Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe’s health sector is hailing the introduction of new cholera rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) as a significant breakthrough in the fight against the disease.
This innovative approach is part of a global initiative led by UNICEF, which aims to distribute over 1.2 million tests across 15 high-risk countries.
In a statement yesterday, Silas Gavi, a representative from UNICEF, highlighted the transformative impact of these tests.
“The RDTs allow us to diagnose suspected cholera cases within minutes, significantly improving the response time. Previously, medical experts had to wait for lab results, which could take days. Now, cases can be confirmed almost immediately,” he said
Public health expert, Dr David Mukwena, pointed out the broader benefits of the initiative.
“The deployment of RDTs is enhancing our overall healthcare system’s resilience. By equipping our frontline workers with these tests, we are not only tackling the current outbreak but also building capacity for future health emergencies.
The integration of RDTs into routine practice is expected to strengthen Zimbabwe’s public health infrastructure in the long term,” Dr Mukwena added
Senior medical officer in Mutare, Dr Tinashe Chigumbura, also emphasized the crucial role of rapid diagnosis in preventing the spread of cholera.
“This quick diagnosis is essential in densely populated areas where the disease can spread rapidly. The introduction of RDTs has been a game-changer for our health system,” he said.
A nurse in Chitungwiza, Samantha Nyathi highlighted how the new tests have reduced the strain on healthcare workers.
“With the RDTs, we can test and get results within 15 minutes. This efficiency means we can manage our workload better and focus on providing care rather than waiting for lab results. It’s a significant improvement for us,” she stated
Meanwhile, Government announced last week during a post cabinet briefing that the country’s cholera burden is now officially over and no new case has been recorded in all 63 districts of the country.
