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CHOLERA is a serious threat to public health, and vigilance is crucial.
The swift move by the Government to put in place measures that seek to strengthen systems as part of efforts to address the cholera outbreak in the short and long term is commendable.
These include putting water, hygiene and sanitation (WASH) infrastructure to ensure that communities have access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.
Zimbabwe has been grappling with a prolonged cholera outbreak since February last year, with over 18 300 suspected cases and 329 suspected deaths reported. Confirmed cholera cases reach 2 145, claiming 71 lives.
Harare and Manicaland provinces are the most affected and the statistics underscore the severity of the situation.
There is no doubt that the Government’s commitment to clean water, sanitation and education empowers communities to overcome this public health threat.
Health and Child Care Permanent Secretary Dr Aspect Maunganidze said the Government was tasked with addressing the determinants and drivers of cholera including perennial water shortages, breakdown of sanitation infrastructure, improving rural water and sanitation coverages, and enforcement of city by-laws.
Cholera is a bacterial disease usually spread through contaminated water. Cholera can be fatal within a few hours if left untreated as it causes severe diarrhoea and dehydration.
It is most likely to occur and spread in places with inadequate water treatment, poor sanitation and inadequate hygiene.
Contaminated water supplies are the main source of cholera infection.
According to the WHO: “Cholera can be endemic or epidemic. A cholera-endemic area is an area where confirmed cholera cases were detected during the last three years with evidence of local transmission (meaning the cases are not imported from elsewhere).
A cholera outbreak/epidemic can occur in both endemic countries and in countries where cholera does not regularly occur.
With cholera thriving in poor sanitation conditions, the rise in open-air religious gatherings in areas lacking water and sanitation facilities raises concerns.
Many urban areas have experienced a proliferation of Apostolic churches engaging in open-air worshipping in spaces where there is no water and ablution facilities.
There were reports in the media that the cholera outbreak started at an Apostolic church shrine in Manicaland province where a spiritual healing session was being held.
The reports further stated that the church forbids its followers from visiting clinics and hospitals in the event of them falling sick.
These revelations would appear to corroborate the allegations that open-air religious gatherings are potential breeding grounds for water-borne diseases like cholera.
Bulawayo City Council (BCC) Councillors recently expressed concern over the rising number of open-air worshippers who are establishing illegal prayer sites where there are no toilets.
They claimed the worshippers have not been removed despite several calls that they be removed from the bushes.
The Government must collaborate with religious leaders and community representatives to understand their practices and concerns regarding cholera prevention.
Together, they can support the implementation of safe practices during open-air gatherings, such as establishing handwashing stations, providing clean water supplies and ensuring proper waste disposal.
This collaborative approach can effectively address potential health risks while respecting diverse religious practices.
Ends.
Online Reporter