US$24 million set aside for cholera epidemic prepa...

US$24 million set aside for cholera epidemic preparedness

Chiwenga speaks out against corruption -Newsday Zimbabwe — Dr Chiwenga

Zim Now Writer

The government has announced it has approved a budget of US$24 168 353 for the cholera epidemic preparedness plan and has assured that the outbreak is under control.

Vice President and Minister of Health and Childcare Dr Constantino Chiwenga during the Seventh Post-Cabinet briefing Tuesday said The World Health Organisation, Centre for Disease Control, UNICEF, Medicines sans Frontiers and Higher Life Foundation have pledged to support part of the budget.

“Cabinet wishes to assure the nation that the cholera situation is under control. Active screening at ports of entry and exit has been initiated, and surveillance activities are ongoing.

“Cabinet has informed the public that Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution and their teams have been urged to continue to support activities to fight the cholera outbreak.

“The cholera outbreaks on the African continent are occurring in the context of cyclones, floods, conflicts, poor sanitation and unreliable water supplies.

“Cross-border mobility also plays a part in the spread of cholera and other diseases. So far, 13 African countries have reported cholera outbreaks,” Dr Chiwenga said.

Zimbabwe’s cumulative suspected cases are at 231, with 209 recoveries and two deaths.

Matabeleland North and Midlands are the only provinces that have not recorded any cases so far.

South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia are some of the African countries that have so far recorded cholera outbreaks.