Three Districts Cholera Free In Manicaland

Sharon Chigeza

MUTARE- As Zimbabwe surpassed the one-year mark in the fight against cholera across the 10 provinces, comprehensive interventions are bearing fruit with three out of the seven districts of Manicaland being declared free of the disease.

Nyanga, Chimanimani and Makoni district have been declared cholera free. Chimanimani last year was recorded as one of the hotspot districts alongside Buhera, Chipinge and Mutare.

Speaking during a post cabinet briefing, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere said as cholera incidences continue to decline 10 districts across the country had been declared cholera free.

“Cabinet informs the nation that incidences of new suspected cholera cases continue on a downward trend, with ten districts having been declared cholera- free. The cholera-free districts are Nyanga, Chimanimani, Makoni, Mwenezi, Kwekwe, Gokwe North, Chirumanzu, Matobo, Umzingwani and Binga. The Ministry of Health and Child Care continues to monitor all gatherings in order to avert the spread of cholera and other diseases,” said Minister Muswere.

He further acknowledged the role played by religious leaders and groupings over the Easter holidays in taking the initiative to help curb and fight the spread of cholera

“Government wishes to express gratitude to church leaders and communities for their cooperation during the Easter holidays. As we gravitate towards a cholera- free situation, Government is urging all communities and religious leaders to uphold and observe good health and hygiene practices,” he added.

Provincial health promotions officer, Agnes Mugumbate applauded community efforts in the decline of cases attributing the wins in the three districts to high awareness and improved case management.

“The marked decrease in the number of cases is attributed to high community awareness, improved case management and the impact of the vaccination programme. However, communities are urged to remain vigilant and observe good health and hygiene practices such as the regular washing of hands and drinking of clean, safe water,” said Ms Mugumbate.

She added that the Ministry will continue to monitor and raise awareness in communities until the province is declared cholera free.

The country has been grappling with the current outbreak since February last year recording over 3 000 confirmed cases and 679 cumulative deaths.

In response to the outbreak, Government in collaboration with its development partners launched a series of interventions aimed at containing the spread of thedisease.