Zimbabwe: 16,000+ Sick

The United Nations says the death toll in the cholera epidemic in Zimbabwe has topped 775 deaths.

More than 16,000 people are sick.

Cholera is spreading quickly in Zimbabwe.  The country has very little clean drinking water and a declining healthcare system. 

Pregnant women are particularly hard hit by the outbreak.  The aid organization, Save the Children, reports they are high risk of death during this growing epidemic.  Other than the obvious risk from disease, obstetric services are all but gone in the country at the moment, especially in Harare.  That means no caesarean sections.  No emergency care for pre-term labor.  This is a terrifying thought, I am sure, to the thousands of expecting mothers and fathers in Zimbabwe. 

To read more about the risk to pregnant women in Zimbabwe, click here.

The numbers of those dead or dying continues to spiral, even though Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe says the country's cholera outbreak is under control.  Many are beginning to call for him to step down due to the crisis.  But, of course, Mugabe is dismissing all of this.

I've had a mild to medium case of cholera. I can tell you it is a horrible disease, but it IS treatable.  (You can read about my experience here.)  There are also several simple things that can be done to prevent the disease from spreading any farther. 

For Mugabe to ignore the epidemic, it seems to be a simple case of pride.  It also seems he has a blatent disregard for his countrymen.  But hasn't that always been the case?  He's been ignoring the hyperinflation (and I do mean HYPER-inflation) and a growing list of problems for years now.  But with most of the world ready, willing and able to help stop this epidemic, Mugabe's indifference seems absurd.

Are you from Zimbabwe?  Do you have ideas to help stop the cholera epidemic?  What should be done with President Mugabe?  I'd love to hear your thoughts.  Drop me an e-mail.