Talent Gore
HARARE Metropolitan and Manicaland provinces are still experiencing high numbers of cholera cases due to poor sanitation and limited access to safe water.
Addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Jenfan Muswere, said health, education and cholera prevention campaigns were ongoing in all provinces, and 12 boreholes had been drilled in Buhera through a Ministry of Health and Child Care project.
He called for all gatherings in cholera-affected areas to be supervised for adequate sanitation and water provision.
“As at 21st October 2023, Zimbabwe’s cumulative suspected cholera cases were 5 338 and 5 090 recoveries,” Minister Muswere said.
“Poor sanitation and low safe water coverage has driven the cholera outbreak, especially in the Harare Metropolitan Province.
“Health educators in affected communities have been trained to also facilitate surveillance and risk communication.
“Door-to-door cholera campaigns are being made in the affected provinces.
“All burials shall be supervised, regardless of the cause of death in all-cholera affected areas to reduce transmission and that public health measures be enforced in all communities reporting cholera cases.”
He said a crackdown on drug dealers led to the arrest of 486 persons (451 males and 35 females).
“Out of the 486 offenders, 20 were suppliers who were referred to court, while 466 were drug users and consumers who paid deposit fines.”
Min Muswere said the Liquor Licensing Board conducted alcohol outlets compliance inspections in Epworth and a total of 85 premises were inspected and 15 were found operating without licences.
“The nation is advised that the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Liquor Licensing Board are working together on the investigations, clearance, non-clearance classification, banning and licensing of new alcoholic drinks in the market, including the Kambucha beverage,” he said.