UNICEF Continues To Battle Cholera Outbreak

UNICEF continues to battle cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe

18 January 2009. -- More than 2,200 people have died so far in Zimbabwe's cholera outbreak, with the cumulative number of cases reaching 42,000. In addition, the education system is showing signs of collapse, the health system is deteriorating and food security for children is worsening.

The UN Children's Fund continues to work on the ground in Zimbabwe along with its partners, providing substantial quantities of medical and water-related supplies to combat the cholera outbreak. This includes the supply of more than 12 million water purification tablets, almost 60,000 jerry cans and buckets, more than 125,000 bars of soap, and almost 50,000 educational flyers and posters.

UNICEF has been providing 70 per cent of Zimbabwe's essential medicines. UNICEF is also trucking 500,000 litres of clean water to cholera affected areas around Harare each day, is treating local water supplies, and over the next four months will support the drilling of 100 boreholes in areas in need of water.

The food security situation is worsening, with many adults only eating one meal a day and almost 200,000 children expected to suffer from acute malnutrition and in need of supplementary feeding during this year.

UNICEF's New York-based Executive Director Ann M. Veneman, has just visited Zimbabwe, the first head of a UN agency to visit the country in three years.

“The cholera outbreak is the tip of the iceberg,” said Veneman, “The economy in Zimbabwe is crumbling, with the highest inflation rate in the world at 231 million percent. Over half the population is receiving food aid, health centers have closed and when the school term starts there is no guarantee that there will be enough teachers.”

Veneman met with President Mugabe and key stakeholders. Discussions underscored the humanitarian impact on women and children.

Veneman announced that the UN will make available US$5 million for the health sector in Zimbabwe as the country copes with the on-going cholera outbreak and the effects of collapsing social services.

ends

© Scoop Media