Harare – Zimbabwe has confirmed 124 cases of cholera since the latest outbreak began in November last year, with 15 deaths, 608 suspected cases, and 566 recoveries, according to Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora.
During a press briefing in Harare, Mombeshora stated that six of the country’s 10 provinces have been impacted, with the majority of recent cases originating from Mashonaland Central Province.
The health minister highlighted that many of the cases were linked to artisanal miners working along the Mazowe River and in the small town of Glendale, both located in Mashonaland Central.
“Artisanal miners often move from one area to another, inadvertently spreading cholera. This has led to a continued increase in cases in Mashonaland Central, especially along the Mazowe River, which sees a lot of gold panning activity,” Mombeshora explained.
He also noted that the country’s vaccine supplies were running low, with only 4,000 doses remaining, which are insufficient to cover the affected regions.
Mombeshora pointed out that the ongoing cholera outbreaks are a result of inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure, which has been a persistent challenge in Zimbabwe.
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