Harare, Zimbabwe — The country is bracing for a potential surge in waterborne diseases, particularly cholera and malaria, due to La Niña-induced heavy rainfall and flooding.
The meteorological department’s early warning signals, combined with historical data and persistent weaknesses in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) systems, have prompted a high alert for outbreaks expected between February and March 2026.
In response to this threat, the Start Fund issued an anticipatory alert on January 25, 2026.
The alert was supported by four member agency partnerships, including Oxfam, Tearfund, HelpAge, and Catholic Relief Services, which were awarded funds to address the anticipated outbreak.
The Zimbabwean government has allocated US$4. 5 million to strengthen public health infrastructure and ensure a rapid response to any potential outbreaks. By mid-April 2026, the country had recorded over 65,000 malaria cases and 174 deaths, marking a significant increase in infections and deaths compared to the previous year.
The government has initiated a nationwide research initiative to investigate the factors behind the sharp increase in malaria cases in certain regions.
The country’s health system, already strained, faces additional challenges due to the recent economic downturn, which has limited resources.
As the rainy season continues, the situation is expected to worsen unless effective interventions are implemented.
The drafting of a new National Health Strategy is underway, aiming to improve sanitation, water quality, and access to healthcare services, thereby addressing the root causes of the disease outbreaks.
The international community is encouraged to stand in solidarity with Zimbabwe and support its efforts to combat the devastating effects of disease outbreaks.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: Start Network
