Surge in Disease Cases Raises Public Health Concer...

Surge in Disease Cases Raises Public Health Concerns

Audrey Galawu

Assistant Editor

The Ministry of Health and Child Care's latest Disease Surveillance Report for the week ending 24 November 2024 has painted a concerning picture of the nation’s health landscape, with a significant number of cases reported across various illnesses.

Common Diarrhoea: A Persistent Threat

A staggering 6,201 common diarrhoea cases were recorded, alongside two deaths. The fatalities occurred at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare Metropolitan Province and in Shurugwi District, Midlands Province. This underlines the pressing need for improved access to clean water and sanitation facilities.

Dog Bites: Alarming Figures with No Fatalities

The Midlands and Mashonaland West provinces reported the highest weekly cases of dog bites at 105 and 81, respectively. The cumulative figure for 2024 stands at 25,820 cases. While no deaths have been recorded, the growing numbers emphasize the urgency for intensified rabies vaccination campaigns and responsible pet ownership.

Anthrax Cases in Midlands Province

Seventeen new anthrax cases were reported, all from Gokwe South and North districts in Midlands Province. This brings the cumulative tally to 468 cases in 2024. Livestock vaccination programs and public education on safe meat handling are critical to curbing the disease.

Malaria: A Persistent Killer

Zimbabwe continues to battle malaria, with 319 cases and one death recorded this week. The death occurred at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare. Manicaland and Mashonaland Central provinces were most affected, reporting 136 and 75 cases, respectively. Alarmingly, 15% of cases involved children under five years, highlighting their vulnerability to the disease. Cumulatively, the country has recorded 39,037 malaria cases and 86 deaths this year.

Typhoid and Dysentery: Water-Borne Diseases Linger

Eight suspected typhoid cases were reported in Bulawayo Province, bringing the annual total to 262. Meanwhile, dysentery accounted for 343 weekly cases, with Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East provinces most affected. The cumulative figure for dysentery cases now stands at 15,695.

These statistics underscore the need for robust public health interventions. Access to clean water, enhanced hygiene practices, and vaccination drives are paramount in combating these diseases.

Public health experts urge communities to seek medical attention promptly, maintain hygiene, and adhere to public health guidelines. Stakeholders, including private sector players and international partners, must collaborate to support national efforts to address these health challenges.