In the week ending October 6, 2024, Zimbabwe recorded a concerning total of 8,399 cases of common diarrhea, resulting in five deaths, according to the Ministry of Health and Child Care. Among the reported cases, 3,798 involved children under the age of five, highlighting a significant health crisis affecting the youngest population.
The Ministry’s surveillance report noted that the fatalities occurred in Harare, with four deaths attributed to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, and one death reported in Chegutu. This represents a slight decrease in mortality compared to the previous week, which saw nine deaths linked to diarrhea.
The report also detailed that Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East were the provinces with the highest incidence of cases, registering 1,371 and 1,308 cases, respectively. Cumulatively, the country has recorded 284,702 cases of common diarrhea and 150 deaths since the beginning of the year.
The ongoing water crisis in Zimbabwe, where many residents have faced months without reliable access to tap water, has exacerbated the situation. Many communities have resorted to using shallow wells and boreholes that are often contaminated with sewage, leading to frequent outbreaks of waterborne diseases, including diarrhea and cholera.
In addition to diarrhea cases, the Health Ministry also reported 628 cases of malaria, with two associated deaths occurring in Hurungwe District in Mashonaland West and Mwenezi District in Masvingo. Of the malaria cases, 73 were children under five years old. Cumulatively, there have been 36,674 malaria cases and 82 deaths reported this year. The current health challenges underscore the urgent need for improved water and sanitation infrastructure, as well as increased public health efforts to combat waterborne diseases and malaria in Zimbabwe.
In other news – Chimombe and Mpofu confront new challenge
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of Zimbabwe has announced its intention to oppose an application filed by jailed businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu. The duo is seeking to have their US$7 million fraud case referred to the Constitutional Court, but the NPA argues that the application lacks merit and is based on unsubstantiated claims of rights violations during their trial.
In a notice of opposition signed by prosecutor Whisper Mabhaudhi, the NPA stated, “The application for referral to the Constitutional Court is devoid of any merit.” Read More
