Zimbabwe Implements Measures to Curb Cholera Outbreak

By Admin

The Zimbabwean government has announced stringent measures aimed at containing the increase in cholera cases in the country; with nearly 100 suspected deaths, most of them reported in September, and approximately 5,000 potential cholera cases documented in more than 41 districts, including the capital city of Harare.

Authorities according to reports are determined to avoid a repeat of the devastating 2008 cholera epidemic that claimed the lives of 4,000 people.

“We are concerned that there is an outbreak. We need to step up our action,” stated Agnes Mahomva, the government’s public health adviser.

Manicaland, a province bordering Mozambique, has been the hardest-hit area, with over 1,000 reported cases, as disclosed during a cabinet briefing on Tuesday.

Several regions, including Bikita in Masvingo province and Buhera district, have been declared high-risk zones. The government has enforced a ban on large gatherings, limiting funeral attendance to no more than 50 people, with food service prohibited. Additionally, people have been advised to refrain from shaking hands as a precautionary measure.

Public gatherings, including open markets, social events, and outdoor church camps, have been discouraged in the provinces of Manicaland and Masvingo where proper sanitation is unlikely to be maintained.

Mahomva emphasized the importance of maintaining hygiene and announced that the government is executing a comprehensive cholera response strategy throughout the country.

Zimbabwe has faced recurrent challenges with water shortages and an inadequate sanitation system, which have led to multiple cholera outbreaks in recent years. In certain areas, such as Harare and Bulawayo, residents endure prolonged periods without access to clean water, while raw sewage remains a common sight in townships.