Recent estimates suggest that figure could go up even further to
100,000. The World Health Organisation says that 3,397 people have died
since August last year, when the disease broke out. But that figure is
highly unreliable, given it is based on records of the number of people
who have gone through formal treatment centres – something most
Zimbabweans do not have access to.
The outbreak is already being ranked as the deadliest in Africa for
almost 15 years and highlights the complete breakdown of the health
delivery system.
While the state focused on shoring up its repressive machinery by
purchasing guns, jets, anti-riot equipment and luxury perks for top
security officials, the basics for society – such as water, sanitation
and health delivery – were ignored.
Cholera, which is an easily treatable disease, has spread as a result.
With no chemicals to treat water, infection rates have remained high.
Last December, Mugabe stunned the world when he claimed that cholera
had been arrested despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
The World Health Organisation, in a recent bulletin, warned that the
death rate in Zimbabwe was unusually high and that, on average, more
than five per cent of those infected are dying. The experts say that in
cases where the outbreak is well-managed, only one per cent of those
infected normally die.
On Saturday, the UN announced that it would be conducting a
humanitarian mission in Zimbabwe. A delegation of experts will study
ways of controlling the on-going epidemic, after Mugabe gave permission
for them to do so.
There are more than 200 cholera treatment centres, half of which are run by groups overseen by the World Health Organisation.
Despite donations to help with the epidemic, a good number of items
like water purification tablets and other cholera treatment kits are
snaking their way onto the black markets. It is thought several people
in the regime have made a fortune out of the tragedy. Various shops in
the major cities are actually selling donated items on their shelves,
while the clinics that should be the recipients say they have nothing
in stock. – SW Radio Africa
Post published in: Analysis