An urgent call for government action has been issued following an outbreak of elephantiasis in Mashonaland West province, Zimbabwe. The parasitic disease, which affects the lymphatic system and is transmitted by infected mosquitoes, has been reported in Kariba and Mhondoro Ngezi.
The outbreak was initially detected when several pupils in rural Kariba exhibited symptoms of the disease. Kariba legislator Shine Gwangwava reported that tests revealed about 21 affected students. Schools such as Kalundu, Mola, and Kauzhumba each recorded two cases, while Kasvisva, Msambakaruma, Kanyati, Negande, and Kadziro had three cases each.
Gwangwava expressed concerns about the long-term impact of the disease, highlighting that it can have lasting effects across generations. He noted that the infection is prevalent along the Zambezi Valley, where local tributaries create ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. In response, the Ministry of Health and Child Care has initiated a 10-day mass drug administration campaign in the affected areas. The campaign is scheduled to start on Monday and aims to tackle the high prevalence of lymphatic filariasis, the medical term for elephantiasis.
Chief Negande, a traditional leader in the region, has supported the vaccination program and urged communities to comply with the health measures. “If the research was conducted and medical experts deemed it necessary to administer medication, the traditional leadership approves the move,” Chief Negande stated. He emphasized the importance of community acceptance and cooperation with the vaccination efforts.
George Kambondo, the provincial health promotion officer for Mashonaland West, outlined that the mass drug administration will involve the distribution of three types of medications to prevent the disease. He encouraged the affected communities to take part in the free campaign to help combat the neglected tropical disease.
Itai Rusike, executive director of the Community Working Group on Health, stressed the need for the government to focus on the elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). He called for enhanced health education and community awareness campaigns about diseases like lymphatic filariasis. Rusike also emphasized the importance of training community health workers and improving hygiene practices to prevent and control NTDs.
Furthermore, Rusike advocated for better distribution of treated mosquito nets and indoor residual spraying programs to reduce mosquito breeding and transmission of the disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 882 million people in 44 countries remain at risk of elephantiasis, requiring preventive treatment to halt the spread of this parasitic infection. WHO’s website notes that over nine billion cumulative treatments have been administered since 2000 to combat the disease.
“Lymphatic filariasis can be eliminated by halting the spread of infection through preventive chemotherapy with safe medicine combinations, administered annually,” the WHO statement reads. The outbreak in Mashonaland West highlights the critical need for continued vigilance and coordinated efforts in public health to manage and eventually eradicate neglected tropical diseases.
In other news – University of Zimbabwe celebrates first graduates under education 5.0 model
This Friday marked a historic occasion at the University of Zimbabwe as the institution celebrated its first graduating class under the pioneering Education 5.0 model. The ceremony, presided over by the University’s Chancellor, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, saw 6,778 graduates conferred degrees, including 16 Doctor of Philosophy degrees, 11 Masters in Philosophy, and 5,319 undergraduate degrees. Additionally, 1,432 graduates received various postgraduate degrees.
The Education 5.0 model, introduced in December 2020, emphasizes integrating academic knowledge with practical applications to address real-world challenges. Read More
