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Zimbabwe: Millions targeted as cholera worsens
5 Dec 2008
By World Vision staff
Two million people throughout Zimbabwe are being targeted by World Vision’s hygiene awareness programmes in affected communities where the aid agency works.
Official UN figures show 565 deaths and more than 12,500 reported cases of the devastating illness, with the capital of Harare the worst affected.
Devastating speed
Daniel Muchena, World Vision Zimbabwe’s head of emergencies, warned that, as the rainy season progresses, the situation is likely to worsen.
Muchena blames the devastating speed with which the outbreak has spread on a number of factors.
“The rapid deterioration of the health delivery system, lack of adequate water supply, and lack of capacity to dispose of solid waste and repair sewer blockages in most areas are the main drivers of the spread,” he said.
Cholera kits
World Vision is distributing cholera kits to affected areas in a bid to halt the onward march of the disease. Each kit contains enough medicine, water purification tablets, disinfectants, rehydration kits, and materials such as surgical gloves and sanitisers, for 50 people.
But the key focus is prevention for the two million people World Vision is hoping to reach through its awareness raising sessions held throughout the country.
In addition, the aid agency is working to improve the supply of clean water in several areas of Zimbabwe through the drilling of boreholes and the provision of water tanks in some affected areas. It also intends to spray chloride lime in dumping sites and work with the relevant authorities to clean up uncleared rubbish in urban areas.
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