MARTIN MAWAYA
HARARE-The Government of Japan has poured US$774,000 grant for the emergency cholera response in Manicaland Province.
The funding, channelled through United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), aims to break the cycle of cholera transmission in the most vulnerable communities in the province, which has been hard hit by the medieval disease.
In addition, the grant will provide a comprehensive range of life-saving support in areas such as access to safe water; provision of critical hygiene materials, healthcare, and nutrition; child protection; as well as other essential social services.
The funding comes at a time when the country has been grappling with the cholera outbreak since February 2023, recording more than 20,000 cholera cases and over 400 deaths.
With Manicaland and Harare being the hardest hit provinces, accounting to 64% of all cholera cases.
In a joint statement released yesterday, UNICEF Representative in Zimbabwe, Dr Tajudeen Oyewale commended the government of Japan for supporting health emergencies.
“We are extremely grateful to the Government of Japan for this support. This support exemplifies the commitment of the Government of Japan to the people of Zimbabwe to address the urgent needs of the affected communities and build resilience in the face of public health emergencies,” he said.
Dr Oyewale added that the newly allocated funding will help the Government of Zimbabwe, UNICEF, and their partners to scale-up the multi-sectoral cholera response in affected areas.
“Prioritising improved support and treatment to people infected by cholera; securing access to safe water with a special emphasis on the rehabilitation of sustainable, climate-resilient boreholes to ensure a lasting supply of safe water; and disseminating messages on cholera prevention and treatment through mass media platforms and interpersonal communication channels,” he said.
The Ambassador of Japan to Zimbabwe, Shinichi Yamanaka, said the grant “support will allow the most vulnerable people to recover quickly and rebuild their lives”.
Adding that the intervention will help to curb further spread of the contagious disease and future outbreaks.
Since the start of the cholera outbreak, UNICEF working with the Ministry of Health and Child Care and partners, established more than 50 cholera treatment centres and more than 90 community oral rehydration points in affected areas.
The world organization has also provided technical and operational support for the cholera vaccination campaign targeting 2.3 million people in the most affected districts.
With more than 2,200 health workers on case management, surveillance, and infection control in treatment facilities being trained.
According to UNICEF, the initiatives has reached more than 260,000 people with critical water, sanitation, hygiene supplies and 5 million people with cholera preventative messages, health-and-hygiene measures and the importance of seeking medical treatment early, particularly for children.
