Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Zimeye
Published on 2024-03-06 03:10:13
Zimbabwe is currently facing a critical situation with a severe outbreak of diarrhoea, compounded by a lingering cholera crisis that has been ongoing since last year. The city at the heart of this crisis is Bulawayo, the country’s second-largest city, which is experiencing a significant increase in diarrhoea cases, especially in the Cowdray Park suburb. This outbreak has been attributed to severe water shortages and a strict water shedding schedule, leaving some suburbs without water for almost three weeks.
Residents in these affected areas are resorting to using water from unsafe sources such as shallow wells in swampy areas and queues at communal boreholes. Dr. Edwin Mzingwane, the Director of Health Services in Bulawayo, has emphasized the seriousness of the situation in Cowdray Park and urged residents to practice good hygiene and seek medical attention promptly. The local authorities are working to alleviate these challenges by providing water, but they are hindered by low dam levels and infrastructural issues.
The broader cholera crisis in the country is worsening the situation, with recent reports showing a slight decrease in new cases due to increased community awareness and improved management strategies. The government’s response includes deploying community health workers, setting up treatment centers, and implementing vaccination programs in high-risk areas, particularly around Harare.
However, the recent arrest of a suspected whistleblower during this health crisis raises concerns about transparency and accountability in managing the outbreak. Whistleblowers are essential for alerting the public and authorities to health risks and misconduct, and their arrest could undermine efforts to control the situation.
To effectively address these health challenges, Zimbabwe needs a comprehensive approach that includes immediate government action to improve water and sanitation, community engagement to promote good hygiene practices, and a transparent communication strategy that encourages reporting and whistleblowing without fear of reprisal.
As the government and local authorities work to find solutions, including seeking emergency funding and accelerating infrastructure projects, the resilience and cooperation of the Zimbabwean people are crucial. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether Zimbabwe can overcome these outbreaks, requiring concerted efforts from all sectors of society to protect public health and restore normalcy.
Read the original article on The Zimbabwe Eye
