Kristen Giambusso
Introduction
Cholera is an easily preventable and treatable disease. Its proximal causes are a contaminated water supply and substandard levels of sanitation. Its more distal cause is the collapse of infrastructure, often times the result of a natural disaster. In Zimbabwe, the disaster is man-made, and the 2008-2009 cholera epidemic can be inextricably linked to the autocratic and corrupt political economy created by President Robert Mugabe and his regime’s dictatorship. This paper will give a brief background on cholera and Zimbabwe’s recent political history that contributed to its latest epidemic. I will focus on the importance of a solid healthcare system in combating a cholera epidemic and will provide an example of another country’s healthcare improvement measures that allowed for a successful response. Lastly, I will explain why such a response was unachievable in Zimbabwe, and discuss what is necessary to prevent a similar tragedy from happening again.
Cholera
Caused by the vibrio cholerae bacterium, cholera flourishes in watery environments containing the right conditions to allow it to subsist comfortably (1). Once the bacteria enter the water supply via human fecal matter, it can affect all those who ingest water from those supplies from drinking, food preparation, or bathing.
During infection, the body is rapidly drained of water by means of vomiting and diarrhea and becomes severely dehydrated. Treatment is as simple as oral rehydration therapy (ORT), a mix of water, salt and sugar. Without access to clean water for the ORT, death can occur within 24 hours. For severe cases, intravenous fluids can save a life, and a well-functioning health system is needed to effectively deliver this treatment (2).
Recent Political History of Zimbabwe: The Effects on the Water Supply and Healthcare
In the early 1990s, despite what looked like an era of progress for Zimbabwe, President Robert Mugabe lost control of various aspects of the economy, initiating hyperinflation and a quick economic decline. Putting off pressure from international financial institutions, Mugabe continued to drive the country further into economic distress, using resources meant for infrastructure maintenance and improvement to increase his cabinet (3), thwart off opposition, and advance toward dictatorship.
{ 0 comments… add one now }