The Ministry of Health and Child Care Friday received from the World Health Organization (WHO) a consignment of cholera medical equipment, medication, and some sundries for use in the fight against the epidemic which has to date seen over 300 cases recorded in Zimbabwe.
By Kuda Pembere
Also donated was a motor vehicle for use in the battle against mental health disorders in the country. The handover ceremony was held at the National Pharmaceutical Company (NatPharm)’s mega-warehouse.
The Health and Child Care Ministry Permanent Secretary Air Commodore Jasper Chimedza lauded the WHO for the donation worth US$160 000.
We really want to thank you WHO our usual partners in health issues, being the primary advisor to the Ministry of Health, coordinator of all the partners in the country, intra-country partnerships. We really want to thank you for this initiative.
“It is an initiative that you have reached out on our behalf, the other partners like the CDC, the government of Norway and also other partners have come to recognize the current crises that we are facing as a country which is initially the COVID-19 and we are just coming out of it and now we are also into the cholera epidemic that has not only affected Zimbabwe but also other neighboring countries,” he said.
He also commended the WHO for its technical and material support.
“We thank you for the guidance that you have been giving us both at technical level and also material support level. The good thing with WHO is not only do you come to support us but you come to strengthen us, the systems that are already there in terms of us to be able to respond to these disease. “These kits will support us right from the primary level to support our village health workers, and also our health posts, right up to central levels where we have the designated hospitals for managing the cholera patients in the country. Hospitals like Wilkins, Beatrice Road Infectious Diseases Hospital in Harare, not to mention the others in other areas in the country,” the Permanent Secretary said.
The WHO Representative to Zimbabwe, Professor Jean- Marie Dangou said the consignment comprised of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), Cholera Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT),Cholera kits that contain the needed range of commodities including IV fluids, disinfectants and antibiotics, Indelible Markers for the polio vaccination campaign as well as personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, Gloves, Masks and other items.
“Today, we are here to celebrate the donation of a brand new Toyota Prado along with essential cholera kits and other commodities. This significant donation amounting to US$160 000 will go a long way in supporting the country’s response to the current cholera outbreak and other critical public health emergencies.
“The use of cholera kits in responding to outbreaks is crucial in preventing and controlling the spread of the disease. The kits are designed for the management of cholera patients at the central, peripheral and community levels and contain essential items such as oral rehydration salts, IV fluids, antibiotics, and water purification tablets.
“They can be used to treat patients, prevent contamination of water sources, and educate communities on hygiene practices. By ensuring that cholera kits are readily available and used effectively, we can save lives and prevent the further spread of this devastating disease,” he said.
He commended the Zimbabwean government for maintaining a cholera free nation for the past three years.
The WHO Representative also said Zimbabwe is working on getting funding for the oral cholera vaccine.
