The Russian Federation has donated cholera medications and equipment valued at over US$43,000 to Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Child Care.
This donation aims to strengthen the country’s preparedness in the event of a cholera outbreak, which has historically posed severe public health challenges.
The official handover ceremony took place at the National Pharmaceutical Company warehouse in Harare on Thursday, where Zimbabwe’s Health Minister, Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, emphasized the critical importance of the donated commodities. “The donation with a value of $43,853.40 consisting of intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and other cholera-related supplies,” Dr. Mombeshora stated.
“These commodities are critical for the effective management and treatment of cholera cases. These commodities will be distributed in need districts where they will be used to avert deaths due to cholera and other diarrheal diseases.”
Dr. Mombeshora highlighted the underlying issue of inequity that cholera represents. He acknowledged ongoing efforts to improve the water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions within the country, which are essential for controlling the disease.
To further bolster the cholera response, the Ministry has implemented the Incident Management System (IMS), appointing a dedicated Cholera Incident Manager to oversee response efforts involving multiple sectors, including Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Risk Communication and Community Engagement, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), Case Management, Enhanced Surveillance, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, and Vaccination.
The donation was officially recognized by the Russian Federation Ambassador to Zimbabwe, H.E. Mr. Nikolai Krasilnikov, who pointed out the significance of this contribution in strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
“Today we hold a ceremony of handing over cholera treatment kits produced in Russia, and due to the decision by the Government of my country, donated to the Government of the brotherly Zimbabwe, and delivered to Harare with great assistance provided by the World Health Organization. These kits consist of equipment, drugs, and renewable supplies for field hospitals and local medical centers to be deployed to fight cholera outbreaks,” he said.
Ambassador Krasilnikov commended the Zimbabwean government’s proactive measures during recent cholera emergencies, expressing confidence that the Russian treatment kits would enhance response efforts against future outbreaks.
Dr. Desta Tiruneh, WHO Representative to Zimbabwe, confirmed that the World Health Organization had incurred costs of US$21,000 to facilitate the safe arrival of the cholera commodities.
This comprehensive approach to addressing cholera is pivotal in maximizing public health measures and safeguarding vulnerable communities throughout Zimbabwe.
SOURCE : NEWSREPORTZIM.COM
