Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
THE City of Mutare has introduced stricter public health measures requiring organisers of public gatherings to notify the municipality’s Health Department in advance, as authorities intensify efforts to contain a cholera outbreak that has spread across Manicaland.
The directive comes as health officials battle an outbreak first detected in Penhalonga in June, and which has since spread to other districts in the province, raising fears that large gatherings could accelerate transmission if preventive measures are not strictly observed.
In a public notice issued this week, the local authority urged residents planning funerals, church gatherings, weddings, sports events and other public functions to inform the City Health Department beforehand so that environmental health officers can provide guidance and supervise the implementation of disease prevention measures.
Mutare City Council principal corporate communications officer, Mr Charles Sadondo, said the move is aimed at safeguarding public health, while allowing essential community activities to continue under strict health guidelines.
“The cholera outbreak demands heightened vigilance from everyone. We are not stopping people from holding public gatherings, but we are asking organisers to notify our Health Department so that our environmental health teams can assess the venues and provide guidance on measures that reduce the risk of disease transmission,” said Mr Sadondo, adding that health officials will work with event organisers to ensure that minimum public health standards are met before and during gatherings.
“Our priority is to protect lives. Cholera spreads rapidly where hygiene and sanitation standards are compromised. By involving health officials before events take place, we can identify potential risks early and ensure that appropriate preventive measures are put in place,” he said.
Under the new guidelines, organisers are required to provide handwashing facilities with clean water and soap at all entry and exit points, ensure safe drinking water is available, provide adequate toilet facilities and maintain proper waste disposal throughout the event.
The city has also discouraged large-scale food preparation at public gatherings. Where food must be served, officials say it should be prepared, handled and served under hygienic conditions and consumed while still hot.
Mr Sadondo said food safety remains one of the most critical interventions in preventing cholera transmission.
“Food and water are among the major vehicles through which cholera spreads. We therefore urge everyone preparing food at public events to observe the highest standards of hygiene and ensure that clean water is used throughout the preparation process,” he said.
He urged residents to seek immediate medical attention if they develop diarrhoea or vomiting, the two main symptoms associated with cholera.
Early treatment saves lives. Anyone who develops symptoms should immediately visit the nearest health facility and begin taking oral rehydration solution while seeking professional medical care,” said Mr Sadondo, further appealing to residents to cooperate fully with public health authorities, saying community participation remains the strongest weapon against cholera.
“Preventing cholera is everyone’s responsibility. Simple measures such as washing hands with soap, drinking safe water, using proper sanitation facilities and seeking treatment early can make the difference between life and death. Working together, we can stop this outbreak before it spreads further,” he said.
The latest measures come as health authorities warn that the outbreak is being driven by a combination of poor sanitation, illegal mining activities, unsafe food vending, inadequate water supplies and cross-border movement between Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
One death has so far been recorded, while health authorities have confirmed that the disease has spread beyond Penhalonga into other parts of Manicaland.
A fatal case reported in Chipinge was linked to cross-border transmission from Mozambique, with five confirmed cases and 19 suspected cases.
The outbreak has raised particular concern in Penhalonga, where illegal mining settlements have created conditions conducive to the rapid spread of waterborne diseases.
Speaking during a meeting in Penhalonga recently, Mutasa District Medical Officer, Dr Arthur Kapfunde warned that infections could continue to rise unless urgent interventions are implemented.
“Of the reported cases in Manicaland, a significant number are coming from Sinamone in Penhalonga.
“We observed extensive open defecation, inadequate access to clean water and widespread unregulated food vending. Food is being prepared and consumed in environments where sanitation is extremely poor. Cholera thrives under such conditions. We have since established a 24-hour Cholera Treatment Centre at Redwing Mine Clinic so that patients receive treatment closer to their communities while we strengthen disease control measures,” said Dr Kapfunde, adding that improving water supply, strengthening sanitation services, engaging artisanal miners and addressing illegal waste disposal would be critical to bringing the outbreak under control
