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Cholera struck Zimbabwe asks neighbours for body bags

by Miriam Mannak | November 27, 2008 at 08:45 am

265 views | 59 Recommendations | 9 comments

Zimbabwe is in desperate need of many things. Food, economic stability, and a full stop to the political madness, among other many things. And now it needs body bags. And lots of them.

According to an article published in The Pretoria News, Zimbabwe has appealed to its neighbours to help out with body bags and other urgent medical supplies now that hundreds of people have died as a result of the deadly cholera outbreak.

The official death toll is estimated to be 294, with more than 6 000 people believed to be receiving treatment in all nine provinces.

Unfortunately, the heath care system in Zimbabwe functions just as well as the country's economy and the government.

Over the past weeks, the outbreak has reached outside Zimbabwe's borders, with three deaths in South Africa's Limpopo province so far. Hundreds are believed to receive treatment in th border town of Musina, which has served as safe haven for Zimbabwean refugees escaping political oppression and the economic meltdown.

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Paschen

at 08:48 on November 27th, 2008

That is tragic and can only mean that it is worth, much worth then previously reported.

Miriam Mannak

at 08:52 on November 27th, 2008

I spoke to someone from UNICEF today, and they said (off the record) that the figure of 6000 is an underestimation and that then number of infections will grow ... Its very sad. The last things Zimbabweans need is an outbreak of such a terrible disease ... One would think that they have and have had enough on their plates ..

Paschen

at 08:56 on November 27th, 2008

Then it should almost be called a genocide and Mugabe should be triad for Genocide as well.

Miriam Mannak

at 09:19 on November 27th, 2008

The term genocide is tricky. It must be proven that an individual / group of a certain ethnic / racial background deliberately wants to exterminate a group of people from another racial / ethnic background. And I am pretty sure that what Mugabe does, does not fall under this terminology. Although, he can be prosecuted for what he did in Matabeleland, back in the days ... That was ethnic cleansing ...

I nevertheless think that Mugabe should be tried for crimes against humanity. His forces and so called 'veterans' have caused so much harm. So many women have fort instance been raped. And since rape (Thanks to the hard work of the Rwanda tribunal) is officially a crime against humanity ...

Paschen

at 09:25 on November 27th, 2008

A state leader can be persecuted under international law for neglect and failing his people causing a human Genocide. And yes it is rather tricky to apply and implement.

Amy Judd

at 10:01 on November 27th, 2008

Thanks for reporting on this story that is so largely ignored by the rest of the media

gerrypopplestone

at 22:52 on November 27th, 2008

This is so sad! I fear for the opposition too, now that Mugabe has shown he will not give up! And it will clearly get much much worse.

AlvarezGalloso

at 05:57 on November 28th, 2008

I would like to thank you Miriam for covering the ZImbabwe Story during my Thanksgiving Vacation. What is happening is genocide and should be exposed as such. Thanks for your article.