Harare (New Ziana)-Zimbabwe has so far recorded five cholera cases since the first case was reported mid last month, a cabinet minister has said.
Cholera outbreaks are being reported in a number of Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, including South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi, which is the most affected.
In a weekly post-Cabinet briefing, Information, Communication and Technology Minister Jenfan Muswere said no deaths from cholera had been recorded since 12 February when the first case was recorded.
“Since 12 February 2023, 60 suspected cases of cholera have been reported in Zimbabwe from Chegutu (58), Mudzi (1), and Mutare (1). Of these 5 cases have been confirmed by culture test, and as of 6th March 2023 there has been no reported death from cholera and no patient has been admitted for the disease,” he said.
Muswere said considering the high risk of diarrheal diseases, especially cholera and typhoid during the rainy season, the government was accelerating the surveillance and response mechanisms in all provinces.
“The government is also instituting processes for the refurbishing and upgrading of sewer and reticulation systems and provision of clean water,” he said.
He said the government had taken several actions in response to the cholera outbreak.
These include activation of the national, provincial and district Rapid Response Teams as well as the Civil Protection Committee (CPC).
The National Reference Laboratory is carrying out drug sensitivity tests for any suspected cases of cholera while Acute Water Diarrheal (AWD) Kits are pre-positioned at cholera hotspots.
“All districts are on high alert for any outbreaks. Community health workers were sensitized, and community awareness is ongoing in all districts. The cholera Outbreak Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan for 2023-2024, the relevant budget, as well as the country’s Cholera and Typhoid Guidelines have been reviewed and updated,” he said.
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