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Trust Freddy, Herald Correspondent
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has praised the Government’s swift and effective inter-sectoral response to the cholera outbreak that began in February last year which was successfully brought an end.
WHO Country Representative Dr Desta Tiruneh commended the country’s efforts yesterday while donating medical supplies and equipment worth about US$1.8 million from WHO, African Development Bank, Japan, the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund and USAID.
The donation includes cholera kits, essential medicines, medical sundries, X-ray machines, and theatre equipment, all aimed at enhancing Zimbabwe’s healthcare capabilities and response to public health emergencies.
“Zimbabwe battled a cholera outbreak from 12 February 2023 whose spread was challenging to predict, affecting areas not previously considered at risk,” Dr Tiruneh said.
“Thankfully, no new cases have been reported since 30 June 2024.
“While the outbreak may have subsided, the underlying conditions that contribute to cholera transmission persist.
“Maintaining a supply of commodities will support ongoing prevention efforts, such as water treatment and sanitation initiatives, reducing the risk of future outbreaks, particularly during the rainy period the country should be getting into in the coming months.”
Maintaining a stockpile of cholera commodities, Dr Tiruneh said, would help strengthen health systems and improve their capacity to respond to all public health emergencies, not just cholera.
“WHO is committed to continuously support the Government of Zimbabwe in this endeavour and to celebrate on the day the country eliminates cholera, as set out in the national cholera elimination plan 2020-2028. We applaud the work done so far and look forward to the Ministry’s continued leadership to make cholera history,” he added.
Accepting the supplies, Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Douglas Mombeshora said: “We are honoured to accept this array of life-saving equipment and supplies generously provided by our esteemed partners, including the World Health Organization, the African Development Bank, the Government of Japan, the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (UNCERF), and USAID.
“This generous contribution reflects an unwavering commitment to supporting Zimbabwe in our fight against cholera and other public health challenges.”
A significant portion of the donation came from the African Development Bank, which provided laboratory equipment valued at US$1 308 000. This includes two state-of-the-art ceiling mounted digital x-ray machines, worth US$793 615,60.
Additionally, NatPharm received a crucial cholera consignment valued at US$117 330,82, generously provided by the UN Central Emergency Response Fund.
The USAID also funded 10 community module drugs and 5 oral rehydration point sets, worth $15 620.
These donations would significantly enhance Zimbabwe’s healthcare capabilities and response to public health emergencies.
Dr Mombeshora said the equipment and supplies would play a pivotal role in fortifying the healthcare response to cholera and other health emergencies.
“The advanced diagnostic tools will enhance our ability to identify and treat diseases more effectively, leading to improved patient outcomes. The cholera response supplies will ensure that we are well-prepared for any future outbreaks, and the surgical equipment will significantly improve our ability to address urgent health conditions requiring surgical intervention,” Dr Mombeshora added.
The Government of Japan also contributed to the donation, providing theatre and surgical equipment valued at US$236 968.
Japan Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Shinichi Yamanaka said: “Japan remains committed to supporting Zimbabwe’s sustainable development, with a focus on achieving Universal Health Coverage.
“I hope that through our support, we can contribute to the realisation of Zimbabwe’s goals of Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), and that as many Zimbabweans as possible will be able to access appropriate healthcare, and that each and every one will live happily.”
Online Reporter