Zim remains on high cholera alert

Mthabisi Tshuma, Gwanda Reporter
THE country will remain on high alert for cholera since sporadic cases of the disease are still being reported in neighbouring countries, a Cabinet Minister has said.

In an interview after he had addressed health personnel in Gwanda last week, Health and Child Care Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa said all hospitals and clinics have been put on high alert.

“Our neighbouring countries that include Malawi and Zambia have reported cases of cholera thus we are on high alert.

“All our border posts and the nation at large should be on high alert.

“All hospitals and clinics around the country are on high alert as we ensure that the country as a whole is safe,” said Dr Parirenyetwa.

During a tour of the Gwanda Provincial Hospital where Dr Parirenyatwa visited the children’s ward, out-patient department, main theatre, casualty department and student nurses, among others, he urged environment health students to spread the word of cholera outbreak.

“As you go out there, with the knowledge you have acquired, spread the word of cholera.

“Educate the masses of the symptoms of cholera and how it can be avoided.

“As the Ministry we are challenged because we cannot achieve this because of poor sanitation and poor waste disposal.

“As long there is a cause we have to work hard to fight this,” he said.

Addressing hospital staffers at Gwanda Provincial Hospital, Dr Parirenyetwa said nurses attitudes’ should change for the better with immediate effect.

“The ethics and professionalism of the health industry should be upheld thus giving out our services at the best level ever,” he said.

Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs Cde Abednico Ncube said the nurses should unite and work together to ensure that services at the hospital were up to standard.