Bulawayo Battles Diarrhoea: City Rolls Out Key Hygiene Measures

In the wake of a concerning diarrhoea that has gripped the city of Bulawayo, local health authorities are spearheading a comprehensive campaign to combat the spread of the disease and safeguard the well-being of the community.

The outbreak, which has seen 13 confirmed cases and one suspected cholera death, has primarily affected the city’s Northern Suburbs. To make matters worse, Bulawayo has been grappling with a water shedding schedule that has been in place for over a year, further exacerbating the public health crisis.

During a media engagement held yesterday at the Bulawayo City Tower Block, Dr. NP Sithole-Sibanda, a prominent health official, outlined a series of key messages and interventions aimed at tackling the outbreak.

“The importance of washing hands with soap and running water cannot be overstated,” Dr. Sithole-Sibanda emphasised. “It is a simple yet highly effective way to prevent the transmission of diarrhoeal diseases. We are working tirelessly to ensure that this message reaches every household in the affected areas.”

In addition to emphasising the importance of handwashing, the city is also placing a strong emphasis on the proper cleaning and storage of utensils. “Keeping utensils clean and stored in clean places is crucial,” the doctor explained. “This helps to eliminate the potential for cross-contamination and the spread of harmful pathogens.”

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The city is also taking measures to address the water shedding schedule, which has been a significant contributing factor to the outbreak. “We are actively encouraging the community to keep water in clean and covered containers, and to ensure hygienic dispensing of water from the storage containers,” Dr. Sithole-Sibanda said. “Discouraging the use of unsafe alternative water sources is also a key priority.”

Recognizing the importance of proper food preparation, the city is also emphasising the need to thoroughly boil water and heat food before consumption. “Consuming contaminated water or undercooked food can have devastating consequences, particularly for young children and vulnerable populations,” the doctor warned.

To further strengthen its response, the city has also announced that diarrhoea treatment fees will be waived for all Bulawayo City Health facilities that are operating in outbreak mode. “This is a crucial step in ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial status, can access the necessary medical care,” Dr. Sithole-Sibanda said.

In addition to these measures, the city is also promoting exclusive breastfeeding and advising the community to seek treatment early in the event of diarrhoeal symptoms. The preparation and administration of salt and sugar solution, a well-established oral rehydration therapy, is also being highlighted as a key intervention.

“We are committed to working closely with the community to overcome this outbreak,” Dr. Sithole-Sibanda declared. “By working together and adhering to these important hygiene and sanitation practices, we can protect the health and well-being of all Bulawayo residents and emerge as a leading, smart, and transformative city by the year 2024.”

Residents are urged to heed the health authorities’ guidance and play their part in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all.