Speaking during a provincial commemoration of World Habitat Day at Dulivhadzimo Stadium, Dr Chikodzore said the three cases recorded in Beitbridge had been successfully contained and that cholera treatment camps had been set at most hospitals across the province.
“Cholera is a preventable disease that is used as a barometer of inadequate access to safe clean water and sanitation,” said Dr Chikodzore.
“The provision of safe drinking water and sanitation facilities plays a role in preventing the spread of cholera and typhoid.
We have put in place measures to effectively contain the spread of any further infections in the area (Tshapfuche).
Our teams are rolling out various awareness campaigns and surveillance programmes to ensure we don’t have the recurrence of the disease.
“Some of the initiatives include the promotion of basic hygiene and monitoring of all diarrhoeal cases in the area.” She said they were also worried about the lack of sanitation and ablution facilities in Beitbridge which stand at 22 percent.
According to Dr Chikodzore, the provincial medical directorate was well prepared for cholera and typhoid.
Dr Chikodzore said there was need to revamp ageing water and sanitation infrastructure at most health institutions in the province, especially at Beitbridge, Gwanda and Maphisa hospitals.
“We call upon town councils and municipalities to look into issues of water and sanitation with the urgency they deserve.
“It is important that we put heads together and pool resources so that we address water and sanitation related challenges,” she said.