By Kuda Pembere
With all the provinces in Zimbabwe having reported cholera cases, seven districts are free of the disease.
According to the Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Dr Jenfan Muswere in a post cabinet media briefing, Bulilima, Insiza, Mangwe, Tsholotsho, Lupane, Nkayi and Shurugwi are the districts that do not have cholera.
The nation is advised that during the period 14 to 20 February 2024, 1 025 new suspected cholera cases were reported, reflecting a reduction from the 1 286 cases reported the previous week. Districts that have not yet reported cholera cases are Bulilima, Insiza, Mangwe, Tsholotsho, Lupane, Nkayi and Shurugwi,” said the Information Minister.
The Information Minister also said there are districts where the epidemic is declining.
“Government is distributing the resources required inorder to assist patients. The nation is also informed that as a result of strong interventions through the Ministry of Health and Child Care, cholera cases are now on the decline in districts including Chipinge, Mutare, Gutu, Hwange, Chitungwiza and Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe,” Dr Muswere said. “The robust vaccination campaign is yielding visible results in the known cholera hotspots, while screening for cholera and other infectious diseases is ongoing at all points of entry.”
The Africa CDC, a health arm in the African Union was acknowledged for its interventions amongst them the training of community health workers.
“Furthermore, the Africa Centre for Disease Control is procuring water treatment chemicals and branded tents for Oral Rehydration Points. The Centre has also supported the training of 500 community health workersin Harare and Chitungwiza, and will also support training in Case management and surveillance,” Dr Muswere said.
Meanwhile, a 100 000 rapid diagnostic kits have been purchased to be added to the cholera fight ammunition.
“The nation is further advised that Government has procured one hundred thousand Rapid Diagnostic Kits, other resources have also been availed for the procurement of six million kits and 6.3 million vaccines to cover additional hotspots.
