Stakeholder participation key in combating cholera epidemic
Story by Tarirai Madhuyu
AS the country battles the cholera epidemic, the private sector and non-governmental entities have taken heed of the government’s call for a collective effort in the fight against the disease.
The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society, Finish Red Cross and the European Union are the latest organisations to come on board in the fight against cholera.
The organisations handed over aqua-safe water quality testing kits and gadgets to the City of Harare this Thursday.
“We are here today to show our support to the government of Zimbabwe in the fight against cholera. Today we handed over 5 aqua safe water testing kits and 5 gadgets to the Harare City health to improve their efficiency in the fight against cholera,” said the Secretary-General for Zimbabwe Red Cross Society, Mr Elias Hwenga.
Harare Province Medical Director Dr Tafadzwa Bwerinofa emphasised the importance of supplying potable water.
“It’s now evident that we can now detect all contaminated water points in the city. The donation will go a long way in fighting cholera not only in Harare but across the country,” he said.
Harare City Health Acting Head Environmental Health Services, Mr John Manyara said the local authority is willing to cooperate with private players in combating the epidemic.
“We are working hand in glove with the Government and the Ministry of Health and Child Care in fighting cholera. We are also happy that we continue to be supported by private players such as Red Cross,” he said.
Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, and Botswana have so far formed a cluster to fight cholera in the SADC region.
As of the 24th of January, a total of 20 446 suspected cholera cases were recorded while there were 71 laboratory-confirmed deaths.
There were also 381 suspected cholera deaths and 2 253 laboratory-confirmed cases recorded across the country.
