The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
AS a result of strong Government interventions over the past month, Chipinge and Mutare districts are two of the six hotspots across the country that have experienced a notable decline in the number of cholera cases in February.
Speaking during Tuesday’s post-Cabinet briefing in Harare, Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere said the districts are now witnessing a positive trend as they keep recording a decline in cholera cases on a daily basis.
He said Chipinge, Mutare, Gutu, Hwange, Chitungwiza and Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe recorded significant declines in cholera cases in the past week, thereby reflecting a reduction in the number of cases the country is now recording daily.
Dr Muswere alluded the decline to the recent robust vaccination campaign which is yielding visible results in the known cholera hotspots.
“As a result of strong interventions through the Ministry of Health and Child Care, cholera cases are now on the decline in districts that include Chipinge, Mutare, Gutu, Hwange, Chitungwiza and Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe. The robust vaccination campaign is yielding visible results in the known cholera hotspots, while screening for cholera and other infectious diseases is ongoing at all points of entry,” he said.
A week-long Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) was conducted from January 29 into February.
According to the Zimbabwe Daily Situational Report on Cholera, by February 10, a total of 1 401 015 people had received the vaccine that targeted only cholera hotspots in the country, with Mutare and Chipinge being part of the recipient districts.
Dr Muswere said Government also procured 100 000 rapid diagnostic kits, while resources were availed for the procurement of six million kits and 6.3 million vaccines to cover additional hotspots.
“The nation is advised that during the period February 14 to 20, only 1 025 new suspected cholera cases were reported, reflecting a reduction from the 1 286 cases reported the previous week. Government continues to distribute the resources required in order to assist patients in all affected districts across the country,” said Minister Muswere.
He further stated that the Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC) continues to play a crucial role by procuring water treatment chemicals and branded tents for oral rehydration points in affected areas.
“Cabinet wishes to reiterate that communities should continue to adhere to disease prevention strategies and get vaccinated at their nearest health centres. In addition, some health centres will be open after business hours and also during weekends. The public is also advised to continue to use safe, clean water,” he said.
According to the Zimbabwe Daily Situational Report, Manicaland which was before the vaccination campaign, recording more than 100 suspected cases and 100 hospitalised cases a day is now recording few cases. On Tuesday, the province recorded a total of 12 suspected cases and had 39 hospitalised cases across the province.
Seven of the suspected cases were in Chipinge, Mutare (two), Buhera (two) and Mutasa (one).
Twenty-eight people were hospitalised in Chipinge, Buhera (six), Mutare (two), Makoni (one) and Mutasa (one).
According to the report, the province owes the decline of cases to the vaccination blitz and other Government interventions like the drilling of boreholes and the distribution of non-food items in affected areas, among other interventions.
“Buhera District, which was a main hotspot for Manicaland had 17 boreholes drilled, 20 boreholes were repaired and six were equipped with solar systems. Additionally, risk communication and community engagement have also proved to be effective as they are imparting health education on cholera prevention and control measures, including hygiene promotion in the provinces,” says the report.
In a recent interview, Manicaland health promotions officer, Mrs Agnes Mugumbate said the vaccination blitz which was conducted early February progressed well in the targeted hotspot districts of Chipinge, Buhera, Mutare and Chimanimani.
She encouraged people to remain vigilant and continue with measures such as regular hand-washing under running safe water and soap, drinking treated or boiled water, safe disposal of solid, liquid and human waste, as well as observing food and environmental hygiene standards.
Mrs Mugumbate said they will continue engaging with civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, religious and traditional leaders and community structures to create demand for vaccination services in targeted hotspots.
