The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) says they have identified most cases and initiated patients on Cholera treatment and care, allaying any fears of a full-blown cholera outbreak of the proportions of 2008/09.
By Michael Gwarisa
Zimbabwe has been recording sporadic and isolated cases of Cholera mostly in rural communities and some peri-urban centres over the past few months, raising fears in some circles that the outbreak could derail hosting of the international Conference on AIDS and SITs in Africa (ICASA), slated for December 4 to 9 2023.
Speaking during a hybrid Curtain Raiser ICASA meeting, Dr Aspect Muanganidze, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health said there was nothing to fear as Cholera was now under control.
As you are all aware, Zimbabwe will be hosting the 22nd edition of the ICASA in just over a month now. Our health systems and services have also been mobilised to ensure that both visitors and locals have access to the needed services during the conference,” said Dr Maunganidze.
“You may have heard recently that there was an outbreak of Cholera in some parts of the Zimbabwe. I wish to assure you all and our visitors that the isolated outbreak has been contained and our surveillance system is exceptionally effective and has picked all cases and have been treated.”
As at October, 29 2023, 108 new suspected cholera cases were recorded while three suspected deaths and two laboratory confirmed results were reported. The cases were reported from Chitungwiza City (34), Buhera (31), Harare (11), Mutare (11), Gutu (11), Zaka (4),Chipinge (3), Chegutu (2) and Sanyati (1).
Forty-three districts have reported cases so far in the country. As of 29 October 2023, 102 cases are hospitalized at Chiredzi (2), Zaka (3), Gutu (6) Bikita (3) in Masvingo Province, Buhera (38),Chipinge (13), Mutare Rural (14) Chimanimani (1) Makoni (2) in Manicaland Province, BRIDH (10) in Harare Province ,Chitungwiza City (4) , UMP (1) in Mash East Province, Chegutu (3) Sanyati (1) in Mash West Province and Bindura (1) in Mash Central Province.
Tests done were 1 658 RDT done, 407 RDT positive (24.2 % positivity) and Culture 3 229 culture done, 1 055 culture positive (33.1 % positivity). 34 New recoveries were recorded and the National Recovery Rate stands at 97 % & cases in-care 102.
The cumulative total of cases as at 29 October were 5 964 suspected cholera cases, 1 055 confirmed cases, 5 696 recoveries, 43 Confirmed deaths and 123 suspected deaths.
Dr Maunganidze added that the ICASA program was now ready and all government systems and structures were in place from Security, transportation, health baking, accommodation travel etc, have been mobilised to provide support before and during the conference.
“All delegates are assured that Zimbabwean remains a peaceful destination and their security will be assured. Our providers of accommodation services are all ready to provide services during the ICASA. As part of ICASA preparations, Zimbabwe is going to host two high level meetings.”
The first high level meeting is that of African First ladies hosted by our first lady and the ambassador of health Amai Axiallia Mnangagwa which will focus on addressing Mother to Child Transmission and elimination of new born infections in Africa.
The African Ministers of Finance will attend the second meeting which will focus on addressing domestic financing of HIV response to reach the UN 2025 goals and the African Union Agenda 2063.
National AIDS Council (NAC) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Benard Madzima said logistical arrangements were in order ahead of the ICASA conference.
“In terms of transportation, both ground and air transportation we have made sure that all is in place. We have a steady inflow of airlines which is adequate to cover our inflow of visitors during the ICASA. We have also mobilised ground transport services with an agreed standard fair. All designated vehicles for pick-up and drop off points will be marked,” said Dr Madzima.
On the issue of Visas, Dr Madzima called on delegates and visitors that require a visa to enter Zimbabwe to commence the Visa Application process early and to check whether they need the visa before traveling or on arrival.
