Cholera cases hit to 4 436 in Zim

By Staff Writer

ZIMBABWE’s Cholera cases have surged to 4 436 with Harare and Manicaland provinces dominating the list amid calls for citizens to adopt the best hygienic practices.

Presenting an update on the disease’s prevalence this week, the Acting Minister of Health and Child Care, Hon Amon Murwira revealed that the disease has spread rapidly.

“Cabinet advises that as at 30^th September 2023, Zimbabwe’s cumulative suspected cholera cases were 4 436 with 4 246 recoveries. 

“Manicaland Province and Harare Province contributed the highest number of cholera cases in Zimbabwe, having reported 1 934 (43.5%) and 1 627(36.7%) cumulative cholera cases respectively by 30 September, 2023,” he said.

Murwira reported that medicines and commodities supply have been prepositioned in districts with resource mobilization ongoing from national level as well as through provisional and district structures and donors have also chipped in. 

“The nation is informed that active surveillance is ongoing at the ports of entry.  Cabinet highlights that dissemination of information is being intensified to curb the spread of cholera.  Furthermore, water quality monitoring of waste disposal and waste management is ongoing in provinces,” he said.

The Health Ministry also advised that the following activities have since been conducted in response to the surge in cases:

WASH activities against cholera in Harare, Gutu, Bikita and Chiredzi district as sensitised on cholera in the past week

Risk communication and community engagement committees was set-up in four rural provinces of Masvingo, Matebeleland South, Manicaland and Mashonaland Central.

 Additionally, twenty (20) risk communication and community engagement campaigns were conducted in Mashonaland East, and distribution of cholera information, education and communication materials is ongoing.

“In light of the current cholera situation, Cabinet approved as follows: that traditional and religious leaders be engaged to facilitate public health measures to control cholera within their communities; and that there be enforcement of laws on burials and city/council by-laws to ensure the public health response to Cholera is effective,” added Murwira.