Zimbabwe’s cholera epidemic is approaching an end as reflected in the recent steady decline in reported cases. The outbreak is now confined to six districts, representing 11% of the 55 affected areas. Sporadic cases continue to be reported, although they have been concentrated in four of the country’s 10 provinces, chiefly Harare, Manicaland, Masvingo and Midlands. Its confinement to limited areas indicates that cholera is now restricted to a few spots. This creates an opportunity to concentrate remaining resources on the affected areas in order to stop the epidemic. The sustained decline in reported cases raises optimism and signifies the epidemic’s approaching end. However, while celebrating the outbreak’s decline, it is imperative to maintain vigilance. Further, sustainable long-term solutions are required to address the underlying causes such as limited access to safe water, break down of sewage systems and poor sanitation conditions.
Since August 2008, Zimbabwe has experienced its worst cholera epidemic in recent years, with more than 98,000 cases and 4,200 deaths being reported over a period of 10 months.