As Cholera cases continue to rise in the country, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP) Zimbabwe has launched an emergency Cholera response program in Chimanimani District Manicaland province which was recently declared a Cholera Hotspot.
Speaking during program launch in Chimanimani, DAPP Programs Director Ruth Makumbe said the Cholera Outbreak Prevention program is in direct response to the call by government to provide comprehensive cholera response actions to curb the spread of the disease.
“The Anticipatory Action for Cholera Outbreak Prevention program which is supported by The Danish Emergency Relief Fund (DERF) and Civil Society in Development (CISU) through Humana People to People UFF Denmark aims to contribute to the prevention of a broad cholera in Wards 2, 3, and 4 of Chimanimani District.”
“Over the next 6 months DAPP will work closely with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, local health cadres and village action committees to prevent and control cholera transmission and improve access to clean water for domestic use in the targeted wards. We are confident that through this program we will see a reduction in Cholera related infections and deaths.”
Speaking at the same occasion the Chimanimani District Medical officer, Donatas Mugari called for a multi-sectorial approach to stop Chorela in its tracks. “Manicaland is a Cholera hotspot and Cholera cases are on the increase. We need more players to come in to complement the government in efforts to curb the spread of this disease.”
According to the World Health Organization, cholera is an acute waterborne diarrheal disease that is preventable if people have access to safe water and sanitation and practice good hygiene but can kill within hours if left untreated.
