Hundreds of people have died of cholera this year in Zimbabwe, where the lack of adequate water and sanitation fuels an uncontrolled outbreak
In Zimbabwe, water supply challenges, lack of access to sanitation and hygiene, and prolonged dry seasons caused by climate change have exacerbated a cholera outbreak that has killed hundreds of people this year.
The latest outbreak began in the town of Chegutu, about 60 miles south of the capital city, Harare, where the first patient with cholera was reported in February 2023. The number of cases increased throughout 2023, spreading to 10 provinces throughout the country. Cholera cases are still rising, with 35,000 recorded cases and 600 deaths in 2024 alone.
Zimbabwe is grappling with the second-largest cholera outbreak in its history, with cases rapidly spreading across the country. It started on February 12, 2023, and to date, more than 600 people have died from cholera and over 35,000 have been infected. To save lives and prevent more people from falling sick, Zimbabwe has to invest in its water sanitation and hygiene infrastructure.
Cholera is a potentially deadly disease that is caused by bacteria that live in water. Access to clean water, proper sanitation infrastructure, and hygiene measures reduce the likelihood and severity of cholera outbreaks. Recurring outbreaks in Zimbabwe are a problem caused by old and degraded water and sewage systems in urban areas. Certain cities, such as Harare, have endured months without running water, with raw sewage becoming a common sight in the densely populated suburbs.
