KADOMA CITY HEALTH DEPARTMENT SETTING UP A CHOLERA TREATMENT CENTER lN INGEZI

By Susan Tembo

Kadoma City Council has joined efforts with the rest of the country in the fight against cholera. The City is setting a cholera treatment center (epicenter) in lngezi, Kadoma.

According to Kadoma City Council Health Director, Dr. Daniel Chirundu, there is already a cholera epicenter that is taking shape in Ingezi. The health department is working tirelessly to curb the spread of the disease in the city.

Cholera response teams have been deployed in council clinics and are there for cross identification and case management. Upon completion of this epicenter, those tested positive will be taken to the camp for treatment.

“I encourage all Kadoma residents to be vigilant in this fight against cholera. Make sure that you always wash your hands properly with clean water, mantain a clean environment, avoid buying street vended food and above all, report any case of diarrhea to your nearest clinic for free treatment,” said Dr. Chirundu, adding that his team is working hard from all angles to curb the spread of this deadly disease.

On another note, Kadoma City Council Mayor, His Worship, Mayor Ruzario promised the residents that he will ensure that Kadoma as a whole has access to clean water in such a difficult time.

“Remember failure to access clean water can catalyse cholera, therefore, we will make sure we provide you our rate payers with water,” said Mayor Ruzario.

As of 2 February 2024, Kadoma has recorded three deaths from cholera. In 2008 to 2010, the city witnessed a surge in cholera cases which left a number of families child-headed and single-headed.

Even Zimbabwe as a whole was devasted by this pandemic in 2008 to 2010. Various cholera epicenters were established.

Cholera is a serious and potentially deadly disease caused by a bacteria called Vibrio Cholerae. Its symptoms among the endless list include: watery diarrhea, vomiting and muscle cramps. lt spreads by ingesting contaminated food, inaccessibility to clean water and sanitation. This ongoing cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe, began in October 2023.

In SADC, Zimbabwe is not the only one affected by cholera, as South Africa and Zambia have not been spared. To date, schools are still closed in Zambia and cholera cases are rising at an alarming rate. On 2 February 2024, Heads of States in SADC held a virtual extra-ordinary summit to map a way forward on the issue of cholera. Ahead of the summit, health ministers from southern and eastern countries met as well to map the way forward.

Although governments, local authorities and international organisations are working hand-in-glove against this fight, cholera is still spreading. The general populace is still being encouraged to continue soldiering on in this fight against cholera.