Cholera Outbreak in Mazowe Escalates to 104 Cases

Deputy Health Minister Sleiman Timios Kwidini visited Glendale, Mazowe, to address a cholera outbreak that began on December 21, 2024.

Since its onset, the outbreak has led to 104 cases with one fatality, highlighting the severity of the situation in Mashonaland Central Province.

The Ministry of Health has responded by distributing 5,000 doses of Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) to curb the disease’s spread.

Officials have pointed to erratic water supplies and burst sewer pipes as primary causes, alongside the use of contaminated shallow well water.

In an effort to mitigate the water crisis, the National AIDS Council (NAC) has committed to drilling boreholes in Glendale.

Additionally, NAC plans to install two 5,000-litre tanks at Mazowe Flowers Compound to ensure a more reliable water supply.

This initiative aims to prevent further cholera spread by providing clean water to the affected communities.

The combination of poor sanitation and water scarcity has created a fertile ground for cholera in the region.

Kwidini’s visit underscores the government’s acknowledgment of the crisis and its commitment to public health safety measures.

The community of Mazowe now faces a critical challenge, with local and national authorities working to control the outbreak.

The situation in Mazowe serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing public health challenges in Zimbabwe, particularly in areas with inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure.