Zimbabwe Faces Another Cholera Outbreak 

Zimbabwe is grappling with a resurgence of cholera, just a year after declaring the country free from the waterborne disease.

The latest outbreak has been reported in the fishing town of Kariba, where 21 cases have been confirmed.

First Death Recorded

Kariba’s district medical officer, Godfrey Muza, confirmed that one individual, identified as the first case, has died from the disease.

“We have set up cholera treatment camps at the clinic in Gache Gache and established oral rehydration points within the affected villages,” Muza stated.

He added that local and regional partners, including Médecins Sans Frontières and UNICEF, are providing assistance to manage the outbreak.

Several teams are actively engaged in risk communication and community outreach, focusing on health promotion, hygiene education, and improving sanitation practices.

Origin of the Outbreak

The cholera cases were first recorded on November 6, 2024, at the Gache Gache fishing camp.

This resurgence follows a previous cholera outbreak that Zimbabwe declared over in July 2024, which had begun in February of that year.

Ongoing Public Health Threat

Itai Rusike, executive director of the Community Working Group on Health, emphasized that cholera continues to pose a significant public health threat due to ongoing challenges in accessing clean water and sanitation.

He remarked:

“The persistence of cholera in these areas reflects weaknesses in water and sanitation infrastructure and services, high-risk hygiene practices, and gaps in surveillance and healthcare systems.”

Rusike stressed the importance of addressing public health issues at the community level to prevent future outbreaks.

He highlighted that ensuring access to basic water, sanitation, hygiene practices, and effective solid waste management is crucial for eliminating cholera.

Historical Context

Cholera has become endemic in Zimbabwe, largely attributed to poor water quality and sanitation conditions.

The country experienced its worst cholera outbreak in 2008-2009, which resulted in nearly 100,000 cases and over 4,000 deaths.

As Zimbabwe faces this new wave of cholera cases, it underscores the urgent need for improved infrastructure and public health initiatives to safeguard communities against this persistent threat.

The government and health organizations must work collaboratively to implement effective measures that will not only address the current outbreak but also prevent future occurrences.

Source: NewsDay