Photo via gainusa.org

Cholera reappears in Zimbabwe; ministry works to head it off

Cholera has reappeared in Zimbabwe, raising the spectre of another deadly epidemic, reports MNN.

Between late 2008 through the midway point of this year, more than 4,200 people died from the disease. The World Health Organization said reported cases totaled some 98,000.

This time, the rough passage of 2008 may have taught life-saving lessons. Even though the disease has reappeared, the numbers are far less than they were at this same time last year.

Coupled with the collapse of Zimbabwe's economy, the operation of public hospitals and clinics deteriorated, resulting in an increasing number of deaths from preventable diseases.

Global Aid Network responded by shipping a mobile medical clinic in August. It took months to arrive, but it has already been christened in outreach.

A team is heading to Gokwe, Dinga, Mudzi and Muzarabani and the surrounding rural areas next month. Charles Debter with Global Aid Network says, "There is very little medical care available at all there. It's an area in which Life Ministries Zimbabwe, our local partner, has not had opportunities to reach out with the Gospel."

The clinic will offer medical services including treatment of cholera, malaria, vaccinations, basic health care and medical supplies. Their team is also involved in clean water projects to stem the spread of water-borne illnesses. On top of all that, Debter says they're showing The JESUS Film.

The work they do is at the heart of the vision of Global Aid Network. Debter explains, "It's a wish and a desire to reach out with the compassion of Christ in areas that have been hard hit by this type of disease, as well as to have a place that would be almost like a magnet, where people come for the need of physical care, and where they can also hear the good news of Christ."

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TAGS: Zimbabwe cholera deadly epidemic World Health Organization Global Aid Network mobile medical clinic

[12/28/2009]

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