BUHERA At least 11 fresh cases of cholera outbreak were last week reported in Buhera district, bringing the total cases in the country to 99. (Pictured: Zimbabwe facing fresh cholera outbreaks in some parts of the country)
According to statistics availed to The Zimbabwean, four deaths had been recorded in Buhera, Masvingo and Chiredzi since the beginning of the outbreak last week. The Zimbabwean visited Buhera last week and saw Ministry of Health and Child Welfare officials and other partners providing oral dehydration therapy (ORT) in areas such as Chikwekweti, Tangwe, Chirozva, Birchenough Bridge, Mutepfu and Murambinda.
Residents interviewed said cholera was being caused by lack of clean water in the area. They said most boreholes, which were drilled by NGOs, had broken down and were forced to rely on unprotected water sources such as wells. Cholera can be prevented through proper sanitation, hygienic practices and adequate water supply. International Red Cross has set up and is manning ORT corners in the areas affected. The Red Cross has also conducted cholera prevention and preparation of ORS training to more than 200 people. Non-governmental organisations such as MFS Belgium and IRC are supporting Buhera district to respond to cholera in areas of case management and health promotions. Manicaland Medical Superintendent, Dr Milton Chemhuru, said the situation was under control but warned people to exercise extreme caution.