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Zimbabwe Grapples with Surge of Over 3,000 Suspected Cholera Cases, Confirming 19 Fatalities

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Zimbabwe Grapples with Surge of Over 3,000 Suspected Cholera Cases, Confirming 19 Fatalities

As of late June 2023, Zimbabwe has found itself grappling with a significant cholera outbreak, with the total number of suspected cases rising dramatically. According to official announcements made by the cabinet, the number of suspected cholera cases in Zimbabwe has reached an alarming figure of 3,017. Among these suspected cases, 19 have been confirmed deaths due to cholera, while 52 more deaths are suspected to be related to this infectious disease. These figures are not merely statistics but represent the challenging public health crisis that Zimbabwe is currently experiencing.

Monica Mutsvangwa, the Information Minister of Zimbabwe, during a post-cabinet briefing held on Thursday, shared an update on the cholera outbreak. She revealed a bit of optimism amidst the dire situation, reporting that up to 2,910 individuals have so far recovered from the illness. She said, “As of 24 June 2023, Zimbabwe’s cumulative suspected cases had reached 3,017, with 2,910 recoveries, 19 confirmed deaths, and 52 suspected deaths. The case fatality rate (CFR) for all deaths, confirmed and suspected, was 2.4%.”

Cholera, an acute diarrhoeal disease, has seen its suspected cases reported across all provinces in Zimbabwe. Manicaland province, however, has borne the brunt of this outbreak, recording the highest number of cases at 1,251. It is closely followed by Harare, the capital city, with 1,121 cases, and Matabeleland South Province which has reported 277 cases. As for the confirmed deaths due to cholera, Manicaland recorded the highest number at 12, followed by Harare with 3, Mashonaland Central with 2, and Mashonaland West and Masvingo with one case each.

The cholera outbreak is not only affecting Zimbabwe but also impacting the broader African Region. Mutsvangwa revealed that a cumulative total of 154,317 suspected cholera cases, along with 2,747 deaths, has been reported in the African Region.

In light of these alarming figures, the government of Zimbabwe is keen on addressing the root causes of this outbreak. Mutsvangwa affirmed that one of the critical areas that the government will focus on is the water challenges plaguing the nation. Inadequate access to safe water and proper sanitation services are among the leading factors fuelling the cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe.

To this end, she announced, “Government will implement a multi-sectoral approach led by the Minister responsible for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, in order to address the water, and sanitation challenges which are fuelling the cholera outbreak.” This step taken by the government is expected to curb the cholera cases in Zimbabwe by improving water and sanitation conditions in the country.

As we monitor the situation in Zimbabwe, it is clear that a collaborative, multi-pronged approach is crucial in effectively combating the ongoing cholera outbreak. These efforts not only focus on immediate medical treatments but also the broader factors contributing to the spread of the disease, which are key to mitigating further cholera cases and deaths in Zimbabwe.

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