Mutare — The number of cholera cases in Zimbabwe is declining thanks to the expanded and decentralized cholera response activities undertaken by the Ministry of Health and Child Care , supported by WHO and other partners. While current figures remain higher compared to the same period last year, this reduction is a welcome development, given the alarming surge between November and January this year.
"Our responsibility extends beyond responding to outbreaks," says Lovemore."We strive to prevent them altogether. By educating communities on the importance of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene practices, we empower them to protect themselves and their families from cholera."In Mutorera Village, Zvipiripiri, his intervention helped 11 members of a single family survive cholera, with one succumbing to the disease.
While their efforts often go unnoticed, EHPs play a vital role in cholera outbreaks. They manage funerals during outbreaks, coordinate emergency response efforts, and provide crucial support to affected communities. From setting up cholera treatment centers to conducting contact tracing and disease surveillance, their expertise is vital for containing the spread of the disease and saving lives, not just from cholera.
In addition, WHO, with the support from HRF and Central Emergency Response Fund , spearheaded training programmes for EHPs, reaching over 60 individuals from all districts across the country. These trainings focused on water quality monitoring, equipping EHPs with the knowledge and skills to effectively test and analyze water samples. To further strengthen water quality surveillance in communities and especially in CTCs, WHO procured and distributed water quality kits and consumables.