WHO Says Providing Experts, Medicines For Cholera Outbreak In Zimbabwe's Capital Of Harare

WHO Says Providing Experts, Medicines for Cholera Outbreak in Zimbabwe's Capital of Harare

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday that it was supporting the Zimbabwean authorities in their efforts to tackle the cholera outbreak in the capital city of Harare by deploying experts, and providing medicines and medical devices.

MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 13th September, 2018) The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday that it was supporting the Zimbabwean authorities in their efforts to tackle the cholera outbreak in the capital city of Harare by deploying experts, and providing medicines and medical devices.

According to the Zimbabwean Ministry of Health and Child Care, at least 2,000 suspected cholera cases, including 58 confirmed cases and 24 deaths, have been recorded in Harare since the start of the outbreak on September 1.

"WHO is supporting the Ministry of Health and Child Care to fight the outbreak by strengthening the coordination of the response and mobilizing national and international health experts to form a cholera surge team ... WHO is providing cholera kits which contain oral rehydration solution, intravenous fluids and antibiotics to cholera treatment centres," the organization said in a press release said.

The WHO will also provide technical support to laboratories and send an expert who would help local health authorities with their campaign to promote the cholera vaccine if it was found to be effective.

In light of the cholera outbreak, the Zimbabwean government has declared a state of emergency. According to local media, the outbreak, which started in Harare, has now spread to four other provinces.