THE College of Primary Healthcare Physicians of Zimbabwe (CPCPZ) and Zimbabwe College of Public Health Physicians (ZCPHP) have said the growing number of deaths outside health facilities were cause for concern and indication that there were high cases of community transmissions going unmonitored.
Health Reporter
The situational report by the Ministry of Health of Child and Health Care shows that the number of deaths remains high as the country recorded 13 deaths on 22 August 2021 and 16 deaths on 21 August 2021. In a joint statement, the two organizations said even though the past few weeks saw a decline in the number of COVID19 cases, the number of deaths remain high, with one in three people dying outside of health facilities.
These deaths are commonest among the elderly and people living with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, high blood pressure and heart disease. People who develop COVID-19 symptoms that require medical attention are delaying in seeking professional medical care. As a result of late presentation, families end up requiring very expensive treatment and long hospitalization or lives that could have been saved are being lost.
“The Government of Zimbabwe has done a great job establishing the national COVID-19 vaccination program, including expansion to the private sector for a nominal fee. However, the vaccination coverage remains low, with over 15% of the targeted population having been fully vaccinated. We are particularly concerned that despite being prioritized, many elderly people and citizens living with chronic medical conditions are still not vaccinated.
The two organization s urges the members of the public to double up physical distancing, masking, and hand hygiene,” said the statement.
They added that there need for concerted effort by every individual, household, community, and the whole nation to combat COVID-19 infections and deaths.
“When you or your household member develop symptoms of COVID-19, get tested early and seek medical care from a qualified health care provider as soon as possible. The elderly and all people living with chronic medical conditions to avoid crowded places and minimize interactions with people from outside their households especially funerals, weddings, religious gatherings. We urge all citizens to do all that is possible to encourage and support their household members, the elderly and those living with chronic medical conditions to get vaccinated.”
