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| Zimbabwe: IFRC ramps up assistance in response to escalating cholera crisis in the Southern African region 3 December 2008 As the humanitarian situation worsens in Zimbabwe, the IFRC is increasing its support of cholera prevention activities throughout the country. Latest estimates put the total of reported cholera cases at over 12,500 and at least 500 deaths. The situation is expected to worsen as rainfall increases, and the flood season begins. In response to the deteriorating situation, the IFRC released more than 200,000 Swiss francs to support the initial response of the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society to the outbreak. This has enabled Red Cross volunteers, in the last two weeks, to reach more than 11,000 people in seven provinces with health and hygiene messages in English, Shona and Ndebele. The funds have also been used to provide cholera kits and water purification equipment which are being distributed to communities in affected areas. “The most effective way to fight cholera is prevention. We are working to empower communities to take the steps needed to protect themselves from this deadly but curable and preventable disease,” said John Fleming, the IFRC’s Southern Africa health and care coordinator. Cholera has also been posing serious health risks across the border in South Africa, where approximately six deaths and 400 cases have been reported so far. The Musina branch of the South African Red Cross Society has mobilized its staff and volunteers to carry out educational activities by widely distributing prevention information leaflets as well as providing support to health authorities. “Cholera is a disease that is endemic in this region, and Red Cross societies have well-established contingency plans and are prepared to respond as efficiently as possible, in cooperation with authorities and other stakeholders” said John Fleming. The IFRC has also released more than 82,000 Swiss francs for cholera prevention in Mozambique. Since June 2008, almost 8,000 cases have been reported in Mozambique and nearly 10,000 in Angola, triggering the activation of cholera contingency plans for their national Red Cross societies. For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact: Nooshin Erfani (Johannesburg) Tel: + 27 (0) 84 283 1445 Matthew Cochrane (in the field, visiting Musina) Tel: + 27 (0) 83 395 52 66 Notes to editors: Relief items being distributed in Zimbabwe include 500,000 “water maker” sachets (enough to purify 10 million litres of water), nearly 7,000 blankets and 2,000 jerry cans. To assist with simple hygiene, Zimbabwe Red Cross is also distributing 380 latrine platforms and more than 5,000 bars of soap. As part of its long-term water and sanitation programme, Zimbabwe Red Cross has just completed the drilling of 70 new boreholes, as well as 130 rehabilitated hand pumps and 400 latrines, through its projected, funded by ACP/EU, which serves 100,000 people in the Mt Darwin district. Cholera Cholera is caused by the bacteria vibrio cholerae. People contract cholera through drinking water or eating food that is contaminated with the bacteria, or through contact with flies. In outbreak situations, cholera occurs in people above the age of two. Common signs and symptoms: Severe watery diarrhea, sometimes with vomiting that leads to loss of large amounts of body fluids that, in turn, causes severe dehydration, weakness and potentially death The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 186 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. © International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies |
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