GOVERNMENT has set aside US$24 million to fight the cholera outbreak that is currently dogging the country and neighbouring countries.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday, Information and Publicity minister Monica Mutsvangwa said 13 countries have so far reported cholera outbreaks, attributing the spread of the disease to cyclones, floods, conflict, poor sanitation and unreliable water supplies.
She said cross-border mobility had also played a part in the spread of cholera to Zimbabwe.
“Cabinet wishes to assure the nation that the cholera situation is under control. Active screening at ports of entry and exits has been initiated, and surveillance activities are ongoing,” Mutsvangwa said.
“Cabinet approved a total budget of US$24 168 353 for the cholera epidemic preparedness and response plan. Several partners, including the World Health Organisation, the Centres for Disease Control, Unicef, Medicines sans Frontiers and Higher Life Foundation, have pledged to support part of the budget.
“So far, 13 African countries have reported cholera outbreaks. South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe recently reported cholera outbreaks in 2023.”
Mutsvangwa said the case fatality rates in Zimbabwe were still low.
“Zimbabwe’s cumulative suspected cholera cases in 10 provinces stood at 231 cases. Only Matabeleland North and Midlands have not reported cases. There were 209 recoveries and two deaths.”
- Chitungwiza sewer infrastructure collapses
- Chitungwiza sewer infrastructure collapses
- Govt adopts UN protocol on child rights
- Zim newspapers struggling: Mutsvangwa
Keep Reading
On technical and vocational education and training policy, which is part of the Education 5.0 Model, Mutsvangwa said government had approved the document.
“This model is grounded on production of goods and services, thereby creating entrepreneurs for the industrialisation and modernisation of Zimbabwe. The policy seeks to align education and skills training in order to promote wealth creation and entrepreneurship opportunities. The thrust of the second republic is that all learning in tertiary institutions shall be for the purpose of advancing national development,” she said.
