Zimbabwe
Cholera
32 579 Cases
701 Deaths
2.2% CFR
EVENT DESCRIPTION
The cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe, which
started in Chegutu town, Mashonaland West Province, in
February 2023, continues. The current trend indicates
a decline compared to late 2023-early 2024 when the
highest caseload was seen.
Since the declaration of this outbreak, Zimbabwe
has recorded 32 579 suspected cholera cases, 3 939
confirmed cases, and 31 787 recoveries as of
21 April 2024, yielding a case fatality rate of 2.2%.
Cumulative deaths were 701, with 87 being culture-confirmed
and 614 suspected deaths. The outbreak has now
spread to more than the 17 traditional cholera hotspot
districts of Buhera, Chegutu, Chikomba, Chimanimani,
Chipinge, Chitungwiza, Chiredzi, Harare, Gokwe North,
Marondera, Mazowe, Shamva, Mutare, Murehwa,
Mwenezi, Seke and Wedza.
Sixty-three (63) districts in 10 provinces of the country
have reported cholera cases, with 79 new suspected
cholera cases, including two laboratory-confirmed results
reported on 21 April 2024. The cases were reported from
Sanyati (24), Kwekwe (12), Zvimba (12), Mhondoro-Ngezi
(8), Shurugwi (5), Chegutu (4), Mutare (4), Mt Darwin
(3), Chiredzi (2), Chitungwiza City (2), Makonde (1),
Chimanimani (1) and Shamva (1).
Among the suspected cases, cumulative samples
collected and tested using Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT)
are 10 286, of which 3 938 were RDT positive (38.3%
positivity). Furthermore, of the 10 690 cultures done,
3 939 were positive (37.1% positivity). Specimens are
collected and forwarded to laboratories for
Microbiological Culture and Sensitivity testing. The
sensitivity tests indicate that the cholera Ogawa serotype
remains susceptible to Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin, and
Doxycycline, unlike previous outbreaks where resistance
to ciprofloxacin was observed.
A total of 2 121 784 people had received the oral cholera
vaccine, and a 92.0% national coverage was achieved.
The OCV campaign targeted 26 cholera hot spot districts
in the country.
PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS
The incident management system for cholera
response was activated, with an appointed
incident manager at the Public Health Emergency
Operations Center overseeing coordination.
The Ministry of Health conducted a one-day
sensitization meeting in Harare with more than 120
leaders from the Zimbabwe Council of Churches,
Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference, Islamic
Community, Dare reVadzimu, and ZINATHA to
deliberate on their role in the prevention and control
of cholera.
New Cholera treatment centers (CTCS) have been
opened in Old Highfield, Glenview, and Kuwadzana
to decongest BRIDH, and health workers in these new
CTCs were capacitated.
A National Infection Prevention and Control training
of trainers on cholera response was conducted for all
ten provinces. Additionally, on-site trainings targeting
identified gaps were held at St. Mary’s, Chitungwiza
Central Hospital, Kuwadzana, and Glenview in Harare
Province.
WHO, in collaboration with other partners, has
trained healthcare workers on surveillance, case
management, laboratory, risk communication, infection
prevention and control, and laboratory.
Community Event-Based Surveillance training along
the migration corridors was conducted in Masvingo
Bulawayo and Mat South provinces.
The number of Oral Rehydration Points in the
districts is being expanded to accommodate the rising
cholera cases, alongside ongoing on-the-job training
for healthcare workers in case management.
Water boreholes are being drilled and repaired in
Buhera District 17 drilled 20 were repaired, while six
were equipped with solar.
Health education on cholera prevention and
control measures, including hygiene promotion,
continues across provinces, complemented by
distributing Information, Education, and
Communication materials in clinics and communities.
Additionally, risk behavior assessment is being conducted,
and appropriate key messages are being given.
SITUATION INTERPRETATION
The cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe, which began
surging in late 2023, has deteriorated in the past three
months. The affected areas have faced challenges that
include lack of access to safe drinking water and poor
sanitation conditions. Other outbreaks of COVID-19 and
anthrax are further burdening the health system. While the
public health response, in collaboration with WHO and other
partners, demonstrates a comprehensive approach to interrupt
transmission chains, the response is hampered by various
challenges that require escalated efforts and adequate resources
to control the outbreak and prevent further spread.
https://www.afro.who.int/countries/...emergencies-bulletin-week-16-15-21-april-2024
