoga,” added Parajuli.
