Govt to Address Water and Sanitation Issues to Avert Cholera Cases 

Govt to Address Water and Sanitation Issues to Avert Cholera Cases

Brian Rungano Temba

The government says it is on high alert for new cholera cases and has since activated surveillance and response systems to counter the pandemic.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said urgency was the need to attend to the Water and Sanitation issues to combat the spread of Cholera.
“In light of the continued increase in cholera cases, a multi-sectoral approach in responding to the cholera outbreak is being enhanced with a focus on addressing water and sanitation needs in affected areas,” she added.
“The nation is being advised that as of April 29, 2023, the cumulative suspected cholera cases were 588, with 550 recoveries and 4 deaths.
Matabeleland South and Manicaland Provinces continue to contribute the highest number of suspected cases to date, with 195 cases (33.2 percent) and 161 cases (27.4 percent), respectively,” said Sen Mutsvangwa.
Harare City Health Director Prosper Chonzi has also confirmed a Cholera outbreak in the capital, with 21 suspected cases recorded.
“We now have 21 suspected cases and seven confirmed cases and these are mainly coming from the western suburbs, Budiriro has four of the confirmed, Glenview 3 has two of the confirmed and one is from Mt Pleasant Heights.
“What this means is we should take this outbreak seriously because it has the potential to spread like veld fire so we need to be on high alert and everywhere even where there are no cases currently,” he said.
Chonzi added: “Cholera is a preventable disease so it is important to practice hygiene and sanitation”.