Friday, July 4, 2025
No Result
View All Result
News Report  Zimbabwe
  • News that Matters
    • News
    • Health and Diseases
    • Technology
    • Religion
    • Horror and Disaster
    • Elections 2023
  • Crime and Courts
  • Celebrity
  • Sports
  • Mjolo
  • Breaking News
  • News that Matters
    • News
    • Health and Diseases
    • Technology
    • Religion
    • Horror and Disaster
    • Elections 2023
  • Crime and Courts
  • Celebrity
  • Sports
  • Mjolo
  • Breaking News
No Result
View All Result
News Report  Zimbabwe
No Result
View All Result
Home News

Government intensifies surveillance health systems to curb fresh cholera outbreaks

October 17, 2023
0
Government  intensifies surveillance health systems to curb fresh cholera outbreaks

Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora (second from left) speaks to a cholera patient accompanied by permanent secretary Dr Aspect Maunganidze (left), Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Manicaland Advocate Misheck Mugadza (centre), Zanu PF Buhera Central legislator Cde Samson Matema and other Government officials during a fact-finding tour at Betera Clinic cholera quarantine centre in Buhera over the weekend. – Pictures: Memory Mangombe.
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke recently in Buhera

The Government has intensified surveillance and strengthening of health systems in hotspots to curb fresh cholera outbreaks that have seen new cases being reported, mostly in Buhera and other districts.

The outbreak in Buhera has been fuelled by the non-availability of clean and safe water, proper sanitation facilities as well as lack of basic hygiene at household level.

As such, the Ministry of Health and Child Care and development partners that include World Health Organisation, UNICEF, MSF, Mercy Corps, Red Cross, World Vision among others, has rolled out a coordinated response to the outbreak.

During a visit to Buhera last week, the Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora said it was imperative to stop the outbreak in its tracks.

“The figures are increasing nationwide, but more so in Buhera district. One death is more than enough. We are losing lives and it is necessary for us together as a community, with our partners and the Ministry to scale up our interventions to stop this cholera outbreak,” he said.

To address the water challenges, Minister Mombeshora said the Government would ensure boreholes were drilled starting this week while communities were being encouraged to construct toilets to reduce open defecation rates.

The majority of people in Pasipamire and Mutemera villages, where most of the new cases are being reported, use water from Save River for household use, but there have been reports that owing to the activities that happen along the river, it has been contaminated.

“We have heard about religious objectors most of whom do not believe in visiting health facilities so we are trying to see if we can engage religious leaders to ensure that their followers get medical care when they fall ill.

“There is also a lack of adequate knowledge on basic hygiene. Some of the people who live in areas with boreholes have visited areas where there was cholera and they brought it to their area. This shows that they are not handling their food properly or washing their hands properly. Basic hygiene is needed,” he added.

To educate the people about the disease and how to prevent it, village health workers have been playing a vital role in the surveillance and management of the cholera outbreak.

According to the VHWs, while people are starting to understand the seriousness of the situation, there were others who still continued practicing harmful activities that were fuelling the outbreak.

Mrs Angeline Sanganai, a VHW from Torevasei and Pasipamire villages said her area was one of the worst affected and cited the need for continued education for communities.

“Our villages do not have boreholes and people are taking water from unprotected wells or from the Save River and many of these families do not have toilets. There are many activities that happen along the river because as a community, they have one point where they do their laundry, bath and collect drinking water.

Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora (second from left) speaks to a cholera patient accompanied by permanent secretary Dr Aspect Maunganidze (left), Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Manicaland Advocate Misheck Mugadza (centre), Zanu PF Buhera Central legislator Cde Samson Matema and other Government officials during a fact-finding tour at Betera Clinic cholera quarantine centre in Buhera over the weekend. – Pictures: Memory Mangombe.

“Unfortunately, some of our religious sects perform healing rituals for their sick members in the same river, so the people downstream will definitely get contaminated water,” she said.

She said they were trying to educate people on basic hygiene while also engaging the religious objectors to visit health centres when they suspect they have cholera.

“Some of the community members are starting to understand, but we still have some religious objectors who we continue to educate about the importance of digging pits latrines so that they avoid open defecation. We also inform them of the importance of boiling their drinking water or using aqua tabs and properly washing their hands as well as cooking food thoroughly,” said Mrs Sanganai.

