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What happened, where and when?
Zimbabwe has recorded a surge in cholera cases, which have reached critical levels, necessitating urgent interventions. Harare reported its first case on December 6, 2024, in the Belvedere squatter camp. The outbreak, also reported on December 19, 2024, in Mazowe District, Bindura, Kariba, Mt Darwin, Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe (UMP), Beitbridge, Chiredzi, and Hwedza, has escalated rapidly, with cumulative cases reaching 579 and 13 fatalities recorded as of March 12, 2025.
This cholera outbreak is particularly alarming due to its unprecedented spread into areas that were previously unaffected by the disease, such as Hwedza and UMP. Historically, cholera outbreaks in Zimbabwe have been concentrated in urban centers and known hotspot districts with fragile water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure. However, the current outbreak has breached these traditional patterns, affecting both rural and peri-urban areas that had not previously reported cases, signaling a worrying shift in disease dynamics.
The scale of this outbreak is also significantly above normal thresholds, with case numbers rising at an accelerated rate. The widespread geographic distribution of cases, coupled with the high transmission rate, suggests deeper systemic challenges in WASH access and public health preparedness. Contributing factors include increasing pressure on already overstretched health services, erratic water supply, and limited sanitation infrastructure in newly affected areas.
The affected regions require urgent interventions, including increased access to clean water, enhanced disease surveillance, improved case management, strengthened community awareness, and intensified coordination among health authorities and response partners.
Without immediate and sustained action, the outbreak could continue spreading to new areas, leading to further loss of life and an escalating public health crisis.