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Latwell Nyangu
THE country recorded 1 259 new suspected cholera cases, during the period November 9 to 15, compared to 437 cases, which were reported the previous week.
In a report presented to Cabinet by Health and Child Care Minister, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, it was noted that Goromonzi, Mudzi, Mutasa and Mutoko were the new districts where cases were reported during this period.
The highest number of cholera cases during this period were from Harare (323), Chitungwiza (206) and Buhera (68).
According to the Cabinet, in response to the cholera challenges, deliveries of procured medicines and commodities to Natpharm started November 7, and redistribution to provinces and districts was already underway.
The Government has moved to intensify Risk Communication and Community engagement, including involvement of religious and local leadership and school health education, on cholera and other diseases.
Cabinet has reiterated that:
n Intensified Risk Communication and Community engagement, including involvement of religious and local leadership, intensified and school health education on cholera and other diseases be intensified and utilisation of existing media houses and digital platforms for content dissemination be continued.
n There be improved safe water access to communities through rehabilitation of boreholes, and drilling of new ones, and that public health measures be enforced in all communities reporting cholera cases, including restrictions of gatherings in all cholera-affected areas, and supervision of all burials in all cholera-affected areas.
The Cabinet also recommended that vending be restricted to designated areas only.
“Since Harare City Council is failing to provide water and sanitation facilities, the Government is intervening, including in the maintenance of Harare City Council Water Bowsers.
“The Ministry of Health and Child Care should intensify the monitoring of all provinces.”
Online Reporter