^{_{By Tatenda Chimbwanda}}

Mutare, Zimbabwe  – In a significant step towards strengthening the cholera response in Zimbabwe, the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, Professor Jean-Marie Dangou, handed over a critical consignment of cholera commodities and supplies to the Mutare Provincial Medical Director's office on 16 November 2023. This donation, made possible through the generous funding of the Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE), will strengthen the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) in combatting the ongoing cholera outbreak.

Zimbabwe's current cholera outbreak, which commenced on February 12, 2023, has exhibited an unpredictable spatial spread, affecting areas previously considered non-hotspots. The recent surge in cases and fatalities across the country underscores the urgency of concerted action.

The essential case management and infection prevention and control (IPC) commodities provided include medicines, personal protective equipment (PPE), information, education, and communication (IEC) materials, and cleaning and disinfection supplies. This timely contribution will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the health of both healthcare workers and patients.

Dr. Mukuzunga, Provincial Medical Director of Manicaland Province, expressed deep appreciation for WHO's generous support. "The donation of these essential supplies, including intravenous fluids and IPC measures, will significantly enhance the safety of our healthcare workers and patients, enabling us to effectively manage the cholera outbreak in our province," he stated.

"WHO remains firmly committed to supporting Zimbabwe's efforts to eradicate cholera and achieve a cholera-free nation," Professor Dangou affirmed. "This donation marks a crucial step in our ongoing collaboration with the MoHCC and the Government of Zimbabwe to address this public health challenge. We will continue to provide unwavering support until every Zimbabwean is safe from the threat of cholera."

The handover of cholera equipment to Manicaland Province aligns with WHO's comprehensive approach to combating cholera, which encompasses providing essential commodities, strengthening surveillance systems, and fostering community engagement in prevention and response efforts.

In response to the ongoing cholera WHO has provided technical, material and financial support, to the Ministry of Health Zimbabwe. WHO contributed to  building capacity of health workers, strengthening coordination, surveillance, diagnostics case management, infection prevention and control and risk communication with community engagement as part of response to the outbreak.