Zim conducting cholera risk assessment

Ashley Mujoma

ZIMBABWE is conducting cholera risk assessments across all provinces.

This is meant to determine the targeting of oral cholera vaccination, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, has said.

Addressing a post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday evening, Minister Mutsvangwa said as of April 23, Zimbabwe had recorded 536 cumulative suspected cases of cholera, with nine out of 10 provinces affected.

Matabeleland South and Manicaland were the worst affected areas.

Despite intensified efforts to contain the outbreak, a cumulative of 160 756 suspected cholera cases and 3 288 deaths have been recorded across 14 African countries, with a case fatality rate of 2.1 percent as of April 4.

“While efforts to contain the cholera outbreak have been intensified, the nation is being informed that as of April 23, Zimbabwe’s cumulative suspected cases had reached 536, with 503 recoveries and three deaths,” said the Minister.

“Nine out of the country’s 10 provinces have reported suspected cases, with only Matabeleland North Province still unaffected by the outbreak. 

“The most recent six suspected cases were reported in Midlands Province.

“The worst affected provinces are Matabeleland South, which recorded 186 cases, and Manicaland with 152 cases.

“Active surveillance is ongoing at points of entry and exit, while water and sanitation provision is being intensified in communities at high risk,” she said.