Southern Africa floods: Health concerns as flooding continues to inundate communities

Source: World Vision
Date: 10 Jan 2008

Flooding across southern Africa continues to pose serious health threats to many communities, with a rising incidence of waterborne illnesses.

According to a World Vision Zimbabwe assessment team, more cases of acute respiratory infections, bilharzia, diarrhea, skin conditions, malaria and dysentery are being recorded. There are fears that cholera could also present. Children and the elderly are most vulnerable to the illnesses.

World Vision Zimbabwe has provided anti-malaria drugs, anti-diarrhoea, oral dehydration salts, painkillers and antibiotics. Drugs to treat bilharzia, nalidixic acid, paracetamol, chloroquine, mosquito nets, blankets, oral rehydration kits, cholera kits, aqua tablets and intravenous fluids are needed.

In Muzarabani and Chipinge, water points are contaminated and there is an urgent need for borehole and well repairs.

More than 50,000 people have been affected in World Vision programmes in Zimbabwe, including more than 5,000 children. Affected children include orphans and those heading households.

World Vision is responding with provisions of clothing and medical supplies. Radios have also been installed to enhance communication services.

Assessments are continuing, and the need for health and sanitation supplies, food, shelter and blankets has been cited.

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