As Zimbabwe marks one year since the onset of the cholera outbreak, significant strides have been taken to contain the disease. The implementation of the oral cholera vaccine (OCV) has been a crucial development in this fight.
Over 1.4 million individuals have received the oral vaccine within the last two weeks, marking a significant milestone in the campaign against cholera. The OCV, in conjunction with other water and sanitation measures, is considered a vital intervention for cholera control.
Dr. Stephen Karimu, the deputy cholera incident manager at the Ministry of Health and Child Care, emphasized the positive impact of the OCV, stating, “The OCV gave us a breathing space; when one gets one shot, that person is protected for six months.” He further explained that in an ideal setting, two shots administered two to six weeks apart could provide protection for up to three years.
The vaccine has been distributed to high-risk districts across six provinces, with some provinces already achieving 100% vaccination coverage. However, challenges such as the delayed delivery of vaccine doses have hindered the campaign’s progress in certain areas.
As of February 11, Zimbabwe has reported 23,905 suspected cholera cases, with 2,511 confirmed cases and 23,147 recoveries. The country has also recorded 71 confirmed deaths and 454 suspected deaths attributed to the disease. Dr. Karimu highlighted a case fatality rate of 2.2%, indicating an improvement in case management but underscoring the need for further progress to reduce it to less than 1%.
Harare remains the most affected area, accounting for 8,042 reported cases, followed by Manicaland and Masvingo with 5,981 and 2,665 cases, respectively. Conversely, Bulawayo has experienced the least impact, with 29 cumulative cases since the outbreak began.
Dr. Karimu identified current cholera hotspots, including Mbare in Harare, as well as Centenary, Bindura, and Shamva in Mashonaland Central. Additionally, Chitungwiza, specifically Seke, has been identified as a contributing hotspot. The country has established approximately 153 cholera treatment camps nationwide to provide care for those affected by the disease.
As Zimbabwe continues its efforts to combat cholera, the nation faces both progress and challenges in the fight against this infectious disease.
