The government has prohibited all religious leaders from hosting open events at locations without running water during the Easter break due to an increase in cholera cases, some of which have been fatal.
Authorities expressed alarm over certain faiths’ continued gatherings in areas without sanitary facilities and safe water, especially Apostolic sects.
Acting Health and Child Care Minister Paul Mavima provided Cabinet with an update on the national response to the cholera outbreak, according to Information Minister Jenfan Muswere, who presented the post-Cabinet briefing in Harare on Tuesday.
According to Muswere, Zimbabwe has a total of 29,144 suspected cases of cholera. Compared to the 27 182 suspected cases, 2 734 confirmed cases, and 26 482 recoveries reported on March 5, this is an increase.
The fact that some churches still meet in locations without access to clean water or sanitary facilities was highlighted with concern by the Cabinet. Since then, among other places, His Excellency the President, Cde. Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has ordered the installation of solarized water facilities and boreholes to guarantee the supply of clean water and sanitary amenities at Karuyana Shrine, according to Muswere.
Ahead of Easter celebrations, the minister emphasised that the government has increased oversight and monitoring to stop the fatal bacterial disease from spreading.
“In light of the impending Easter holidays, the Cabinet has directed the Ministry of Health and Child Care to intensify monitoring and supervision of all gatherings to minimise the spread of cholera.
“Cabinet further directed that going forward, no church gatherings must take place until church leaders install solar powered boreholes or bush pump boreholes as Zimbabwe’s cumulative suspected cholera cases are 29 144,” said Muswere.
In order to supplement workers who have already received training, he pointed out that the Health Ministry is still providing integrated training in case management, surveillance, infection prevention and control, and social mobilisation for the provinces of Midlands, Masvingo, Mashonaland Central, and Mashonaland West.
“Known hotspots are being targeted with community awareness and the deployment of oral rehydration points and establishment of cholera treatment camps.”
Additionally, it has been stated that the ministry is collaborating with Apostolic Women Empowerment Trust to train interfaith leaders in the provinces of Masvingo and Manicaland in order to enhance joint and group efforts to combat the cholera and polio outbreaks.