Zimbabwe Survives Cholera, But Long-Term Aid Needed

July 1, 2009 

Relief agencies in Zimbabwe are continuing emergency operations in response to the country’s cholera outbreaks and desperate need for food and medical care.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), who has been working in Zimbabwe for almost 30 years, reported that since the beginning of 2009 there has been a clear shift towards emergency operations. Officials reported that the cholera outbreak is the worst epidemic to hit the country in 14 years.

“Years of economic hardship have affected many Zimbabweans’ access to health care, food and water,” said Thomas Merkelbach, head of the ICRC regional delegation in Harare. “Recent months have seen a certain increase in regional and international support, but long-term investment will be needed to rebuild the country’s public services. The needs are huge, many people live in great poverty, and food production is unlikely to rise in the near future.”

World Vision officials reported that they have seen the spread of cholera in Zimbabwe slow considerably in the past few months. However, the need for food and aid in the country is still overwhelming.

“While cholera did spread across the border into South Africa, and in Zimbabwe the number of cases reached 100,000, we are pleased to report that the outbreak has now tapered significantly,” said Debebe Dawit, World Vision’s emergency management officer for Africa. “The situation is certainly getting better. Cholera spreads in areas where there is poor water quality and poor sanitation. By addressing those issues the cholera outbreak has slowed and the people are not at as high a risk.”

“Our immediate concern now is water and sanitation and food security. As I mentioned, water and sanitation are essential to stemming the cholera outbreak and preventing future outbreaks. And food security is a concern because of the poor crop harvests in some sections of the country this year.”

According to U.N. estimates, about 5.1 million people are affected by the current food insecurity. Schools were closed at the end of last year and failed to reopen at the beginning of this year following a salary dispute between teachers and the government. Hospitals were also closed following a massive exodus of staff in protest against poor remunerations and working conditions.

World Vision, which began operation in Zimbabwe in 1973, reiterated that they are always focused on the humanitarian needs of the people they serve. Their concerns are similar to that of ICRC.

“There is great need in Zimbabwe for short-term relief as well as long-term development,” said Dawit. “We work with communities to help them become self-sustaining and educate them in areas such as health and farming so that they can lift themselves out of poverty.”