Battle against cholera remains at full throttle
GOVERNMENT says a number of measures, with the World Health Organisation, are being accelerated after the Ministry of Health received a huge consignment of cholera response commodities.
They consist of point of use water chlorination tablets, intra-venous fluids and various complete cholera treatment camps, cholera beds, non-food items, mobile toilets, tents and antibiotics.
This was revealed by the Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, durimg the weekly Cabinet briefing in Harare yesterday.
“The nation is informed that as at December 6, the cumulative suspected cholera cases were 10633 with 10203 recoveries.
“The Minister of Health and Child Care is set to conduct a field visit to Manicaland Province this week to assess the situation and assist in solving the challenges on the ground.
“A number of measures with the World Health Organisation are
being accelerated as the Minister of Health has received huge consignment of cholera response commodities consisting of point of use water chlorination tablets, intra-venous fluids and various complete cholera treatment camps, cholera beds, non-food items, mobile toilets, tents and antibiotics from WHO.
“These commodities will be deployed to all the affected districts and prepositioned to other hot spots yet to report cases making them ready to respond to the outbreak.”
Meanwhile, the Cabinet received and approved the report by the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse covering the period October 30 to November 23.
“The nation is informed that the
National Committee continued to intensify the fight against the scourge of drugs and substance abuse through its pillars namely the supply reduction, demand reduction, harm reduction, treatment and rehabilitation, psycho-socio support and community re-integration, media and information pillars.
“Under the Supply Reduction Pillar, a total of 1559 people comprising 112 suppliers and 1447 end-users were arrested during the review period, representing an increase of 1165 from the arrest last reported.
“A total of nine hotspot areas were identified, while nine bases were destroyed in Harare and Beitbridge respectively with $352 528 150 worth of drugs confiscated.
“A total of 30 drug suppliers were convicted, bringing the cumulative convictions since January 2023 to 809.
“Going forward the Cabinet agreed that all drug suppliers should not be given the option of a fine but go to court in order to ensure that stiffer penalties are meted.”