Government has implemented a ban on all church gatherings during the upcoming Easter holidays at venues without running water due to a surge in cholera cases in Zimbabwe. The ban specifically targets denominations, such as Apostolic sects, that continue to meet in locations lacking safe water and sanitation facilities.
During a post-Cabinet briefing in Harare, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere announced that the country has seen a significant increase in suspected cholera cases, with a total of 29,144 cases reported. This rise in cases has prompted President Emmerson Mnangagwa to direct the installation of solarized water facilities and boreholes at sites like Karuyana Shrine to ensure access to safe water and sanitation.
In preparation for the Easter holidays, the government has intensified monitoring and supervision to prevent the further spread of the deadly bacterial disease. The Ministry of Health and Child Care has been tasked with overseeing all gatherings to minimize the risk of cholera transmission.
Moving forward, church gatherings will not be permitted unless church leaders install solar-powered boreholes or bush pump boreholes. The Health Ministry is also conducting training in case management, surveillance, infection prevention, and social mobilization in various provinces to enhance the response to the cholera outbreak.
Additionally, efforts are being made to raise community awareness in known cholera hotspots, with the establishment of oral rehydration points and cholera treatment camps. The ministry is collaborating with the Apostolic Women Empowerment Trust to train interfaith leaders in Manicaland and Masvingo provinces to strengthen collective initiatives in response to the cholera outbreak.
As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with the cholera crisis, the government is taking proactive measures to protect public health and prevent further spread of the disease during the Easter holidays.
