Exchange Rate In Freefall

October 2008 | Ratings Update

While the politicians argue over power-sharing, the population is suffering on an unprecedented scale. Bread is rarely to-be-found now and supplies of maize, the staple, could be exhausted by early November. Milk and meat availability has slumped as farmers are bartering livestock for informally imported grain, and the forthcoming crop season looks set to be another disaster. Hunger is widespread, affecting half the population, and there are increasing reports of child deaths from malnutrition. Diseases, particularly cholera, are spreading following the collapse of public services such as sanitation and water. Hospitals have virtually no funding and have been extremely weakened

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