Kadoma records decline in cholera cases
By Susan Tembo
Cases of cholera infections and deaths in Kadoma are on the decrease. This came out at a community dialogue meeting called by the Kadoma City Council Health Department at their Cholera Treatment Centre in Ingezi on Friday May 31, 2024.
The meeting was attended by various people including Kadoma City Council Mayor Nigel Ruzario, Health Director Dr. Daniel Chirundu, Acting Director Of Epidemiology and Disease Control Dr.Phiri, National Deputy Director Health Promotions Mr Chinakidzwa and Sanyati Rural District Development Coordinator Mr Muringai, among others. Various stakeholders, among them Nyaradzo Funeral Services, Red Cross Society, Kadoma Residents lnitiative, Welt Hunger Hold, Zimbabwe National Army, Zimbabwe Republic Police and The Aiforce Of Zimbabwe, among the endless list, were also in attendance.
The meeting was held in a bid to trace the strengths and weaknesses of Kadoma City Council Health Department during the devastating cholera era. However, stakeholders mapped a way forward on how best they can make it to zero cholera cases in the next two weeks.
This is because there is a reduction in number of cholera cases in the City, with those admitted at the Cholera Treatment Centre standing at eight as at May 31, 2024.
Among various strengths, stakeholders mentioned tireless efforts of the Cholera Treatment Centre workers, tireless efforts of the Kadoma Health Department, efforts by various city departments, contributions from various stakeholders and the community of Kadoma.
According to Mr Gomba, one of the Kadoma City Health lnspectors, the tireless efforts of the community and various stakeholders helped to curb the spread of Cholera in the City.
As of May 31, 2024 Kadoma City has recorded a great decline in Cholera related cases. However , it had registered twenty six cholera related deaths since February.
According to the City’s Health Director, Dr. Chirundu, the health team in Kadoma is happy about the decline in Cholera related cases. He appreciated the tireless efforts made by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Kadoma City Council, Kadoma health team, community and various stakeholders in combating the spread of cholera. He thanked such organisations as WHO, UNICEF, ZRP, ZNA, Airfoce of Zimbabwe and Kadoma Residents Initiative for their contributions towards the treatment centre and Oral Rehydration points.
Dr Chirundu also expressed gratitude towards MP Mambipiri’s ambulance donation. Kadoma City councilors’ blankets scheme was also appreciated.
“I am highly indebted to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, our City Council and it’s departments, our health team, Community and various stakeholders who walked with us during this Cholera era. Above all, I owe it to the Almighty. Without Him, combating the spread of Cholera in our City could have been an aim without a shoot,” said Dr. Chirundu.
Mr Chinakidzwa said as of May 31, 2024, Mashonaland West province, with Sanyati district on top was still recording more cholera cases unlike in other provinces. He urged the City and it’s stakeholders to have various sources of water , attend to sewer challenges and reduce vending activities in Kadoma Central Business District. In addition to this, His Worship, Councilor Ruzario also called for the city mother’s and city father’s to work hand in glove with the council and the district in maintaining a clean Kadoma.
Mr Muringai, Sanyati District Co-ordinator also promised to work towards provision of boreholes to the people in Kadoma. He encouraged various stakeholders to work with his office to achieve provision of clean water. Even the Mayor of Kadoma City, Councilor Ruzario, promised to work hard to provide safe water and refuse collection trucks irrespective of financial constraints they are facing.
As of May 30, 2024, cholera had been recorded in 66 of the 72 districts in Zimbabwe. A total of 34 359 cases were recorded, with 629 deaths. Of these deaths 53% were males. However there has been a decline in cholera cases around the country, but still, many cases are in Mashonaland West province. However the recovery rate is 98%.
Recently, Kadoma City Health also embarked on Oral Cholera Vaccine Distribution program where residents got vaccinated. This has been taken as a way to reduce the spread of Cholera. As of May 30, 2024, about 60 000 have been vaccinated which is about 67% of the total population in Kadoma.