Diarrhoea outbreak hits UZ

Zim Now Writer

A huge number of students at the University of Zimbabwe have reportedly been affected by a diarrhoea outbreak that has hit the institution of higher learning.

The campus, which is located in Mount Pleasant, Harare reopened on September 11.

In an interview, a source in the Dean of Students’ office confirmed the matter, saying he suspects it was caused by the shortage of water.

“We have not had water the whole day (Sunday) because the water level is now very low, making it difficult for the University to provide water, leading to poor sanitation.”

Another source in the Students Representative Council said the number of students who have been affected is alarming, making it imperative to find a solution as swiftly as possible to contain the outbreak.

“As the Students Representative Council, have received a large number of reports of students who are complaining of diarrhoea and as the SRC, we are highly concerned about the welfare of all students. We have already engaged the Students Health Services and the Department of Accommodation and catering Services in order to get the bottom of the matter.”

A student at the varsity, Faith Matambanadzo, said the diarrhoea was most probably caused by poor sanitation.

“I think the diarrhoea is a result of poor sanitation. The food at the dining hall is sometimes, for instance, the rice which affects other students. The shortage of water will eventually attract flies and unpleasant smells. The toilets around here in general have been a mess for quite some time,” she said.

Authorities at the university said that they are swiftly taking action to address the situation, working in collaboration with the Students Health Services to contain the outbreak and implement measures to contain its further spread.

This is not the first time that diarrhoea has been reported in the capital. In November 2022, thousands of cases of diarrhoea had been recorded in Harare.