by Staff Reporter
Harare — Zimbabwe is battling rising cases of preventable diseases, with the Ministry of Health and Child Care urging communities to step up hygiene and health-seeking behaviour following the latest Weekly Disease Surveillance Report for the week ending 31 August 2025.
The report paints a concerning picture, particularly around common diarrhoea and malaria, which continue to claim lives, mostly among children.
This week alone, 7 505 new diarrhoea cases and five deaths were recorded. Three of the deaths occurred at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare, while Chirumhanzu District in Midlands and Lupane in Matabeleland North each reported one death. More than half of the diarrhoea cases (55.8%) affected children under five years of age.
Malaria also remains a serious threat, with 990 new cases and four deaths reported this week. The fatalities came from Harare, Mashonaland Central, and Mashonaland East provinces. Children under five made up 16.5% of the new cases.
While influenza and measles recorded thousands of cases, no deaths were reported. Influenza remains widespread, with 4 792 new suspected cases this week, mostly in Mashonaland West and Manicaland. Measles cases remain under control, with only 10 suspected cases reported nationally.
The country also continues to face high numbers of dog bite incidents, a key risk factor for rabies. This week 583 cases were reported, with most victims bitten by dogs of unknown vaccination status.
Health officials have urged families to maintain strict hygiene, use treated water, sleep under mosquito nets, and promptly report to the nearest clinic when unwell. They also stressed the importance of vaccinating pets to prevent rabies outbreaks.
With cumulative figures showing over 209 000 diarrhoea cases, 137 000 malaria cases, and nearly 20 000 dog bitesrecorded this year, the ministry says prevention at household and community level remains key in saving lives.