Cholera outbreak kills hundreds in Zimbabwe

A cholera epidemic in Zimbabwe has killed nearly 500 people in the biggest recorded outbreak in the country, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). However, the number of people infected is believed to be significantly more. "Cholera outbreaks in Zimbabwe have occurred annually since 1998, but previous epidemics never reached today's proportions. The last large outbreak was in 1992 with 3,000 cases recorded," the WHO report.

SOS Children has three Children's Villages in the country and is working directly with families and communities to empower them to effectively protect and care for their children.

The outbreak has been aided by the collapse of the country's health system, once among the best in Africa,

collapsing under the weight of the world's highest inflation rate, officially 231 million percent, but now believed to be over 5 quintillion percent. Most hospitals are now unable to provide even basic medicines.

In November, the University of Zimbabwe Medical School, the only institution producing medical doctors in the country, closed indefinitely.

Cholera: A preventative disease

Cholera is a serious infectious disease caused by bacteria which affects the intestinal system of the body. It is one of the most rapidly fatal illnesses known and without immediate medical treatment, may result in death within four to twelve hours after symptoms begin. Cholera is very contagious. It is spread by the unintentional consumption of infected feces that contaminate food and water. It can also be spread through human to human contact.

In developing countries, cholera is prevalent in areas that do not enjoy sanitary living conditions because of poverty and a lack of resources. Many people do not receive information on how the disease is spread, fear seeking medical help or simply do not have access to any kind of treatment. Cholera is not common in developed countries due to the availability of medical treatment, regulated heath standards, clean water and effective sewage systems.

Although cholera can be life-threatening, prevention of the disease is straightforward if proper sanitation practices are followed.

SOS Children providing medical support to children in Zimbabwe

Successive droughts in the region combined with Zimbabwe's political and economic problems, as well as the prevalence of HIV/AIDS have created a worsening situation for most of Zimbabwe's population, and it is estimated that over 6 million people are at risk of starvation.

Close to 2 million people have no access to safe water or sanitation, and there have been increased outbreaks of diseases like cholera.

In areas of Zimbabwe where infrastructure was lacking, SOS Children have established community outreach programmes and medical centres which specialise in providing care for children and their families. In total, we are providing clothing, food, school fees, medical treatment, housing improvements and counselling, to more than 5000 children a year in Zimbabwe.