Let us keep our eyes open on cholera
CHOLERA should be given attention at this juncture in Zimbabwe as the country has recorded a total of 281 suspected cases.
The government of Zimbabwe has allocated about US$24 million towards the containment of cholera.
It started as an inept strike in Chegutu on February 12, when the index case of cholera was recorded in the dormitory town of Mashonaland West.
Today, eight provinces are battling cholera with Matebeleland North and Midlands being spared at the moment. Beitbridge is in trouble as well as other places like Buhera, Chimanimani, Chikomba, Chiredzi, Mbire.
Cholera can be very fatal if not handled well as many lives can be lost within a short space of time.
The first cholera pandemic occurred in the Bengal region of India, near Calcutta starting in 1817 through to 1824.
Zimbabwe had its first case of cholera in 1972 which did not give much trouble. There was a severe cholera epidemic in the country from the year 2008 to 2009 which saw 98 585 cases being reported and 4 287 deaths being recorded within a space of nine months.
Another outbreak was to follow in 2018, running for six moths to 2 019 when 69 people died while at least 10 421 people were affected.
Cholera is both a food and water-borne bacterial disease that is caused by Vibrio Cholerae, a toxin-producing bacteria.
The disease arises after ingesting food or water contaminated with the bacterium.
Contamination of water bodies is very fatal in cholera and failwhich ure to address issues of safe water and sanitation is very topical in cholera control.
The crowded cities and towns are witnessing people using unregulated wells and boreholes.
The deteriorating sanitation infrastructure is leading to issues such as raw sewage flowing in towns and cities. Informal traders have gathered on many places selling fruits and vegetables thus increasing the risk of cholera.
We are lucky that Covid-19 is on a downward trend in terms of both incidence and prevalence rates.
Economic hardships with high unemployment rate are fuelling all the risk behaviours surrounding cholera.
Lack of good hygiene, absence of clean water and sanitation are major factors that are fuelling the spread of cholera. Access to clean water is a mirage for many especially those in overcrowded towns and cities.
Vendors are everywhere in the towns and cities, alas, there are poor hygiene facilities like ablutions, running water, poor sewage management and general smartness.
Garbage is everywhere and one wonders why policymakers are tolerating such things in the middle of the cities.
Corruption has virtually paralysed service delivery in councils and municipalities, alas, many who are involved in such unethical practices are walking scotfree.
There is so much leniency from the prosecution authorities in our country. In China, corruption can attract capital punishment can include death by hanging.
Why do our people continue to engage in corrupt activities? The current cholera cases should be eye openers if we are to remain on top of the situation and it is prudent to undertake prevention strategies instead of treatment which may require numerous interventions.
Complications of cholera can include severe dehydration, renal failure and even death.
As a nation, we should not have perennial cries about water and sanitation yet there is great potential to mitigate against them.
Towns and cities have watched even roads getting sophisticated pot-holes, some of which can sink cars, alas, nothing is being done to correct such nauseating scenarios.
Why are councils not fixing the garbage issue? Why do we have problems with clean water supplies?
Harare city can stretch for four good days without a reliable water supply yet diseases like cholera are threatening to germinate and reproduce.
Sewage flows through many suburbs and burst pipes are everywhere and we are busy dreaming that we will easily manage to contain the dreaded cholera when it strikes.
We should thank the dedicated medical practitioners who always work hard to bring relief to the populace especially during outbreaks such as Covid-19 and cholera.
In view of recent cholera cases in our country, it is wise to observe at least some of the following:
• More funds should be availed for cholera fight taking cognisance of the fact that border screening should be done.We should not forget that cholera was in Zambia and Malawi first before cases were detected in Zimbabwe.
• Garbage removal should be robust to avoid water pollution. Enhanced sanitation should be municipal or council DNA
• Safe and clean water supplies should be there without fail if cholera is to be contained easily.
• Health education should be upscaled through many media platforms. Hand-washing and sanitisation remain key in cholera control.
• Surveillance remains critical so that cases cannot spring out of control
• Contact tracing of the cholera cases is critical so that possible contacts are quickly investigated.
• Stocking of essential drugs should be done which include antibiotics like cotrimoxazole, intravenous drugs and fluids in high volumes for hydration in case serious illnesses. The country should never run short of the required drugs which are life-saving in the event of a cholera attack.
Let us keep cholera under control!