By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The unsettling relationship between public health, environmental factors, and systemic crises has once again come to the forefront as Zimbabwe grapples with a new outbreak of cholera.
A total of 70 confirmed cholera cases and one death have been recorded in Kariba District, Mashonaland West, since the outbreak began in early November. This troubling news comes just months after the government declared an earlier, 18-month-long outbreak over, which had infected approximately 35,000 individuals and claimed over 700 lives.
Dr. Godfrey Muza, the Kariba District Medical Officer, confirmed the grim situation, noting that local, regional, and international partners are collaborating to manage this crisis.
“Efforts are underway to mitigate the outbreak, with cholera treatment camps and oral rehydration points established in affected villages. UNICEF and other organizations are providing essential support, engaging in community health promotion, hygiene education, and sanitation improvement—all crucial elements in controlling the spread of cholera,” he noted.
However, the resurgence of this debilitating disease raises critical questions: What are the underlying factors contributing to Zimbabwe’s recurrent cholera outbreaks?
As the nation faces the grim reality of yet another crisis, an examination of historical and current issues reveals a complex interplay of economic instability, poor infrastructure, and adverse climatic conditions.
Cholera has plagued Zimbabwe for decades, with notable outbreaks in 2008 that resulted in over 98,000 cases and more than 4,000 deaths.
At that time, a perfect storm of political and economic crises led to the collapse of public health systems. Service providers went on strike, sanitation and water systems deteriorated, and the pervasive presence of untreated sewage in urban areas created a breeding ground for the cholera bacterium.
Fast forward to 2024, and while the Zimbabwean government declared the previous outbreak over, the factors that led to it have not been adequately resolved.
The current situation in Kariba highlights the continuous strain on public health systems, which are unable to cope with increased cases due to frequent infrastructure failures, inadequate health resources, and ongoing economic challenges.
One may argue that the current wave of cholera cases can also be attributed to climate-related issues. The recent El Niño-induced drought has exacerbated the situation by reducing access to clean water. As major water supplies dry up, communities are forced to resort to unsafe water sources, significantly raising the risk of cholera transmission.
When trying to pinpoint the cause of Zimbabwe’s recurring cholera outbreaks, it is increasingly clear that both economic instability and environmental crises are complicit. The lack of an effective water and sanitation infrastructure, coupled with climatic changes, creates a precarious public health environment where cholera can thrive.
Efforts to control the current outbreak will require more than temporary measures. Long-term solutions must be explored, including investments in sustainable water management, improvements to health systems, and a focus on ensuring consistent access to healthcare and sanitation facilities.
Additionally, public health education campaigns must gain traction, teaching residents about hygiene practices and the need for safe water consumption.
While targeted interventions may provide temporary relief, addressing the root causes of cholera in Zimbabwe is paramount for preventing future outbreaks.
As the response to the current outbreak unfolds, only time will tell if Zimbabwe can break the cycle of cholera—transforming the public health landscape from one of crisis to resilience.