Zimbabwe cholera outbreak: Red Cross response
Article provided by the International Committee of the Red Cross
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) continues to step up its response to the cholera epidemic in Zimbabwe with the arrival of two health specialists in the country. The disease has claimed almost 600 lives and about 14,000 cases have been recorded, according to humanitarian agencies.
The ICRC has increased its complement with a doctor specializing in infectious diseases and a medical logistician with expertise in health, hygiene and sanitation.
"Since yesterday they have been assessing the situation in order to determine how we can do more to help those who have contracted cholera or are at risk of developing the disease," said Dr Benjamin Fouda, the ICRC's health coordinator in Zimbabwe.
The newly arrived specialists are assessing the impact of the cholera outbreak in remote areas of Chivi, Makoni and Tsholotho districts, where the ICRC is providing support for 19 health facilities, and in eight clinics in Harare. They are reviewing curative and preventive measures already taken, including hygiene and sanitation, waste management, and community awareness initiatives. The results of their assessment will help the ICRC improve cholera case management and support emergency preparedness in clinics that have so far been free of cholera cases
The arrival of the two specialists follows the delivery of 13 tonnes of medical supplies to the ICRC in Harare last week. The shipment included a complete cholera kit weighing over six tonnes and containing about 4,000 litres of rehydration fluids, oral rehydration salts, infusion sets, antibiotics, needles, gloves and other medical supplies. The items will be distributed in the coming days to health-care centres.
The ICRC is coordinating its response to the cholera outbreak with partners within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and other humanitarian organizations with a view to ensuring a concerted and effective response.
The Canadian Red Cross is monitoring the situation and is currently on standby to support the International Red Cross Movement if requested.
Cick here for more information about the ICRC’s work in Zimbabwe.
