With essential services in disarray, Zimbabwe was ill-prepared to deal with the cholera epidemic which at its peak saw around 3,800 new infections each week.
By early June, 100,000 cases had been reported with more than 4,200 deaths attributed to the disease. The wide-scale response of non-governmental organisations working across Zimbabwe was critical in curbing this outbreak.
Christian Aid partners’ response
Christian Aid partners actively responded to the cholera outbreak and by early April their work had reduced the number of new cases emerging each week to 2,000 people.
Donations to Christian Aid's Zimbabwe appeal meant Christian Aid was able to provide £50,000 to the Zimbabwe Project Trust to work in two of the worst affected areas of Harare. Here the trust supplied emergency sanitary packs containing items such as soap and disinfectant as well as jerry cans for storing water.
Continuing risk of disease
However, while key infrastructure such as sewage and water works remains broken down, the population will continue to be at risk from cholera and other killer diseases.
Christian Aid believes it is essential for its partners to continue to raise awareness within these communities about how they can avoid infection if the epidemic is to be stopped.
Your continued support will allow Christian Aid partners to continue to educate people in how to reduce risks to their health and to respond to any further outbreaks.