Zimbabwe has officially declared a state of emergency in its capital, Harare, in response to a widespread cholera outbreak.
The situation has claimed the lives of numerous individuals, with over 7,000 suspected cases reported
The gravity of the crisis has prompted local authorities to seek assistance in curbing the spread of the disease and ensuring access to clean water—a critical component in disease prevention.
Mayor Ian Makone emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “We have declared a state of emergency because of cholera.”
The current outbreak, reminiscent of a deadly incident in 2008, has raised concerns as it continues to escalate throughout the city.
In that earlier crisis, thousands lost their lives, prompting the declaration of a state of emergency and a historic power-sharing agreement between then-President Robert Mugabe and his rival, Morgan Tsvangirai.
Harare’s high-density suburb of Kuwadzana has become the epicenter of the outbreak, contributing to nearly half of the reported cases.
Health authorities are grappling with a shortage of medical staff and supplies, hindering efforts to manage and contain the escalating number of admissions.
The International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) highlighted these challenges, emphasizing the urgent need for support.
Cholera, an acute diarrheal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, has plagued Zimbabwe amid a scarcity of clean water.
The disease is treatable with oral rehydration solutions to replace fluids and salts lost due to diarrhea and vomiting.
The current outbreak has led to 7,398 suspected cases, 50 confirmed deaths, and 109 individuals hospitalized, according to the Ministry of Health.
The situation bears striking similarities to the 2008 crisis, prompting concerns about a repeat of the catastrophic effects on the country’s basic services.
The IFRC warns that the disease is rapidly spreading across 45 out of 62 districts and all 10 provinces in Zimbabwe, raising the possibility of crossing borders.
The severity of the crisis has led neighboring countries, including Malawi, South Africa, and Mozambique, to also brace for potential cholera outbreaks, given their history of experiencing similar health emergencies.
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