Another VHW Mr Joseph Ngwarai said although the areas he worked in had not reported cases, they were actively engaging the communities to ensure they are on the lookout for cholera cases.

“As village health workers, we try to encourage people to boil their water before using it and using aqua tabs but some people are set in their ways, they will tell you that we have always been drinking water from the river so why should we stop now. We however continue to encourage them to be aware of the dangers of cholera,” he said.

Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial and Devolution Affairs Misheck Mugadza expressed gratitude at the coordinated response to the outbreak and said they would continue to engage communities for better outcomes.

“We will speak to the religious leaders so that we can come up with a solution to how we can fight this scourge. I am going to engage them so that we can educate them about cholera and the importance of seeking health care early to avoid the spread of cholera and unnecessary deaths,” he said.

Source Zimbabwe Situation

Tags: choleraDr Douglas Mombeshora

Related Posts

$4 Million Ecobank Heist: Security Guard Arrested in Major Breakthrough

$4 Million Ecobank Heist: Security Guard Arrested in Major Breakthrough

by Nyathi
July 4, 2025
0

The Bulawayo police have made a significant arrest in connection with the $4 million Ecobank cash heist that occurred on...

The 3-Minute Marriage: A Tale of Love, Laughter, and Annulment

The 3-Minute Marriage: A Tale of Love, Laughter, and Annulment

by Nyathi
July 4, 2025
0

In a shocking turn of events, a newlywed Kuwaiti couple's marriage was annulled just minutes after the ceremony, making it...

Luxury SUV Heist: A Wild Ride Across Borders

Luxury SUV Heist: A Wild Ride Across Borders

by Nyathi
July 4, 2025
0

In a bizarre incident that has left many scratching their heads, a 51-year-old Zimbabwean national was arrested in South Africa...

Family Feud Turns Deadly: Grandson Accused of Killing 89-Year-Old Grandmother

Family Feud Turns Deadly: Grandson Accused of Killing 89-Year-Old Grandmother

by Nyathi
July 4, 2025
0

A tragic incident has shaken the community of Village 8B Square in Igusi, Nyamandlovu, after a 35-year-old man allegedly stoned...

Harare City Council Cracks Down on Unauthorised Structures: Ngezi Restaurant Demolished

Harare City Council Cracks Down on Unauthorised Structures: Ngezi Restaurant Demolished

by Nyathi
July 3, 2025
0

In a decisive move, the Harare City Council has demolished makeshift structures at Ngezi Restaurant in Milton Park, a popular...

Joshua Nkomo Legacy Restoration Trust Refutes Donation Claim: A Matter of Integrity

Joshua Nkomo Legacy Restoration Trust Refutes Donation Claim: A Matter of Integrity

by Nyathi
July 3, 2025
0

The Joshua Nkomo Legacy Restoration Trust has come forward to clarify that a recent announcement of a US$250,000 donation by...

Please login to join discussion

Trending News Today

  • 50 Cent’s Ex Exposes Him as a Cheapskate

    50 Cent’s Ex Exposes Him as a Cheapskate

    90 shares
    Share 36 Tweet 23
  • Zimbabwean Journalist’s Arrest Sparks Outrage: A Test of the Nation’s Soul

    53 shares
    Share 21 Tweet 13
  • South Africa’s Correctional Services Minister Calls for Deportation of Foreign Convicts

    50 shares
    Share 20 Tweet 13
  • Significant Dagga Shipment Intercepted in Harare

    58 shares
    Share 23 Tweet 15
  • Police Officer Drags Ex-Wife to Court Over Maintenance

    62 shares
    Share 25 Tweet 16
  • Family Feud Turns Deadly: Grandson Accused of Killing 89-Year-Old Grandmother

    35 shares
    Share 14 Tweet 9
  • Harare Court Grants Protection Order in High-Profile Abuse Case

    46 shares
    Share 18 Tweet 12
  • Themba Gorimbo: The Unapologetic Voice for Zimbabwe’s Suffering

    46 shares
    Share 18 Tweet 12
  • Landmark Ruling: High Court Declares Malunga Farm Expropriation Unlawful

    30 shares
    Share 12 Tweet 8
  • SAHRC Cracks the Whip: Healthcare is for Everyone, Not Just Citizens!

