The World Health Organization (WHO) recently embarked on an unprecedented joint mission with the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC) to visit cholera-affected provinces. The WHO Representative ai, Professor Jean-Marie Dangou, and MoHCC Director for Epidemiology and Disease Control, Dr. Rudo Chikodzore, visited the worst affected provinces and districts from 12 to 21 June 2023 to assess the ongoing cholera outbreak, other health emergencies health, and support the cholera control program in the country. The visit marked the new acting WHO representative’s first field visit to the country, where he traveled to affected areas to assess the situation first-hand, ensuring a more informed and focused response to the health emergency.
The WHO Acting Representative to Zimbabwe arrived in the country in February 2023 and has continued to support and strengthen the country’s health system ever since. The joint mission with MoHCC provided Professor Dangou with a better understanding of the health system and needs of the affected areas, ensuring more effective guidance and support from WHO.
“This visit was critical for us to keep abreast of the ongoing challenges in cholera-affected provinces. The issues raised are of the utmost importance and we remain fully committed to responding to this outbreak. We will raise all these issues at the highest level to ensure that we can deal with the situation effectively,” Dr Chikodzore stressed, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC).
The main objectives of the visit included demonstrating and observing the joint efforts between the government of Zimbabwe, WHO and other partners to tackle the cholera outbreak. In addition, Professor Dangou gathered evidence on the ground regarding economic and programmatic needs, such as human resources and logistics, to advocate for increased support from the international community. The visit also provided Professor Dangou with an appreciation of some of the country’s broader health system issues.
During the visit, Professor Dangou and Dr. Chikodzore met with provincial leaders in Bulawayo, Matebeleland South and Harare. In addition, they visited health facilities in each province, such as Mpilo Hospital, Beitbridge Hospital and Sally Mugabe Hospital, including suburban cholera hotspot SDP in Beitbridge and Glen View One in Harare. In addition, they visited the port health authorities at the points of entry at the Beitbridge Health Post and Joshua Nkomo International Airport health port.
During the visit, it became clear that urgent attention is needed to address several challenges, including inadequate infrastructure and capacity for water supply and sanitation, staff turnover negatively impacting capacity for case management and oversight, among other issues. For example, issues with WASH and waste management were identified as key concerns in all provinces. The seriousness of the situation calls for a multi-sectoral approach to respond effectively to the cholera outbreak. In addition, there is an urgent need to stream IDSR to sub-national levels and provide refresher training on cholera case management. These challenges cannot be ignored and require immediate action to prevent further damage to public health.
“This grassroots approach gave me invaluable insight into the drivers and effects of the cholera outbreak on the people of Zimbabwe, as well as the potential impact on the economy. I really applaud the tremendous work and dedication of health professionals in responding to this outbreak and call on all stakeholders to increase their support for the Government of Zimbabwe to end the outbreak,” said Professor Dangou.
Professor Dangou’s initiative to reach out directly to affected communities represents a renewed commitment to tackling the cholera outbreak and other health emergencies in Zimbabwe. By providing targeted support and collecting real-life information from the field, WHO aims to ensure that the people of Zimbabwe receive the care and resources they need to meet these challenges.
The cholera outbreak has affected numerous parts of Zimbabwe, including all ten provinces and 32 districts, prompting the MoHCC to implement prevention and control measures, with the support of WHO. These efforts have been supported by WHO donations of cholera kits containing essential medicines and laboratory reagents, as well as technical support to build the capacity of frontline health workers in fighting the outbreak. At the same time, the organizations continue to address the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic and other health emergencies.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the World Health Organization (WHO) – Zimbabwe.
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