Zimbabwe records 12 deaths from diarrhoea

Zimbabwe has witnessed a surge in cases of common diarrhoea, with 12,483 reported incidents, including 12 deaths, in the week ending January 12, 2025. Of these, 2,867 cases involved children under the age of five, sparking serious concern from health officials and the public alike.

The Ministry of Health released its weekly disease surveillance report, which highlighted that the majority of the deaths—seven in total—occurred in Harare, with the remaining five deaths spread across other provinces. Sally Mugabe Hospital in Harare Metropolitan Province reported six of the fatalities, while Parirenyatwa Group of Hospital accounted for one.

"The high number of cases and fatalities is a cause for concern, particularly the impact on young children," the Health Ministry said in a statement. "These illnesses are often linked to poor sanitation and unsafe water sources, which many Zimbabweans continue to rely on."

Zimbabwe's ongoing water crisis, where a significant portion of the population lacks access to reliable running water in their homes, has exacerbated the problem. Many citizens have resorted to using shallow wells and boreholes for drinking water. However, these water sources are frequently contaminated by raw sewage leaking from broken pipes, fueling outbreaks of waterborne diseases like cholera and diarrhoea.

In addition to the diarrhoea outbreak, the Ministry of Health reported 1,138 cases of malaria, with four deaths recorded in the same week. Guruve district was the most affected, registering 639 malaria cases, including one death. The report underscores the growing challenge posed by waterborne diseases and vector-borne illnesses, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare and clean water remains limited.

The rise in diarrhoea cases, particularly among young children, has prompted urgent calls for improvements in water infrastructure and sanitation. Health experts warn that without significant intervention, including better water supply systems and health education, Zimbabwe could face further public health crises.

As the country grapples with these outbreaks, the Ministry of Health continues to urge the public to practice good hygiene, avoid unsafe water sources, and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms of diarrhoea or malaria arise.

Efforts to address the root causes of these outbreaks, such as improving water supply systems and sanitation facilities, remain critical in the fight against waterborne diseases and public health challenges in Zimbabwe.