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IOM in cholera fight
The Herald
January 08, 2009

The International Office for Migration has launched cholera awareness campaigns in three major cities to thwart the spread of the epidemic.

The IOM campaign coincides with the launch of Government's nationwide campaign to arrest further spread of cholera.

Government on Monday launched the national education awareness programme while spelling out modalities for the distribution of drugs, equipment and funds received from various countries and donor agencies.

In a statement on Tuesday, IOM said the campaigns were currently underway in Harare, Bulawayo and Mutare in partnership with the city councils.

"Campaign activities have included the distribution of information, education and communication materials on cholera and hygiene promotion, drama presentations and distribution of aqua tablets," the organisation said.

The World Health Organisation yesterday said cholera had so far claimed 1 732 lives since August last year, and that 59 deaths and 731 new cases had been reported as of January 5 this year.

IOM said about 150 490 aqua tablets and 66 241 IEC cholera materials had been distributed since the launch of the campaign.

IOM is providing support to more than 22 cholera treatment centres and 16 border points in co-operation with the United Nations, NGOs and the Government of Zimbabwe. — Herald Reporter.

"A second cholera awareness and prevention programme has also been started at the Beitbridge Reception and Support Centre close to the border with South Africa, in co-operation with the Swedish company Tetra Pak (South Africa.)"

Tetra Pak have donated 70 000 litres of water to be distributed at the BRSC as part of the prevention campaign.

IOM is providing support to more than 22 cholera treatment centres and 16 border points in co-operation with the United Nations, NGOs and the Government of Zimbabwe.

The IOM has so far received funding to combat the cholera outbreak from the Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency (US$620 000), the Australian Government Overseas Aid Programme (US$ 129 702). The international NGO AmeriCares and Tetra Pak have made donations in kind.

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