The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
THE Ministry of Health and Child Care has reported a significant decline in the number of cholera cases reported in Manicaland following a series of interventions to contain the outbreak.
The month of July has seen a significant drop in both suspected and cumulative confirmed cholera cases in the province, and the Health Ministry has attributed the decline to improved water supply, sanitation and hygiene practices, as well as increased community awareness and health education.
During the month of July, the province has so far recorded only 43 confirmed cholera cases, as well as 157 suspected cases in Manicaland.
No cholera death was recorded in the province in July.
Manicaland provincial promotions officer, Mrs Agnes Mugumbate said when compared to the statistics of May and June, the sharp decline in July is remarkable.
The month of May saw the province recording an upsurge in cholera cases, with 198 confirmed cases and 589 suspected cases.
The sharp rise continued into June which recorded the highest cumulative confirmed cholera cases at 239. That month also had 544 suspected cases.
Three cholera deaths were recorded in May, while June saw eight people succumbing to the disease in the province.
Mrs Mugumbate said the province has made significant progress in its efforts to curb the water-borne disease.
She attributed this to the improved access to clean water and sanitation facilities, as well as the increased awareness and education campaigns.
“According to the latest data, the province has experienced a remarkable drop in the number of cholera cases. This achievement is a result of our collaborative work with various stakeholders, including the Civil Protection Unit (CPU), Secretary for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Edgars Seenza, our District Development Coordinators in all districts and traditional leaders,” she said.
Mrs Mugumbate said cases of cholera are no longer recorded on a daily basis as was the case before since the situation is now under control.
She commended the public for its participation in enabling contact tracing and case finding.
“We also had a collaborative approach with the community with the public tipping off their nearest clinics and helping with contact tracing and case finding.
“However, we still urge the public to continue observing hygienic practices and to report any suspected cases to the nearest health centre,” she said.
According to the latest situation report, only eight confirmed new cases were recorded in the week ending July 23.
The cumulative number of confirmed cases since the onset of the outbreak in May stands at 525, with 12 deaths and 1 478 suspected cases.
Zimbabwe has so far recorded 842 confirmed cholera cases and 3 771 suspected cases.
Confirmed deaths were recorded in Harare (three), Manicaland (12), Mashonaland Central (two), Mashonaland West (one) and Masvingo (one).
