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Thandeka Moyo-Ndlovu, [email protected]
GOVERNMENT is working on purchasing oral cholera vaccines to provide a second dose for districts that were targeted for the first campaign to ensure protection for three years amid reports that new cases continue to drop across Zimbabwe.
A total of 160 new suspected cholera cases, two suspected deaths and one laboratory-confirmed result were reported on Wednesday.
In his post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said the implementation of sound response strategies such as high community awareness, improved case management, establishment of oral rehydration points and cholera treatment camps and the vaccination programme were continuing in known hotspots.
“Going forward, we will continue decommissioning cholera treatment centres in areas where cases have reduced and the redistribution of equipment to current hotspots,” he said.
“To curb disease outbreaks the Government will work on prioritisation of the purchase of oral cholera vaccines to provide a second dose for districts that were targeted for the first campaign to ensure protection for three years.”
To enhance mitigation measures, the Government would also enforce the requirement for small-scale miners operating in mining areas to prioritise the provision of water and sanitation facilities in mine compounds.
“We will see to the enforcement of on-site servicing of new residential areas or suburbs before residents take occupation of houses as a measure to curb outbreaks,” said Dr Muswere.
As of Wednesday, Zimbabwe had recorded 29 231 suspected cholera cases, 2 791 confirmed cases, 28 602 recoveries, 71 confirmed deaths and 550 suspected deaths with the case fatality rate standing at 1,88 percent.
The Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) started on Monday 29 January 2024 after the launch by Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Douglas Mombeshora in Harare and cumulatively 2 121 784 people received OCV. The OCV campaign is targeted for cholera hotspots in the country.
The cholera outbreak has now spread to more than the 17 traditional cholera hotspot districts of Buhera, Chegutu, Chikomba, Chimanimani, Chipinge, Chitungwiza, Chiredzi, Harare, Gokwe North, Marondera, Mazowe, Shamva, Mutare, Murehwa, Mwenezi, Seke and Wedza.
In Bulawayo, minimal cases have been reported and the director of Health Services Dr Edwin Mzingwane said there is a suspected case admitted to Thorngrove Infectious Disease Hospital.
“We continue monitoring the situation and we currently have a suspected case in Thorngrove but we remain alert and doing everything to ensure we are free from cholera,” he said.
“In terms of diarrhoea, we have managed to contain the situation. The spike in new cases recorded in Cowdray Park last week has come down and we continue to encourage residents to maintain high levels of hygiene,” said Dr Mzingwane.
Online Reporter