The ManicaPost
Health Reporter
AS Government continues engaging in collective efforts with other stakeholders to tackle cholera, development partners UNICEF and World Vision are intensifying initiatives to raise awareness in communities on combating the disease.
The cholera outbreak has persisted since February this year, with nearly 9 000 cumulative suspected cases and close to 160 cumulative suspected deaths having been recorded so far.
Manicaland is the most affected province.
Cabinet on Tuesday revealed that Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) teams have been deployed in communities for awareness campaigns on cholera.
This has seen UNICEF and World Vision in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care escalate programmes to sensitise people on the prevention and treatment of the disease.
Through utilisation of existing media houses and digital platforms, the stakeholders are reaching out to communities across the entire Manicaland Province through the dissemination of essential content on cholera.
World Vision and UNICEF called on people to uphold high standards of hygiene recommended by the Ministry of Health and Child Care to prevent contracting and spreading the disease.
The public was also urged to report any suspected cases of cholera to their nearest health institution and to seek medical attention if they suspect infection.
“Communities must protect themselves from cholera by preventing its spread. As well as maintaining hygiene at all times, public gatherings must be restricted while all cholera-related funerals will be monitored and supervised by health personnel from the Ministry of Health and Child Care,” reads in part a joint statement from the UNICEF, World Vision and the Ministry.
Cholera is an intestinal disease caused by bacteria called vibro cholerae often found in contaminated water or food. Symptoms of cholera include diarrhea, vomiting and leg cramps. These can show up 12 hours to five days after consuming contaminated food or water and may lead to rapid dehydration, septic shock and kidney failure.
The disease can kill if left untreated.
Access to clean water, sanitation and hygienic behaviour is critical to prevent and control cholera and other waterborne disease.
