Neglected No More

Zimbabwe’s Outbreak

Cholera and Epidemic Diarrheal Diseases

In March 2009, the South African country of Zimbabwe was reeling from a Cholera epidemic. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were more than 83,000 cases of Cholera reported throughout the country and more than 4000 people had died from the extremely contagious disease.

Once relatively prosperous and regarded as southern Africa’s “breadbasket,” Zimbabwe now suffers from drought, soaring unemployment rates, and the world’s highest inflation. The country also has one of the world’s lowest life expectancies - a mere 43 years for women. Forty-five percent of the population is malnourished, and many people remain dependent on humanitarian aid. The country’s health care infrastructure has also deteriorated as the availability of both medicines and medical professionals has decreased significantly.

“With the health system severely strained by economic pressures and with the Cholera outbreak worsening, health facilities are finding it extremely difficult to assist their patients,” said Dr Ravi Jayakaran, Director of Global Programs.

MAP began responding to the crisis by shipping more than $1 million in emergency medicines and medical supplies to the country. Once in the country, the medicines will be used by MAP partner World Vision which has been operating programs in Zimbabwe since 1973.

Cholera is an easily treatable disease. The prompt administration of oral rehydration salts (ORT) to replace lost fluids nearly always results in relief and recovery. In especially severe cases, intravenous administration of fluids may be required to save the patient's life. Left untreated, however, Cholera can kill quickly following the onset of symptoms. This can happen at a speed that has incited fear and paralyzed commerce throughout history. Although such reactions are no longer justified, Cholera continues to be perceived by many as a deadly and highly contagious threat.

Access to clean water, proper food preparation and storage, sound sanitation practices, and good hygiene all work together to protect against the incidence of cholera and other diarrheal diseases. MAP’s response also included educating the communities to understand prevention and the need for early treatment.

The Ministry of Health in Zimbabwe has reported that the number of Cholera cases and deaths has declined. On June 9th, 2009, the WHO reported that the outbreak of Cholera affecting all provinces in the country appears to be ending. As of May 30th, 2009, the WHO reports that there have been a total of 98,424 cases and 4,276 deaths in Zimbabwe related to the outbreak. However, only about 100 cases per week were reported at the end of May in contrast to the 8,000 cases per week reported in February 2009.

Through the efforts of MAP and other organizations, the deadly effects of Cholera are being treated, prevented and eradicated.