Sustained Cholera Outbreaks Signal Shift to Endemi...

Sustained Cholera Outbreaks Signal Shift to Endemic Phase

Rutendo Mazhindu - ZimNow Reporter

The Zimbabwean government has warned that cholera is becoming endemic in parts of the country as cases persist despite ongoing containment efforts.

On Wednesday in Zambia, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga addressed an Extraordinary High-Level Meeting on Cholera in Africa, hosted by Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema. During the meeting, Chiwenga called for urgent regional collaboration to eliminate the disease, which continues to resurface annually, particularly during the rainy season.

Zimbabwe has recorded 772 confirmed cholera cases and 23 deaths since the latest outbreak began in September 2024. Although daily case numbers have fallen to single digits, hotspots remain active in 23 districts across six provinces.

“The recurring outbreaks, especially in the same communities, suggest the disease is now endemic,” he said.

He warned that the region could not afford to rely on reactive responses.

Vice President said sustained investment in water and sanitation infrastructure is key to prevention.

Plans are underway to upgrade and expand water and sewer systems in both urban and rural areas, replace aging infrastructure, and strengthen waste disposal and environmental hygiene services.

The government has also called for a coordinated regional vaccination strategy, citing the importance of securing oral cholera vaccines for high-risk communities.

A multi sectoral approach involving the health, infrastructure, water, education and local government sectors has been adopted to improve preparedness and response systems.

He also called for the establishment of emergency health funds and improved laboratory capacity to speed up diagnosis.

Cholera continues to affect several countries in the region, with leaders agreeing to improve coordination, harmonise response strategies and share data to prevent cross-border spread.

“Cholera knows no borders, and neither should our response,” the Vice President said.