In a significant stride towards bolstering Zimbabwe's resilience against cholera, the Russian Federation donated a substantial consignment of cholera commodities to the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC). Valued at a generous US$44,000 in funding from Russia, these vital supplies were delivered to Zimbabwe using World Health Organization systems and include oral rehydration salts, renewable supplies, cholera beds, water purification tablets, sanitation kits, antibiotics, for various healthcare levels. WHO contributed $21,010 towards transportation and customs clearance of the commodities into the country.

This donation will play a crucial role in supporting Zimbabwe’s efforts to enhance its health infrastructure and maintain a robust response capability, ensuring that the country is well-equipped to handle any future health challenges with resilience and effectiveness.

During the handover, the WHO Representative to Zimbabwe Dr Desta Tiruneh emphasized the importance of the donation despite the outbreak’s official end. "Although the outbreak is over, we remain vulnerable to cholera transmission. We still need to address underlying factors such as access to safe water, sanitation facilities, and improved hygiene. These require deliberate and targeted investment, particularly prioritizing high-risk communities."

He also highlighted the need to address socio-economic factors contributing to cholera’s spread.

Russian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Mr. Nikolai Krasilnikov added, "We commend Zimbabwe's efforts in combating the recent cholera outbreak. These treatment kits will enhance your response capabilities. We trust WHO's leadership in global healthcare and their role in supporting sustainable development worldwide."

Receiving the donation, the Minister of Health and Child Care, Douglas Mombeshora underscored the importance of the donation, highlighting that the supplies will be critical in Zimbabwe’s outbreak recovery efforts as well as preparedness in the event of another outbreak. He reaffirmed the Government of Zimbabwe’s commitment to strengthening health infrastructure.

"The Government of Zimbabwe is dedicated to improving our health infrastructure and ensuring prompt and effective responses to cholera outbreaks. This donation reinforces our efforts to manage and control cholera more effectively."

Financial support from the Russian Federation has significantly bolstered WHO emergency medical logistics system. This collaboration has facilitated the establishment of stockpiles of medical supplies at UN humanitarian warehouses, ensuring rapid and efficient delivery to countries facing emergencies and crises. By utilizing the nearest humanitarian warehouse to the recipient country, aid is delivered swiftly, and transportation costs are optimized.