By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Zimbabwe has reported a staggering 8,399 cases of common diarrhoea in the week ending October 6, 2024, with 3,798 of those cases affecting children under the age of five. This alarming statistic underscores the vulnerability of young children to waterborne diseases, particularly in a country grappling with severe water shortages.
The Health Ministry confirmed that five deaths were recorded during this period, with four occurring in Harare and one in Chegutu.
Notably, the fatalities were linked to major hospitals in Harare, including Sally Mugabe Central Hospital and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. This week’s figures show a slight decline in mortality compared to the previous week, which saw nine deaths attributed to diarrhoea.
According to the Ministry’s disease surveillance report, the provinces most affected by the outbreak include Mashonaland Central, which reported 1,371 cases, and Mashonaland East, with 1,308 cases.
The cumulative total of diarrhoea cases in the country has now reached 284,702, with 150 deaths since the onset of the outbreak.
The ongoing crisis is worsened by a prolonged lack of access to clean tap water due to the effects of El Niño-induced drought, a climatic phenomenon that has led to significantly reduced rainfall, essential for replenishing rivers, lakes, and groundwater supplies. As a result, many communities are facing severe water shortages, forcing residents to rely on alternative sources such as shallow wells and boreholes.
These alternative water sources are often contaminated with raw sewage due to burst pipes, leading to recurring outbreaks of waterborne diseases like diarrhoea and cholera.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for improved water sanitation and hygiene practices to combat this public health crisis.