Cholera Grips Zimbabwe: A Call to Action Amidst Rising Cases
In the throes of a severe cholera outbreak, Zimbabwe is facing an unprecedented healthcare crisis that demands urgent attention. The recent surge in cholera cases has strained healthcare facilities, particularly impacting the Beatrice Road Infectious Disease Hospital (BRIDH) in Harare. To address this critical situation, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, in collaboration with the Harare City Council and with the generous support of the World Health Organization (WHO), has taken a proactive step by decentralizing cholera treatment centers (CTC).
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Two new CTCs, situated at Highfields and Budiriro polyclinics, have been strategically established to provide accessible treatment to affected communities. These facilities, with 10-bed capacities and supplies for 100 cases, aim to alleviate the pressure on existing healthcare facilities and bring essential medical care closer to those who need it the most. The installation of recommended water and sanitation (WASH) facilities at both centers underscores the commitment to addressing the root causes of the outbreak.
However, the World Health Organization’s recent report on January 14, 2024, paints a stark reality – cholera cases continue to rise daily, lives are hanging precariously, and healthcare facilities are under immense pressure.
Renowned journalist Hopewell Chin’ono’s recent social media commentary, featuring a picture from Mapanza in Zimbabwe’s Chiredzi district, emphasizes the unfortunate struggle the nation faces with a disease considered medieval. Chin’ono points to the authorities’ failure to provide clean water in homes, attributing the recurring cholera and typhoid episodes to this negligence, resulting in tragic loss of life.
In response to the escalating crisis in Chiredzi, the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) has intensified its efforts to combat the outbreak. The district has emerged as one of the cholera hotspots, prompting a focused response from healthcare authorities. Statistics from the Health and Child Care ministry reveal alarming figures, with a cumulative total of 18,100 suspected cholera cases, 68 laboratory-confirmed deaths, 323 suspected cholera deaths, and 2,065 laboratory-confirmed cases reported across the country as of last Sunday.
Tragically, recent reports from Beitbridge indicate that four individuals lost their lives to cholera at a religious shrine, highlighting the complexity of the situation. A pregnant woman from Gwanda, seeking refuge at the shrine due to religious beliefs, succumbed to the disease after refusing assistance from health officials.
In a concerted effort to combat the outbreak, the European Union has allocated €1 million to support the humanitarian response to cholera.
As the cholera cases continue to rise, AfroGazette News feels a responsibility to share essential tips with our readers to help prevent and manage the spread of this deadly disease. In times of crisis, knowledge becomes a powerful tool for communities to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Cholera Prevention Tips:
1. Practice Good Hygiene:
Wash hands regularly with soap and clean water.
Use hand sanitizers if clean water is not available.
2. Safe Water Practices:
Consume only treated or boiled water.
Avoid consuming water from potentially contaminated sources.
3. Proper Sanitation:
Use safe and hygienic toilets.
Dispose of waste in designated areas.
4. Food Safety:
Consume only well-cooked and hot food.
Avoid raw or undercooked seafood and shellfish.
5. Seek Medical Attention:
If you experience symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration, seek medical attention promptly.
6. Community Awareness:
Spread awareness about cholera prevention within your community.
Encourage others to follow proper hygiene practices.
In these challenging times, unity and collective action are paramount. By adhering to these tips and remaining vigilant, communities can contribute to the prevention and control of the cholera outbreak, ultimately saving lives and safeguarding the well-being of the nation.
-AfroGazette
