Government defends treatment of cholera patients under trees
By Staff Reporter
Government has defended the treatment of cholera victims under trees after horrifying images of patients scattered on the ground in Mapanza, Chiredzi with health staff in attendance went viral on social media on Sunday.
Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services permanent secretary Nick Mangwana said the condemned act was necessary to save the lives of patients at the time.
“When a Cholera case or cholera outbreak is registered, Health Authorities will dispatch a Rapid Response Team to the place,” Mangwana said.
“The suspected cases are promptly treated – onsite because when it comes to cholera treatment, every minute counts.
“Whilst treatment is done tents will organised and pitched.
“This was the case in the Mapanza area of Chiredzi.”
Mangwana added, “The current cholera outbreak is affecting a number of countries in the region. According to the @WHOZimbabwe, the long-term solution for cholera control lies in economic development and universal access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.
“This is why you see that President Emmerson Mnangagwa has rolled out several potable water and WASH projects for every village in this country.
“In 6 years of power, he has commenced the construction of a number of dams from which water will be conveyed by urban local authorities.”
Images of the bush treatment on patients spotlighted on government’s failure to put in place adequate investment into the country’s health delivery sector.
Opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) blamed the crisis on poor prioritisation by the Zanu PF led authority.
“The collapsed healthcare system and the regime’s failure to provide clean and safe water for the citizens have contributed to this situation,” said the party in a post on X.
“While the regime spends over USD11 million on unnecessary by-elections, cholera victims are left without proper treatment facilities, forcing medical personnel to improvise in order to save lives. The regime has proved beyond doubt that it lacks respect for the lives of the citizens.”
