Since the outbreak of Cholera in February 2023 in Chegutu, Mashonaland West Province- Zimbabwe there have been 26 503 suspected cholera cases, 71 laboratory-confirmed deaths, 490 suspected cholera deaths and 2 633 laboratory-confirmed reported cases to date. Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The risk factors associated with the transmission of cholera include a lack of proper drinking water, poor sanitation, high population density and overcrowding. People on the move are more likely to contract cholera because access to clean water and sanitation facilities during travel are limited. In response to this, IOM Zimbabwe collaborated with health authorities in various cholera infection prevention and control activities for the benefit of migrants and host communities. IOM promotes comprehensive, preventive, and curative health programmes which are beneficial, accessible, and equitable for migrants and mobile populations.

WASH

IOM supported Beitbridge Municipality to resuscitate 5 water kiosks, located in migrants’ congregation points and large fresh produce markets. The water kiosks improved access to clean drinking and handwashing water for migrants and local communities.

Surveillance

IOM collaborated with the Ministry of Health and Childcare to conduct community event-based surveillance training sessions to strengthen the country’s ability to detect potential disease outbreaks early to minimise their impact on public health. Participants were equipped to identify signs and symptoms of suspected cholera cases, understand the role of the community in outbreak detection and investigation, provide minimum information for prompt investigation, and know how to report infectious diseases that can spread from one area to another. 49 community health workers, environmental health practitioners, community nurses and district medical officers in Bulawayo, Masvingo and Beitbridge took part in the training.

RCCE

IOM engaged a local radio station to regularly broadcast and displayed posters in key areas to inform migrants and host communities on ways they can prevent and curb the spread of cholera.

Integrated outreach

IOM facilitated the rollout of a 5-day outreach campaign to influence social and behavioural change amongst migrants and host communities, reminding the public about risky health behaviours that not only pose a threat to lives but also contribute to the current cholera transmissions. The outreach team visited several areas in Beitbridge including Zezani, Makakabule, Mtetengwe and Mazunga where the team went door to door distributing NFI kits, conducting contact tracing and rapid diagnostic testing for community member presenting cholera symptoms.

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For more information contact Fadzai Nyamande-Pangeti fnyamandepan@iom.int