Zimbabwe has declared a state of emergency in Harare due to a severe cholera outbreak. The outbreak has resulted in dozens of deaths and over 7,000 suspected cases. This situation has brought back memories of the 2008 cholera outbreak, which was extremely deadly. The authorities are seeking assistance to control the spread and provide safe water. The health care system is overwhelmed with the rising number of cases, and there’s a critical lack of resources to curb the spread of the disease.
Key Points:
- State of emergency declared in Harare, Zimbabwe, over cholera outbreak.
- Over 7,000 suspected cases and dozens of deaths reported.
- The outbreak recalls the deadly 2008 cholera crisis in Zimbabwe.
- Authorities request help for containment and provision of safe water.
- The healthcare system struggles with high admissions and lack of supplies.
- The epicenter of the outbreak is in Harare’s suburb of Kuwadzana.
Zimbabwe is currently facing a severe cholera outbreak in its capital, Harare, leading to the declaration of a state of emergency. The city has seen more than 7,000 suspected cases and dozens of fatalities. This outbreak is reminiscent of the 2008 crisis, which resulted in thousands of deaths.
Harare’s Mayor, Ian Makone, has confirmed the emergency declaration, highlighting the dire need for assistance in controlling the outbreak and ensuring access to clean water. Health authorities are finding it difficult to manage the increasing number of cases due to a shortage of healthcare workers and necessary supplies.
The outbreak’s center is the densely populated suburb of Kuwadzana in Harare, accounting for nearly half of the reported cases. Cholera, which is an acute diarrheal infection, is caused by ingesting contaminated food or water. The current situation has raised concerns about the potential for further spread and the capacity of the healthcare system to cope.
The 2008 cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe was catastrophic, with over 4,000 deaths and 100,000 infections. It led to the collapse of basic services in the country. Given the severity of the current outbreak, the health minister visited the epicenter and announced measures to combat the spread, including removing street food vendors and providing safe water.
The International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) warns that the disease is rapidly spreading across multiple areas in Zimbabwe, affecting 45 out of 62 districts. There is concern that the outbreak could cross into neighboring countries, which have also experienced cholera outbreaks in the past.
Zimbabwe’s healthcare crisis is exacerbated by chronic water shortages, making the cholera outbreak more difficult to control. The international community, including the United Nations and neighboring countries, is closely monitoring the situation and providing assistance where possible.
