By Ilyana Sithole- Zimba Wave Media, Harare
The current cholera epidemic started on the 12th of February 2023 in Chegutu. The first case was recorded and a couple of days later there was a second patient and days leading to the 26th there were 37 suspected cases with only 2 confirmed positive while no fatal case was recorded. Since the outbreak, Zimbabwe has recorded 15 357 suspected cases, 1 830 confirmed cases, 14 778 recoveries, 67 confirmed deaths and 276 suspected deaths.
In light of the endemic, the municipal, government and private sector clinics and hospitals have come together in educating people about cholera so that those affected can receive treatment earlier to avoid deaths and spreading of the bacterial disease.
Municipal clinics have led publicity campaigns in all areas that the disease has been reported to circumvent a surge in the number of cases. There have been roadshows in different surburbs teaching about the disease and having question and answer moments between the public and municipal nurses. To further educate on the outbreak at these publicity campaigns audiences are being handed fliers to keep reminding them about the outbreak.
In view of the epidemic there has been an effort to minimize transmission of cholera through the setting up of cholera camps in areas like Glenview, Highfield and Kuwadzana among others. These camps offer screening services and a recovery tent to cut on the spread of cholera through coming in contact with those affected. Prosper Chonzi, Director of Health Services for City of Harare has recommended caution and timely medical health attention to those showing symptoms.
In a tweet on Monday, WHO Zimbabwe ratified “practicing good hygiene and ensuring the safety of our food and water” in a bid to reduce chances of getting sick. It also highlighted that living right by remembering to wash our hands frequently and taking all the other preventive methods will help keep cholera away.
With all hands on deck in the fight against cholera, Veteran musician Tanga Wekwa Sando donated a song to City of Harare that will be used to create awareness of the disease and endemic. The donation was made official with the meeting the musician had with His Worship the Mayor, Cllr Jacob Mafume at Town House this last Friday and the song is said will be out in two weeks. The Mayor, urged the musician to do a video of the song which the veteran did with the late superstar Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mutukudzi and Pastor G.
As is, the government says the outbreak is undercontrol since it has recorded 96% recoveries. With the support of private players, the rollout of Operation Chenesa Harare was a success on its first day with over 200tonnes of waste being collected. This project has since seen illegal dumpsites being cleared in a bid to end the endemic.
