Zimbabwean authorities have declared that the latest cholera outbreak, which lasted nearly 18 months, is over. The outbreak resulted in 34,549 suspected cases and over 700 deaths from when it was first reported in February 2023 to June 2024 when the last case was recorded. According to Health Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, the government’s interventions are responsible for the disease’s suppression. However, he delivered a word of caution, stating that the cholera pathogen is still in the community. Meanwhile, public health expert Itai Rusike of the Community Working Group on Health emphasized that the underlying causes, such as inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure, still exist and require urgent attention. The World Health Organization and Doctors Without Borders echoed Rusike’s thoughts, stating that the government should now focus on improving the nation’s water supply, sanitation, and hygiene to prevent future outbreaks.
SOURCE: VOA NEWS
Zimbabwe Declares Latest Cholera Outbreak Over
