16 February 2009

In an effort to stay a jump ahead of the continuing spread of cholera in Zimbabwe, ActionAid is to launch cholera prevention programmes in communities which are still free of infection.

Up till now, UN agencies and non-governmental organisations have concentrated their limited resources on places where the disease is already established.

The cholera outbreak began in the capital, Harare, in August 2008 and has spread to most of the country. There have now been more than 75,000 suspected cases and 3600 deaths. The UN said on 13 February that the outbreak is now subsiding in urban areas, but spreading in rural areas.

George Matonhodze, coordinator of ActionAid's anti-cholera campaign, said: "In those districts and areas which have experienced outbreaks there are still wards which might not have experienced cases. This is where we are now focussing in addition to those areas which have experienced cases. People need to be informed well in advance."

In Nyanga, Hwedza, Makoni, Umzingwane, Nkayi and Bulawayo districts, where Actionaid already works, local partners will be trained to run cholera prevention campaigns similar to those already operating in Harare. They will not confine their activities to communities where cases of cholera have already appeared.

ActionAid's existing urban campaigns - now strengthened by the recruitment of three temporary workers - use a variety of methods to raise awareness and educate communities about cholera. Volunteers go door-to-door through residential areas. They distribute leaflets, water purifying tablets, buckets, jerry cans and soap.

Dance-drama performances with a health message have been held in eight Harare townships. Several church leaders have allowed trained volunteers from ActionAid's partner organisations to give a ten-minute cholera awareness training session during or after church services.

Another training session, held with the Disabled Women Support Organisation, addressed the problems faced by people with disabilities when trying to prevent cholera or deal with an infection.

ActionAid and partners have organised operations to clear rubbish from the streets in the Harare townships of Chitungwiza, Glenview, Highfield, Kambuzuma, Mabvuku and Mufakose.

The WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) cluster of UN, government and non-governmental agencies coordinates the fight against cholera in Zimbabwe. Within the WASH cluster ActionAid is the focal point agency for the cholera response in Umzingwane district, Matabeleland South.