    35 shares
    Share 14 Tweet 9

Popular This Week

  • Roosevelt Girls High School in Hot Water: Parents Raise Concerns Over Fees and Governance

    Roosevelt Girls High School in Hot Water: Parents Raise Concerns Over Fees and Governance

    371 shares
    Share 148 Tweet 93
  • Themba Gorimbo: The MMA Fighter Walking a Tightrope Between Sports and Politics

    183 shares
    Share 73 Tweet 46
  • Former President Robert Mugabe’s Son , Chatunga Causes Havoc in Mazowe

    269 shares
    Share 108 Tweet 67
  • 203 Cases of Serious Crimes Suspect in Custody

    145 shares
    Share 58 Tweet 36
  • The Rangemore Robbers’ Wild Ride Ends in Court

    172 shares
    Share 69 Tweet 43
  • Harare Businesswoman on the Run: Warrant of Arrest Issued Over Alleged Fraud

    99 shares
    Share 40 Tweet 25
  • 50 Cent’s Ex Exposes Him as a Cheapskate

    90 shares
    Share 36 Tweet 23
  • Police Crack Down on Illicit Liquor Factory

    79 shares
    Share 32 Tweet 20
  • Paternity Scandal Rocks Marange Village: “This One Is Not Mine”

    67 shares
    Share 27 Tweet 17
  • South African President Condemns Xenophobic Movement

    65 shares
    Share 26 Tweet 16

Popular This Month

  • Susan Mutami’s Desperate Plea To  Temba  Mliswa

    Susan Mutami’s Desperate Plea To Temba Mliswa

    455 shares
    Share 182 Tweet 114
  • Roosevelt Girls High School in Hot Water: Parents Raise Concerns Over Fees and Governance

    371 shares
    Share 148 Tweet 93
  • Courtroom Exchange: Mai Jeremiah Questioned by Defense Lawyer

    351 shares
    Share 140 Tweet 88
  • Street Preacher’s Double Life Exposed

    300 shares
    Share 120 Tweet 75
  • Widow Caught in Bed With Lover a Week After Burying Husband

    273 shares
    Share 109 Tweet 68
  • 77-Year Marriage Ends Over 60-Year-Old Secret

    270 shares
    Share 108 Tweet 68
  • Former President Robert Mugabe’s Son , Chatunga Causes Havoc in Mazowe

    269 shares
    Share 108 Tweet 67
  • The Whipping Girls of Limpopo

    261 shares
    Share 104 Tweet 65
  • Man Narrowly Escapes Becoming a Lion Snack

    261 shares
    Share 104 Tweet 65
  • The Pilot Who Flew Under the Radar for 20 Years

    243 shares
    Share 97 Tweet 61

Most Read Stories

  • “Zimbabwe Is Discrediting SADC”

    ZANU PF Accused Of Bribing SADC Elders To Retain From Losing Power

    5249 shares
    Share 2100 Tweet 1312
  • Madzibaba gets Toyota Aqua after explaining new currency ZiG to church

    4542 shares
    Share 1817 Tweet 1136
  • Breaking News: Zimbabwe launches New Currency (Zig)

    4283 shares
    Share 1713 Tweet 1071
  • Guide : How to access 2023 Zimsec Ordinary O Level results online

    3977 shares
    Share 1591 Tweet 994
  • Uganda Police Officer Shoots Wife Dead After Mocking Him Over Man-U Loss

    3905 shares
    Share 1562 Tweet 976
  • Floods hit Gweru

    3596 shares
    Share 1438 Tweet 899
  • Mashura pa Gokwe musi wa 12.02.24

    3548 shares
    Share 1419 Tweet 887
  • Secret message for ED after his inauguration

    3486 shares
    Share 1394 Tweet 872
  • Heatwave Warning:Expect Extremely hot temp ranging from 36° to 41° until 12 March

    3396 shares
    Share 1358 Tweet 849
  • Here is the reckless Kombi Driver!!!!!!!!!!! See pics here

    3223 shares
    Share 1289 Tweet 806

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • FAQ
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Home

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • News that Matters
    • News
    • Health and Diseases
    • Technology
    • Religion
    • Horror and Disaster
    • Elections 2023
  • Crime and Courts
  • Celebrity
  • Sports
  • Mjolo
  • Breaking News