Zimbabwe Launches ‘Crowdfund’ Campaign To Combat Cholera Outbreak

Mthuli Ncube, Ph.D., the Zimbabwe Minister of Finance and Economic Development, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds to fight the ongoing cholera outbreak, which has claimed 26 lives in two weeks. 

These funds could be used to purchase cholera vaccines, fund additional emergency staff and enhance water-related infrastructures.

Writing in a Twitter post, Professor Ncube @MthuliNcube said:

‘Together with my colleagues at Min of Health, we have set up an auditable emergency crowdfund to further efforts to fight cholera to date. Together we can win! Min Of Finance Cholera Crowd Fund: EcoCash Biller Code 140286; CBZ Treasury, ACC 21537300017, Selous REF: FIGHT CHOLERA

According to the Herald, Econet Wireless has committed $7 million towards containing a dual outbreak of cholera and typhoid following the declaration of a Zimbabwe emergency declaration on September 10, 2018. Additionally, the President’s Fund also released $100,000.

Separately, according to the BBC, the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) has launched a $250,000 appeal to assist the Government in its efforts to fight this cholera outbreak.

Speaking after receiving the donations in Harare, Zimbabwe on September 13, 2018, Health and Child Care Minister Dr. Obadiah Moyo said to the Herald, ‘He was impressed by the response of different stakeholders and donors to the crisis.’

Dr. Moyo said “Since the declaration of the outbreak as a disaster, we have been receiving assistance from different organizations and corporates. These include local and foreign companies. I am thrilled by the assistance that continues to come through.”

Dr. Moyo urged stakeholders to continue assisting Zimbabwe Government in its quest for a long-term solution to end water and sanitation-related diseases, like cholera and typhoid.

During 2008–2009, a Zimbabwe cholera epidemic resulted in 98,585 reported cases and caused more than 4,000 deaths. 

In Zimbabwe, the areas of active transmission include the provinces of Harare and Mashonaland West.

Certain factors may increase the risk of people getting cholera or having severe disease. Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also prevent cholera.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission receive a vaccination.

Most travel vaccination pharmacies in the USA offer cholera vaccination services.

** Schedule travel vaccine appointment **

Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of vaccines to the FDA or CDC.