Zimbabwe is grappling with a severe cholera outbreak, reporting 100 suspected deaths and over 5,000 potential cases since late last month. The government has imposed strict measures to curb the disease’s spread, including limiting attendees at funerals, halting some social gatherings, and stopping open markets. The outbreak, exacerbated by poor sanitation and lack of clean water, has affected multiple districts, including the capital, Harare.
Cholera, a water-borne disease, thrives in areas with inadequate sanitation and spreads through contaminated water or food. Zimbabwe, plagued by water access challenges, faces significant hurdles in combating the outbreak. The government has restricted funeral gatherings to a maximum of 50 people, advising against handshakes and food service. Additionally, open markets, certain social events, and outdoor church camps have been suspended.
Buhera, a district in the southeast, is the epicenter of the outbreak, with cases spreading to 41 districts nationwide. Zimbabwe’s neighboring countries, including Malawi, South Africa, and Mozambique, have also experienced recent cholera outbreaks due to challenges in accessing clean water. Last year, Malawi suffered a devastating outbreak, claiming more than 1,000 lives.
The World Health Organization has highlighted the cholera risk, citing issues related to clean water access and climatic events like tropical storms, which can exacerbate outbreaks. In Zimbabwe, the absence of adequate sanitation infrastructure, coupled with water scarcity, has led to recurrent cholera outbreaks. Many areas lack tap water for months, forcing reliance on unsafe wells, boreholes, or rivers. The risk is further heightened by raw sewage and uncollected waste, amplifying the threat to public health.
Zimbabwe’s history with cholera underscores the urgency of addressing water and sanitation challenges. Immediate interventions are crucial to ensure access to clean water, enhance sanitation infrastructure, and educate communities about preventive measures. A coordinated effort is essential to safeguard the well-being of the population and prevent further loss of life.
More than 4,000 people died in Zimbabwe’s worst cholera outbreak in 2008.