Latwell Nyangu
HEALTH and Child Care Minister, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, has revealed that Buhera District has reported a cumulative 726 suspected cholera cases and 27 deaths with a case of fatality rate of 3.7 percent.
All funerals in the area will now be supervised.
The update was made during a post-cabinet briefing on Tuesday evening.
The Cabinet recommended the deployment of doctors into the area.
“Forty-six (46) were admitted in cholera treatment centres across the district with the epicentre for transmission in Buhera district in Murambinda,” said Min Mombeshora.
“The main drivers of the cholera outbreak in Buhera District included lack of safe water and use of river water.
“Pertaining to the Buhera District Cholera Response, Cabinet approved that doctors be deployed to visit all cholera treatment centres in the district.
“More staff be mobilised to support the cholera treatment centres and that the setting up of cholera treatment camps, and oral rehydration points closer to the community, be finalised.”
He added:
“Eight boreholes to be drilled in the district and that community engagement and capacity building of traditional and religious leaders on public health measures to control cholera be intensified.
“That all funerals in Buhera district should be supervised and that cholera education will be intensified in schools.”
Cabinet approved that there be Intensified Risk Communication and Community Engagement in the cholera response.
“Cholera tests kits to be sourced for the rural community centres and that all boreholes be fully equipped.
“All deaths be documented and burials be supervised and that there be continued intensified public health measures to contain the outbreak.”