Montreal, February 2, 2009 - DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE has just sent $ 100,000 to Zimbabwe to provide emergency aid to over 200,000 people. The relief program, run by DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE partner Caritas Zimbabwe, addresses urgent and long-term problems such as hunger, the spread of HIV/AIDS and the cholera epidemic, caused by the collapse of the country's economy and infrastructure.

Zimbabwe is undergoing a severe humanitarian crisis, with 83 % of its inhabitants currently living on less than $ 2 a day.

"It is crucial that we offset the impact of the Zimbabwean government's mismanagement" says Barbara Trachsel, Emergency Relief Program Officer for DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE. "During the election period, from March to August, humanitarian aid was put on hold. Now, the country is in political deadlock and the agricultural season has failed for a third year in a row, further increasing the dependence of the Zimbabwean population on food aid."

"With this program, we want to ensure not only that Zimbabweans survive this crisis but that they have access to education, health services and agricultural goods."

Caritas Zimbabwe will distribute food rations, offer midday meals for children in school, distribute seeds, provide agricultural training, supply medicine and improve access to sanitation.

The program will cost $8.9 million and will run for the next 7 months in and around Bulawayo, Chinhoyi, Gokwe, Gweru, Harare, Hwange, Masvingo and Mutare.

DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE is calling for donations for the Zimbabwe crisis. Contributions can be made by telephone (1 888 664-3387), online at www.devp.org, or by cheque (marked "Emergency: Zimbabwe") sent to the following address: DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE 1425, René-Lévesque Blvd. West, 3rd floor Montreal (Quebec) H3G 1T7 -30-

Media Contact: Eleonore Fournier-Tombs 514 257-8711 ext. 307 eleonore.fournier@devp.org