Government Issues Diarrhoea Alert

Also Read Below: *…As Government Sweats Over Soaring Malaria Cases*

https://chat.whatsapp.com/F7Tw6Ad4p217w70TQvQzMA

The government has issued a nationwide health alert following a surge in diarrhoea and other infectious diseases across Zimbabwe, according to the latest epidemiological report from the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

The alert comes as health authorities warn of rising cases of influenza, malaria, dysentery, and common diarrhoea, particularly affecting children under five years old.

According to the Health Ministry’s weekly disease surveillance update, influenza remains widespread, with 5 220 new suspected cases reported this week and two deaths recorded at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare. Manicaland (1 884 cases) and Mashonaland West (1 556 cases) were the hardest-hit provinces. Cumulatively, 276 054 influenza cases and six deaths have been reported nationwide this year.

Dysentery also remains a concern, with 357 new cases and one death reported this week. Mashonaland West recorded 77 cases, followed by Mashonaland Central and Manicaland with 55 each. The cumulative figure now stands at 12 979 cases and five deaths since the start of the year.

Malaria continues to pose a major public health challenge, claiming 12 lives this week out of 3 021 new cases. Fatalities were recorded in Harare Metropolitan, Mashonaland East, Manicaland, Matabeleland North, Mashonaland West, and Matabeleland South. Among the new cases, 363 involved children under five years old. Mashonaland East led with 1 202 cases, followed by Mashonaland Central with 895. The total malaria burden this year has reached 147 556 cases and 401 deaths.

Meanwhile, common diarrhoea cases remain worryingly high, with 9 261 new cases reported this week — nearly half involving children under five. Mashonaland West (1 679) and Mashonaland Central (1 360) reported the highest numbers. Since January, Zimbabwe has recorded 257 714 diarrhoea cases and 152 deaths.

The Health Ministry also reported eight anthrax cases in Gokwe North, Midlands Province, though no deaths have been recorded. To date, there have been 125 anthrax cases this year, all non-fatal.

Dog bites continue to be a frequent health concern, with 553 new cases recorded this week — including 103 from vaccinated dogs, 96 from unvaccinated dogs, and 354 from dogs of unknown vaccination status. Masvingo (80 cases) and Manicaland (79 cases) reported the highest numbers. Zimbabwe has so far registered 21 201 dog bite incidents this year, though no related deaths have been reported.

The Ministry of Health urged communities to maintain high levels of hygiene, ensure safe drinking water, and seek prompt medical attention for any diarrhoeal symptoms, especially among young children, as the rainy season approaches.

*…As Government Sweats Over Soaring Malaria Cases*

Government is facing mounting criticism as malaria continues to claim lives across Zimbabwe, with Mashonaland West province reporting 78 deaths since January this year.

Observers say the spike highlights systemic failures in the government’s health response and raises questions about preparedness in malaria-prone areas.

Government sources said on Thursday that they are intensifying efforts through community awareness programs, vaccination campaigns, and larva scoping in stagnant water bodies. Community-based health workers are at the forefront, bringing services directly to households.

Nyakasikana Village health worker Mr Friday Kavhinga told the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation : “We test people right at their homes and refer serious cases to the clinic. Before, people would travel long distances, but now help is at their doorstep.”

Despite these interventions, Hurungwe district alone has recorded 28 deaths, marking it as one of the hardest-hit areas in Mashonaland West. Health officials attribute the surge to irregular rainfall patterns and inadequate preventive infrastructure.

“Hurungwe remains one of the hardest districts hit by malaria in Mashonaland West. We have recorded 28 deaths, and our teams are working tirelessly to reduce this number as we head into the rainy season. We are installing new diagnostic machines, Chemistry Analyser, ensuring adequate drug supplies, and intensifying spraying and awareness programs. The goal is to curb new infections and prevent avoidable deaths,” said a source in the Ministry of Health and Child Care last week.