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The rising challenges facing the citizens of Zimbabwe are staggering. The country is in dire need of reform and is currently in the middle of an economic and social upheaval. Cholera, a disease often brought on by poor sanitation levels, has killed hundreds of people and infected thousands more.

In addition to this tragedy, Zimbabwe's infrastructure, with respect to its economic and social conditions, is in serious need of repair. The country is still being crippled by a 230 million percent inflation rate, and there is no indication the situation will get any better before things get worse.

Amidst the escalating health crisis, political strife has also entered the country's arena. Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai have yet to establish a working government. This has led to the widespread chaos that exists within the country. While the two men and their respective parties agreed to a combined, unified government, the two sides have virtually left the country to fend for itself.

A humanitarian effort was started in an effort to help restore the country. The group, led by Graca Machel, wife of Nelson Mandela, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, was denied entry into the country by the Mugabe government. It is unclear at this time how the country will survive or if the two party leaders will reach an agreement soon.

In the 21st century, no country should ever have to endure this type of rampant social decline. Zimbabwe is a cruel and unrelenting example of the types of perils that still exist in this world. I pray that the powers that be would sincerely work together to make things right, not just for their citizens but for their country's future as well.

Will Zimbabwe's current leaders help or hurt their country's future?