The cholera crisis in Harare, Zimbabwe, has escalated to alarming proportions, according to the latest statistics released by the Ministry of Health and Child Care. A recent post-cabinet briefing revealed that the cumulative suspected cholera cases have surged to a staggering 1,744 as of November 26th, marking a significant increase from the 1,259 cases reported just a week prior. This alarming rise in cases positions Harare at the epicenter of a growing public health emergency that demands immediate action.
Harare, the capital city, is bearing the brunt of this crisis, with a reported 705 cumulative cholera cases. The city’s situation has reached a critical stage, necessitating urgent interventions to prevent further devastation. However, Harare is not the only area suffering; Chitungwiza, a major hotspot, has reported 163 cases between November 16th and 23rd, highlighting the widespread nature of this crisis.
A key factor exacerbating the cholera outbreak is the dire state of sanitation across many residential areas. Investigations by The NewsHawks have uncovered a sewerage nightmare in places like Kuwadzana 1 and 4 and Chitungwiza, where unattended sewer bursts have become a common, hazardous sight. The Harare Residents Trust (HRT) has raised concerns over council workers’ behavior, who demand additional charges from affected households for repairs, thus delaying essential services. This malpractice has led to the contamination of underground water sources, further fueling the outbreak.
The HRT has called on the City of Harare (CoH) to prioritize the replacement of outdated underground water and sewerage pipes in the most affected communities. Such measures are critical to increase the water supply to households and reduce the number of unattended sewer bursts. Currently, CoH reports a loss of around 60% of their treated water due to leakages in the distribution network, a situation that exacerbates water scarcity and the cholera crisis.
The outbreak is further fueled by a severe shortage of clean water, a problem affecting both urban and rural areas. The Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) has highlighted water scarcity as a critical factor in the resurgence of cholera. Many communities have endured prolonged periods without an adequate water supply, a situation that has persisted for years and left the population vulnerable to diseases like cholera. Itai Rusike, the executive director of CWGH, stressed that the sanitation and living conditions in Harare have remained poor since the unprecedented cholera outbreak of 2008-2009, with erratic and often questionable-quality potable water supplies.
Rusike called for an urgent response from the public health community and the Ministry of Health and Child Care, emphasizing the need for comprehensive public health measures beyond emergency responses. He highlighted the importance of rescuing the public health system, particularly primary healthcare services, from the brink of collapse.
The unfolding cholera crisis in Harare is a public health catastrophe that requires immediate and concerted efforts to address. The surge in cases, coupled with inadequate sanitation and a severe water shortage, poses a serious threat to public health. The government, local authorities, and relevant stakeholders must collaborate urgently to implement effective solutions. Time is of the essence to prevent a full-blown epidemic and protect the lives of countless Zimbabweans currently at risk. The people of Harare and beyond deserve a swift and responsible action plan to ensure their safety and well-being in the face of this devastating crisis.
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