Ashley Masakadza

Zimbabwe has recorded over four thousand Cholera cases, with Harare and Manicaland Provinces being the most affected areas by the disease.

This was revealed in a post cabinet briefing yesterday where government said it has responded to the outbreak by establishing community engagement committees and awareness campaigns to fully manage it.

Government also said it has increased the supply of medicines and commodities to all districts across the country .

“Cabinet advises that as of 30^th September 2023, Zimbabwe’s cumulative suspected cholera cases were 4 436 with 4 246 recoveries.  Manicaland Province and Harare Province contributed the highest number of cholera cases in Zimbabwe, having reported 1 934 (43.5%) and 1 627(36.7%) cumulative cholera cases respectively by 30 September 2023,”

“Cabinet advises that the following activities have since been conducted in response to the surge in cases: WASH activities against cholera in Harare, Gutu, Bikita and Chiredzi districts as sensitized on cholera in the past week, risk communication and community engagement committees were set up in four rural provinces of Masvingo, Matabeleland South, Manicaland and Mashonaland Central.  Additionally, twenty (20) risk communication and community engagement campaigns were conducted in Mashonaland East, and distribution of cholera information, education and communication materials is ongoing.”

Meanwhile, The Minister of  Agriculture Dr. Anxious Masuka recently appointed a 19-person expert team to address Harare’s water challenges. This committee will manage the city of Harare’s water affairs as part of efforts to improve the availability of basic services in the capital during the cholera outbreak.