News / Health
Zimbabwe on cholera alert
24 Apr 2015 at 16:01hrs | Views
The government says it is putting in place adequate measures to prevent a cholera outbreak.
This follows reports of an outbreak of cholera in Mozambique that has led to fears the disease might spread to Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe has been experiencing sporadic outbreaks of cholera which have been reported in high risk areas.
Since February 14 this year, 17 cases of cholera have been confirmed, According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Retired Brigadier General Dr Gerald Gwinji says Zimbabwe has been working on response mechanisms and one such is the availing of cholera medication courtesy of cooperating partners, the World Health Organisation (WHO).
"The donation is part of the huge response needed and the ministry will make sure that these commodities are portioned to cholera at risk areas," said Dr Gwinji.
WHO country representative Dr David Okello says it is good for Zimbabwe to be prepared as cholera can easily spread through migration or holiday travels.
In the past, most cases of cholera reported in Zimbabwe had their origin in Mozambique.
The diarrhoeal kit is enough to treat at least 100 severe cases of cholera and at least 400 moderate cases.
This follows reports of an outbreak of cholera in Mozambique that has led to fears the disease might spread to Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe has been experiencing sporadic outbreaks of cholera which have been reported in high risk areas.
Since February 14 this year, 17 cases of cholera have been confirmed, According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Retired Brigadier General Dr Gerald Gwinji says Zimbabwe has been working on response mechanisms and one such is the availing of cholera medication courtesy of cooperating partners, the World Health Organisation (WHO).
"The donation is part of the huge response needed and the ministry will make sure that these commodities are portioned to cholera at risk areas," said Dr Gwinji.
WHO country representative Dr David Okello says it is good for Zimbabwe to be prepared as cholera can easily spread through migration or holiday travels.
In the past, most cases of cholera reported in Zimbabwe had their origin in Mozambique.
The diarrhoeal kit is enough to treat at least 100 severe cases of cholera and at least 400 moderate cases.
Source - zbc
