IFRC Secretariat funding requirements: CHF 3 million
Federation-wide funding requirements: CHF 4 million
SITUATION OVERVIEW
People in Zimbabwe are still struggling to cope with the ongoing cholera outbreak which is causing fear, sickness, and loss of life across much of the country.
The first cholera outbreak of 2023 started on 12 February 2023 in Chegutu town in Mashonaland West Province. To date, suspected and confirmed cases have been reported in 63 districts in all 10 provinces of the country since the beginning of 2023. As of 26 May 2024, a cumulative total of 34,276 suspected cholera cases, 87 laboratory confirmed deaths, 628 suspected cholera deaths, and 4,216 laboratory-confirmed cases were reported. 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. The crude mortality rate remains above 1.8%.
The outbreak has since caused panic among the entire Zimbabwean population as economic and social activities were slowed down, especially in Harare, which declared a state of emergency due to the surge in cases. The health system has been overstretched by the high number of hospitalised cases, depleting most of the drugs and supplies and further straining the already overburdened hospital personnel. Grief and trauma caused by the disease have affected the sick, their guardians, as well as staff and volunteers supporting the response.
The Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) campaign targeted 26 districts reporting the highest numbers of cases in the country. There has also been high demand for Mental Health and Psychological First Aid due to different factors related to this cholera outbreak.
Since May 2024, the trend of cholera cases in Zimbabwe has been on a downward trajectory as the interventions by all the stakeholders have started to show results. However, recurrence cannot be dismissed, and all prevention and preparedness actions must continue alongside the treatment for those affected.
Communities have demonstrated a lack of knowledge regarding preventive measures for the disease and how to support affected individuals with oral rehydration therapy, resulting in generalised stigmatisation. Cholera is not new to Zimbabwe.
However, this outbreak is atypical, having continued to persist from the dry season into the current rainy season, increasing the risk of the disease spreading.
The capacity of the Ministry of Health and Childcare (MOHCC) has been stretched due to the high number of admissions, lack of human resources to manage the caseload, and lack of cholera supplies, including disinfection liquids, to stop the transmission.
There is a disrupted community health care system where primary health care – which is responsible for ensuring that community members adhere to water, sanitation, and hygiene practices – is overwhelmed.
Active case findings and surveillance have been challenged, compounded by inadequate logistical supplies.
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