Zimbabwe has declared a state of emergency in the capital Harare over a cholera outbreak that has reached alarming levels. The outbreak has already claimed dozens of lives, with over 7,000 suspected cases reported. This resurgence of cholera in Harare has raised concerns as it brings back memories of the deadly outbreak in 2008 that devastated the nation. With the number of admissions continuing to rise, health authorities are struggling to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission. Lack of health workers and supplies have further complicated the situation, leading to a desperate need for intervention.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by consuming contaminated food or water, typically contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The epicenter of the outbreak is Harare’s high-density suburb of Kuwadzana, where almost half of the reported cases have emerged. The lack of access to clean water in Zimbabwe has contributed to the spread of the disease, exacerbating the already dire situation.
Harare’s mayor has highlighted the striking similarities between the current outbreak and the 2008 crisis which claimed the lives of over 4,000 people and infected at least 100,000. The 2018 state of emergency declared by the country, due to 20 deaths and over 2,000 reported cases of typhoid and cholera, demonstrates the vulnerable state of Zimbabwe’s healthcare system. Unfortunately, history seems to be repeating itself, with the current outbreak showing a vengeful reoccurrence.
As of Tuesday, Zimbabwe’s ministry of health has recorded 7,398 suspected cases, 50 confirmed deaths, and 109 individuals currently hospitalized. These alarming numbers have prompted the health minister to visit the epicenter and implement measures to combat the outbreak. These measures include the removal of street food vendors, as well as the provision of safe water through trucks.
The International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) warns that the outbreak is spreading rapidly, affecting multiple areas within 45 out of 62 districts and all 10 provinces of Zimbabwe. The IFRC also predicts that the outbreak is likely to cross the country’s borders, putting neighboring nations such as Malawi, South Africa, and Mozambique at risk. These countries have frequently battled cholera outbreaks in the past, making them susceptible to the contagious disease.
The current cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe is deeply concerning and demands urgent attention. The impact of this crisis reaches beyond the borders of the country, posing a threat to the region. In order to effectively combat the outbreak, it is essential to address the underlying issues causing it. Access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare resources must be prioritized to prevent further outbreaks in the future.
Efforts to contain the outbreak must be swiftly mobilized, with a focus on deploying a sufficient number of trained healthcare workers and ensuring they have access to adequate supplies. Additionally, educating the local population about the preventive measures and symptoms of cholera is crucial for early detection and seeking appropriate medical assistance.
In the long term, it is imperative that Zimbabwe invests in its healthcare infrastructure, particularly in improving the quality and availability of clean water and sanitation facilities. This will not only help prevent future outbreaks of cholera but also strengthen the overall healthcare system.
International cooperation and support are essential in managing this crisis. Neighboring countries, as well as the international community, must come together to provide resources and expertise to assist Zimbabwe in containing the outbreak and preventing its spread to other regions.
In conclusion, the cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe, particularly in Harare, is a matter of grave concern. The government, local authorities, and the international community must take immediate action to address this crisis. It is imperative to ensure access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and healthcare resources, while also educating the population about preventive measures. By implementing these measures and investing in long-term improvements, Zimbabwe can mitigate the impact of the current outbreak and prevent future occurrences.
