A Review of the 2008/2009 and 2018/2019 Cholera Outbreaks in Zimbabwe: Call for Public Health Action

Abstract

Cholera is a diarrheal infectious disease that continues to cause morbidity and mortality in Zimbabwe. This study reviews the morbidity and mortality data of cholera in Zimbabwe during the 2008/2009 and 2018/2019 outbreaks, critically discussing the factors responsible for the outbreaks and then suggests recommendations for public health actions. The data used for this study was obtained from the National Health Information and Surveillance Unit under the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Zimbabwe, and other published literature. The 2008/2009 cholera outbreak represents the largest outbreak with a total of 98592 cases and 4288 deaths, Case Fatality Rate (CRF) 4.3%. The most recent outbreak occurred from September 2018 to March2019 where a total of 10730 cases and 69 deaths were recorded, (CRF 0.64%). The deterioration of the water and sewerage infrastructure in the country due to historically low or poor investment in this area together with the declining health infrastructure, and reduced health care staff are the main drivers of outbreaks. Improving these areas is critical for cholera elimination in the country.