Zimbabwe – Population Mobility Mapping Mutare District (January 2021)
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Introduction
The lockdown restrictions in Zimbabwe due to COVID-19 has drastically reduced the number of cross border movements. On average, the numbers crossing through the Mutare main border post has dropped from 400 to 250 persons a day. As of 2 February 2021, Zimbabwe had 33,548 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 26,794 recoveries and 1,254 deaths. As part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Health in collaboration with its partners in health recognized a need to understand the impact mobility within and across borders can potentially have on controlling the spread of the virus. To support these activities, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is working closely with the local government of Zimbabwe, Ministry of Health, and the Immigration Department to support the government of Zimbabwe and other key partners with regards to understanding migratio
By Bulawayo Correspondent
CASES of teenage pregnancies and early child marriages have been on the increase in the border town of Beitbridge during the Covid-19 induced closure of schools, a recent Population Mobility Mapping (PMM) survey has revealed.
According to the study conducted by the International Organisation for Immigration (IOM) in the district last October, cases of teenage pregnancies and early child marriages have been rampant in settlements along illegal exit and entry points to neighboring South Africa.
Beitbridge has more than 22 unofficial entry points into South Africa.
However, nefarious activities along the illegal points such as goods smuggling and child smuggling have brought several societal challenges in the district.
Beitbridge records increase in teenage pregnancies
By NQOBANI NDLOVU
BEITBRIDGE recorded an increase in teenage pregnancies and early child marriages, particularly in areas closer to illegal exit and entry points to neighbouring South Africa where there is a thriving informal economy.
According to findings of a Population Mobility Mapping (PMM) study conducted in October, there was an increase in teenage pregnancies and child marriages during the COVID-19-induced school closure.
The study was jointly executed by International Organisation for Immigration (IOM) and government to gather information on population mobility and cross-border movements.
The findings of the study showed that both Beitbridge rural and urban districts were high mobility districts with Beitbridge Border Post as the main and official point of entry into Zimbabwe from South Africa but at the same time there are more than 22 unofficial points of entry, indicative of high irregular migration.