Harare (New Ziana) – Recorded cases of cholera in Zimbabwe crept towards 5 000 with the confirmation of 21 new cases as of Monday, according to the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
In its latest update on Tuesday, the Ministry said total suspected cases stood at 4 782, confirmed cases 947 and 4 590 recoveries, with the number of deaths being 30 confirmed and 101 suspected.
New cases were reported from Buhera (17), Mutare Rural (2) and Bikita (2) with 41 districts reporting cases so far in the country.
“As of 10 October 2023, 61 cases are hospitalized at Bikita CTC (11), Zaka (3) in Masvingo province, Buhera (36), Mutare Rural (4) in Manicaland province, Zvimba (1), Mhondoro-Ngezi (1) Mashonaland West province and Beatrice Road Infectious Diseases Hospital (BRIDH) (4) in Harare province and Thorngrove (1) in Bulawayo province,” the Ministry said.
There were 12 new recoveries placing the national recovery rate is at 97 percent and 61 cases in-care.
Meanwhile Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Jenfan Muswere said Cabinet had received an update on measures being taken to arrest the spread of the medieval disease, which has hit a number of Southern African countries.
He said Cabinet had reported that medicines and commodities supply have been prepositioned in districts with resource mobilization ongoing from national level as well as through provincial and district structures and donors that 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,” said Muswere.
Activities that have been undertaken include WASH (water, sanitation and health) in Harare, Gutu, Bikita and Chiredzi districts over the past week, risk communication and the setting up of community engagement committees in Masvingo, Matebeleland South, Manicaland and Mashonaland Central.
“Additionally, 20 risk communication and community engagement campaigns were conducted in Mashonaland East, and distribution of cholera information, education and communication materials is ongoing,” said the minister.
He said Cabinet had approved 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.
New Ziana
