ReliefWeb

HIGHLIGHTS

• As of 21 November 2018, 10,202 cholera cases with 55 deaths (9,933 suspected and 269 confirmed cases) - case fatality rate of 0.54 per cent has been reported. An estimated 21 per cent of the reported cases are children under 5 years of age.

• As of 3 November, 1,296,270 people out of a target of 1,510,253 (86 per cent) have received the Oral Cholera Vaccine in 15 locations in Harare, Epworth and Chitungwiza.

• Cumulatively, 287,688 people have been reached with critical messages on cholera prevention and management in Harare, Gokwe and Buhera districts since the beginning of the current outbreak.

• Over 30,000 children residing in the cholera-affected districts have been screened for acute malnutrition and 577 children admitted for SAM treatment since the beginning of the outbreak.

• UNICEF partners have provided critical child protection services to 484 children affected by cholera in Glen View and Budiriro suburbs. The support includes assistance with family tracing and reunification.

SITUATION IN NUMBERS

10,202 Cholera cases reported 4 September - 21 November 2018 (9,933 suspected and 269 confirmed cases) (Source: MoHCC-November 2018)

55 Deaths reported 4 September - 21 November 2018 (Source: MoHCC-November 2018)

269 Laboratory confirmed cholera cases reported 4 September - 21 November 2018 (Source: MoHCC-November 2018)

Situation Overview

To date, 10,202 cases (9,933 suspected and 269 confirmed cases) and 55 deaths have been reported in Harare and an additional 18 districts that have recorded sporadic cases, however the outbreak remains concentrated in Harare where over 98 per cent of suspected and confirmed cases have been reported. An estimated 21 per cent of the reported cases are children under 5 years of age. The distribution of cases by gender continues to show that males and females are equally affected. Recurrent interruptions to the water supply in Budiriro 1, 3 and 8, together with poor hygiene practices, are aggravating factors in the remaining areas that are continuously reporting cases.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) and partners conducted phase one of the Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) campaign from 3 October to protect the population most at risk of cholera. As of 3 November, 1,296,270 people out of a target of 1,510,253 (86 per cent) had received the first dose of the Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) in the 15 targeted suburbs of Harare and Chitungwiza towns. The campaign is complementary to an integrated cholera response programme that is centred on water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, community engagement and mobilization, which are key in cholera prevention.