Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe is grappling with new cholera cases in Harare and Kariba, raising public health concerns months after the government declared an earlier outbreak. At least 21 cases have been confirmed in Kariba, with one death, while Harare has reported new infections linked to contaminated water sources in informal settlements .
Minister of Health and Child Care Dr. Douglas Mombeshora confirmed the resurgence in a press statement and warned the public to exercise caution. “Cholera remains a serious health threat, especially in areas with inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure. We urge all citizens to drink only safe, treated water and to report symptoms promptly for early intervention,” he said.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care urged communities to practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing and proper food preparation.
“We are committed to containing the outbreak and preventing further cases, but public cooperation is crucial,” Dr. Mombeshora added .
In Harare, the outbreak is linked to unsafe water consumption in informal settlements near Long Cheng Plaza. Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume highlighted the city’s efforts to address the crisis.
“We are working on relocating residents from high-risk areas and ensuring that water supplies are chlorinated. However, the scale of the sanitation challenges requires more substantial investment and support,” Mafume said .
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has deployed rapid response teams to affected areas, supported by partners such as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and UNICEF. In Kariba, oral rehydration points have been established, while health officials conduct hygiene promotion campaigns to mitigate further spread. Dr. Godfrey Muza, Kariba’s district medical officer, emphasized the importance of community engagement.
“We are actively educating the public on proper hygiene practices and improving sanitation within the affected villages,” he said .
However,experts attribute the recurrent outbreaks to poor infrastructure and systemic challenges. Dr. Norman Matara of Zimbabwe Doctors for Human Rights said, “Cholera is a disease of poverty. Zimbabwe’s chronic sanitation issues and lack of access to clean water have created a perfect environment for its spread. Long-term investment in water infrastructure is urgently needed.”
As authorities work to contain the outbreak, they stress the importance of multi-sectoral efforts to address the root causes of Zimbabwe’s ongoing cholera crises, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas.
