The Zimbabwean government’s decisive response to the alarming surge in cholera cases this week signifies a critical moment in the nation’s ongoing battle against this water-borne scourge. The spike, with new cases soaring from 437 to 1,259, marks the most substantial escalation since the onset of the current outbreak in February. This sudden uptick has reverberated with a sense of urgency, invoking memories of the devastating cholera epidemic in 2008 that claimed the lives of over 4,000 Zimbabweans.
The health ministry’s data paints a stark picture, with 155 recorded cholera-related deaths out of a staggering 8,787 reported cases nationwide. In response to this escalating crisis, a state of emergency has been declared in Harare, the capital city, which is grappling with the highest incidence of new infections. The government’s proactive measures include restrictions on public gatherings, a crackdown on food vending, and heightened monitoring of burials in areas affected by the contagious disease.
The epicenter of concern lies in Harare’s economically challenged Kuwadzana suburb, where seven of the recent 13 cholera-related deaths were reported. Residents there express deep-seated grievances, pointing to irregular water supplies, uncollected garbage, and raw sewage flowing through the streets as primary issues exacerbating the crisis. Faced with this deteriorating situation, residents have resorted to desperate measures, such as digging shallow wells to meet their household water needs. However, even these makeshift sources have succumbed to contamination, compounding the challenges faced by the community.
Bertha Rwizi, visibly frail and undergoing treatment at the Kuwadzana polyclinic, encapsulates the struggles of the community: “The water from the boreholes has also become contaminated. They are encouraging us to treat the water before drinking and to come to the hospital if we feel sick.” This plea for medical attention underscores the gravity of the situation, with the polyclinic responding by setting up three emergency cholera treatment tents to cope with the escalating caseload.
The shortage of uncontaminated water has emerged as a pressing concern, prompting impassioned appeals for the installation of boreholes to address the water scarcity. To combat the spread of the diarrheal disease, Harare’s municipal authorities have initiated the distribution of water treatment tablets among residents. This strategic move aligns with the broader appeal for boreholes, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and urging residents to maintain impeccable hygiene practices as a pivotal preventive measure.
