Cholera Outbreak Shuts Down Zimbabwe’s Mkoba Teachers College
As cases rise, Zimbabweans have been urged to be extra vigilant.
GWERU, Zimbabwe - Mkoba Teachers College, one of Zimbabwe’s largest teacher training institutions, has been temporarily closed due to a cholera outbreak, writes Naome Chisala.
The college, located in the Midlands province, reported 500 cases of cholera, leading to its closure on Wednesday.
In a letter dated November 13, addressed to the Midlands provincial medical director, Mary Muchekeza, the health ministry ordered the temporary closure of the college to contain the spread of cholera.
“As of November 13 at 6 p.m., the college had reported a total of 508 diarrheal cases cumulatively since the onset on the 3rd of the same month,” said Muchekeza.
Preliminary results reveal poor kitchen hygiene at the college, with cross-contamination of foodstuffs due to improper storage methods, fly infestations, and non-medically investigated food handlers.
“We recommend temporary closure of the institution and postponement of all scheduled events for 14 days until all recommendations made to the institution have been thoroughly met,” Muchekeza added.
The college will remain closed for 14 days, after which health officials will assess whether it can reopen. Muchekedza emphasised that the ministry’s major priority is to prevent the transmission and re-infection of the deadly waterborne disease.
Zimbabwe is currently grappling with a cholera outbreak, with 7,000 cases reported due to a failed water delivery system.
Some residents in the capital city, Harare, rely on wells for water. Health officials warn that cholera is spreading across Zimbabwe, causing havoc for months.
In 2008, a total of 4,287 people died from cholera in the country. The current outbreak has raised concerns among the population.
The Zimbabwean government is considering banning street vendors from selling food, a move that could be challenging given the country’s high unemployment rate, with 95% of its potential workforce out of work.
Authorities cite insufficient funds to provide clean water and upgrade ageing equipment and facilities. Health workers are striving to help those who are sick, but public hospitals face a shortage of medicines.
As cases rise, Zimbabweans have been urged to be extra vigilant.