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WHO hails Zanzibar for the fight against cholera

THE World Health Organization (WHO) has commended the government of Zanzibar for the high level commitment it had made in the fight against cholera outbreak.
Despite having been commended, the government was however reminded that the multi-sectoral collaboration created during the peak of the cholera outbreak should continue whereas communities have to take charge of their health.
The current cholera outbreak in Zanzibar has claimed 68 lives and affected more than 4,326 people in the past ten months which is described as the longest cholera outbreak in the history of Zanzibar.
Speaking over the weekend on the steps taken by the government in controlling the disease, WHO Representative, Dr Rufaro Chatora noted that the reduction in number of cholera cases is due to the high level of political commitment and leadership, multi-sectoral collaboration, community participation and excellent partnership between the government and various stakeholders including NGOs, UN and other development partners.
Dr Chatora asserted that it no satisfying that a few number of patients have been spotted compared in the past where most of the cholera isolation camps were crowded and busy in March and mid May.
He urged the public to drink boiled or treated water, wash hands, use latrine properly and ensure food safety.
He however said the government should support services such as water treatment for piped water sources and enforcement and monitoring of public health bylaws compliance.
“Those basic steps will enable us to control the current outbreak and avoid similar outbreaks in the future,” he stressed noting that the climate change, urbanization and slum dwelling which are associated with lack of safe water supply, hygiene and sanitation will still continue to fuel cholera and other water borne diseases.
He said the move requires strengthening the surveillance system, engaging the community, strengthening the emergency preparedness and response and promoting multi sectoral collaboration.
Dr Chatora further said WHO,UNICEF, NGOs and development partners are pleased with the government’s efforts and pledged to look forward working with it to avoid similar outbreaks in the future.
For his part, Zanzibar Health minister, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo said despite the reduction number of cases in the country, the public should continue to adhere to good hygienic practices to avoid another outbreak.

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