Schools on high alert

Locadia Mavhudzi Midlands Correspondent
Schools have intensified diarrhoeal disease surveillance and monitoring as isolated cases of cholera and typhoid continue to be recorded in most districts across the province.

A cholera outbreak has been recorded in Gokwe North and treatment camps have been set up.

Midlands provincial education director Mrs Agnes Gudo said the education sector has increased teacher and pupil knowledge about diarrhoeal diseases and quick reporting mechanism in case of any suspected cholera or typhoid outbreak.

“Last week, as schools were opening, we trained all teachers, boarding masters and food handlers on hygiene. We have partnered with the health ministry and we are rounding up all schools to raise awareness amongst all learners from early childhood level,” she said.

Mrs Gudo said they are also spreading disease alert messages to private schools and preschools around Gweru following the typhoid outbreak.

“Through our partnership with the health ministry we are getting into all primary and secondary education facilities be it private schools and preschools.

“We realise that children are highly mobile and vulnerable to transmit diarrhoeal diseases. We are also giving literature with health and hygiene messages,” she said.