Despite a decrease of the crude case fatality rate, the cholera epidemic in Zimbabwe is still not under control, says OCHA, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs . As of 19 February 2009, there have been 80,250 registered cholera cases and 3,759 deaths. Case attendance to health facilities is improving as a result of social mobilization activities and decentralization of care close to the affected community.
During a field visit on 18 Februray 2009 to Budiriro and Glenview, the worst affected areas in Harare, OCHA staff concluded that “it can be virtually guaranteed that cholera will continue to blight” communities unless “repair of dilapidated sewage systems” is made “a priority by the donor and humanitarian community: now and during the crucial ‘recovery’ months (May-August) before the next rainy season arrives”.
UNICEF WASH staff visiting Binga district noted a dramatic reduction in new cases of cholera, but at the same time an upsurge of malaria cases. Binga has less than 5%a low water and sanitation coverage, while recent national assessments have at times reported much higher access rates.
Recent reports indicate that up to 60% of boreholes are not functioning due to small breaks or malfunctions, which could be easily be repaired.
There is still a shortage of water treatment tablets and non-food items, including buckets, jerry cans and soap, OCHA notes.
Large quantities of IEC materials (over 310,000 flyers and 14,000 posters) have been distributed and Public Health and Hygiene Promotion (PHHP) training delivered to over 250,000 people.
See an example of an IEC poster below – a full set of IEC materials in English, Ndebele, Shona language is available here.
Read the full Zimbabwe – Cholera Update Update Report #14 of 20 February 2009 here.
Cholera alert (English) poster. WHO/UNICEF
Sanitation Updates 