CHOLERA CASES CONTINUE TO DROP
CHOLERA cases continue to drop around the country as the interventions, prescribed by the Government, continue to bear fruit.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said:
“Cabinet informs the nation that during the period 21 February, 2024 to 27 February 2024 there were 961 new suspected cholera cases reported, compared to the 1 025 reported the previous week, reflecting a seven percent decrease.
“The cholera cases are emanating mainly from unsupervised religious gatherings and funerals and mobile artisanal miners residing in compounds with poor water and sanitation facilities, poor hand hygiene practices and recurrent bursts of sewer reticulation systems in urban areas.
“However, the marked decrease in the number of cases is attributed to high community awareness, improved case management with the establishment of oral rehydration points and cholera treatment camps, and the impact of the vaccination programme.”
He added:
“In response to the cholera challenges, more community health workers have been deployed to conduct door-to-door health education, administer oral rehydration solutions in communities, and promote good hygiene practices.
“In order to sustain quick wins, the Ministry of Health and Child Care will continue to monitor and supervise religious gatherings and funerals as well as to intensify risk communication and community engagement.”
Meanwhile, Cabinet has authorised the decommissioning of Cholera Treatment Centres in areas where cases have been reduced to zero and the redistribution of equipment and supplies to emerging hotspots.
Vaccination in Harare has been extended to include other hotspots which were not initially targeted.