Zimbabwe’s Fight Against Cholera: Latest Updates from Cabinet Briefing

Zimbabwe Government Updates on Cholera Outbreak: The Minister of Health and Child Care, Honourable Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, provided a comprehensive update on the response to the national cholera outbreak during a recent cabinet briefing.

The Ministry has undertaken integrated training sessions in case management, surveillance, and social mobilization for Midlands and Masvingo Provinces. Additionally, there has been ongoing community awareness efforts and the establishment of oral rehydration points and cholera treatment camps.

Furthermore, in collaboration with the Apostolic Women Empowerment Trust, the Ministry conducted training sessions on cholera advocacy in Mutare and Masvingo cities. These sessions were attended by leaders from various faith groups and traditional healers.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care is actively engaging with community leaders and traditional healers to enhance awareness about cholera and promote preventive measures. The training sessions on cholera advocacy aim to equip leaders with the necessary information and tools to educate their communities about the disease and its prevention.

The deployment of oral rehydration points and cholera treatment camps by the government seeks to provide swift and effective treatment to those affected by the outbreak.

Zimbabwe continues to grapple with a cholera outbreak that has affected the country since February 2023. Statistics indicate an estimated 21,000 cases and over 400 suspected and confirmed deaths in the past 12 months.

The outbreak has impacted 60 districts in Zimbabwe, with hotspots identified in Harare, Buhera, Gutu, Chiredzi, Mazowe, and Mbire. Manicaland and Harare provinces have been particularly affected, accounting for approximately 64 percent of the total cholera cases in the country.