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Deteriorating healthcare standards in Zimbabwe worrying
Zimbabwe Medical Aid Association
November 20, 2008

The Zimbabwe Medical Aid Association is gravely concerned about the deterioration of the standards of healthcare in Zimbabwe. Despite a nominal increase in the budget, over the years we have witnessed a serious decline in per capita expenditure on health in real terms. This has been compounded by a serious brain drain at all levels of health professionals that is still continuing. Shortage of critical equipment, basic and essential drugs, consumables and sundries have become the order of the day at most public institutions. A number of institutions have become dysfunctional with some as good as closed. Our health delivery system, previously the envy of many developing countries is now tinkering on the verge of virtual collapse. The training of health workers has also been severely compromised.

The cholera outbreak and attendant fatalities reported from the capital city and other centers around the country are symptomatic of poor basic water and sanitation facilities and a failing health delivery system. We believe that the outbreak and hence the fatalities were foreseeable and thus avoidable.

We are aware that our country is going through a very difficulty patch but as ZiMA, we believe that health should be given an even greater priority by the government and responsible authorities. A bigger chunk of the scarce resources should be channeled towards the provision of quality health promotion and care services. Motivation and retention of the remaining health workers should be given top priority. Government should declare the cholera outbreak a national disaster so as to galvanize all the resources necessary to get the outbreak under control. We urge ZINWA to ensure the speedy restoration of efficient sewer management system and provision of adequate and safe drinking water in urban centers. We urge the public to remain vigilant and exercise the highest standards of hygiene at all times and particularly in the face of the cholera outbreak.

• Cholera causes painless, severe, watery diarrhoea that is white in colour (like the colour of water from cooking rice) without blood
• Always wash your hands with soaps after using the toilet or following contact with suspected cases of cholera
• Cook food thoroughly and eat it while it is hot.
• Store water in clean containers and keep them covered at all the time.
• Boil all drinking water if you are not sure its clean.
• If you think you have cholera, start taking the oral rehydration solution and seek immediate attention (even at 2am) at the nearest health centre

As ZiMA we remain committed to playing our part in the common goal of building a healthier Zimbabwe for all.

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