Zimbabwe is experiencing a rise in cholera cases amid a crippling water crisis in the country.
Twenty-six cholera deaths have been recorded, with a total number of 348 confirmed cases and 1,285 suspected cases, its ministry of health announced.
As of May 20, 149 people have been hospitalised.
Zimbabwe reported its first cholera case on February 12 in Chegutu, about 100km west of the capital Harare.
The ministry of health declared 17 cholera hotspots around the country, which include Harare, Chitungwiza, Marondera, Mazowe Chimanimani, Chegutu, Buhera, Chikomba and Chipinge.
In Harare, with a population of nearly two million, residents go for weeks without running water. Broken sewer systems, poor sanitation and contaminated water sources in the capital have been blamed for the disease outbreak.
Cholera is mainly spread by contaminated food or water, and in the city's high-density areas of Budiriro and Glen View — the two main epicentres of the cholera outbreak in Harare — residents rely on unprotected wells.
“The situation is desperate, we know the wells are contaminated, but we have no choice. We go for weeks without running water, the wells are the only source we have. People in our community get sick from the water, and it's heartbreaking to watch,” said a Glen View resident.
Recently in a statement, the City of Harare said some boreholes in the city are contaminated. “We urge all residents in all parts of the city of Harare to be on very high alert to avert loss of life. Residents are being encouraged to practice good hygiene and, most importantly, treat all drinking water regardless of the source.
“Some boreholes in Harare have been found to be contaminated with E coli, and therefore the water is not safe if not treated.”
World Health Organisation (WHO) Zimbabwe has been assisting the government with preparedness and cholera kits to combat the outbreak. During a handover ceremony of the cholera kits, WHO said the government needs to address the primary causes of the outbreak.
“While government's current efforts to curb cholera are commendable, addressing the primary causes and drivers of cholera remains critical and provides more sustainable solutions to occurrence of cholera,” said Prof Jean-Marie Dangou, WHO representative to Zimbabwe.
Four other Southern African countries are facing an outbreak, namely Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and South Africa. Zimbabwe suffered its worst cholera outbreak in 2008, which killed more than 4,000 people from more than 90,000 cases.
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