Published by the government of Zimbabwe
30 December 2008
Harare — MORE aid to help curb the cholera outbreak continued pouring into Zimbabwe yesterday with two countries and a cellular service provider unveiling financial and material assistance.
Econet Wireless and the Republic of Korea yesterday pledged US$1,5 million apiece while the Republic of Botswana donated 3,7 tonnes of water purification chemicals.
The United Nations, through the Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs, yesterday said the cumulative cholera death toll since August stood at 1 564 while 29 131 suspected cases had been reported in the country's 10 provinces since the disease surfaced four months ago.
According to OCHA's latest cholera update, Chegutu remains the highest affected district, recording 139 deaths and 1 831 cases as of Saturday.
The UN says three districts, namely Harare -- which recorded 131 new cases on Sunday -- Masvingo (50 cases) and Chegutu, needed to be given priority in order to contain the outbreak.
The World Health Organisation, whose team is on the ground, has, however, said the epidemic was on the decline.
Econet Wireless Group and the Republic of Korea have pledged at least US$1,5 million each to fight the outbreak.
Econet Wireless founder Mr Strive Masiyiwa said the funds pledged by his company were sourced from various companies outside the country.
He said he had also directed Econet Wireless in Zimbabwe to continue assisting in the fight against the epidemic.
"We have been working on cholera for a few months now. We are working at all levels of this battle. We have a full-time task force inside the company co-ordinating our own programme, complementing Government efforts, and supporting churches and organisations working to fight cholera," Econet spokesperson Mr Ranga Mberi said.
He said Econet was fostering relationships with other companies to co-ordinate the fight against the outbreak.
The other US$1,5 million from the Republic of Korea, which is in the form of medical equipment and materials, is earmarked for United Bulawayo Hospitals and Mpilo Central Hospital.
Korean Ambassador Mr Oh Jae-Hack said he hoped the assistance would help rebuild the capacity of the central hospitals to provide better medical services.
"It is the sincere wish of the government and people of the Republic of Korea that Korea's modest contribution will go a long way towards helping Zimbabwean people overcome the current cholera outbreak and eventually revive the health sector, which was once known as one of the best in the region," he said.
Apart from the US$1,5 million donation from the Korean government, Korean students from the Kei-Myung University also donated US$7 500.
Botswana chipped in with 3,7 tonnes of water purification chemicals in response to an appeal by Sadc for humanitarian assistance to help curb cholera.
The chemicals were handed over to the Minister of State for Policy Implementation, Cde Webster Shamu, by Botswana Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Pelokgale Seloma in Harare yesterday.
"In response to the appeal made by the international community, which is the regional body in Southern Africa known as Sadc, the government of Botswana decided to donate 3,7 tonnes of water treatment chemicals. By this donation, the people of Botswana wanted to embrace their neighbours by extending a humble hand," Mr Seloma said.
Cde Shamu said Government accepted the donation with a strong conviction and realisation that Botswana shares the spirit of support and solidarity with Zimbabwe that Sadc has called for in its appeal for humanitarian assistance to fight the cholera epidemic in the country.
"Our country applauds this gesture by your country and people, which is clear testimony of the immense contribution that a sisterly country can make towards its neighbour during such a critical moment," he said.
Botswana joins other countries in the region, notably Namibia, South Africa and Tanzania, that have over the past few weeks responded to Zimbabwe's appeal for help.
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From The Herald - the Republic of Botswana donated 3,7 tonnes of water purification chemicals. Not the bandit claims you were alleging. Is this not a clear donation?
Then why are there 1600+ body bags.....Seems the Zimbabwe gov't can't manage a weenie roast.
wondering if Bob took the time to visit cholera victims - NEVER - but jets off to Malaysia
Whaw! I thought Botswana was about to invade Zimbabwe, with the aid of Western Countries! I'm even shocked that the Zimbabwean gov't acceptable foreign aid from Botswana. I'm sure Robert Mugabe is hiding his face in the sand and handkerchief with shame. So much about the rheotoric from Zimbabwe about Botswana. Smart move by Botswana to give Zimbabweans some aid against cholera. Maybe now Mugabe with his own foreign US dollars will also ask the Swiss bank to unfrozen his asserts to donate to Zimbabwe. Or Mugabe could consider stepping down!
Good post Sir: The probability of Mugabe doing the right thing for the Zim people and J'Law keeping his mouth shut is equal....nil
I have to wonder how much Comrade Mugabe has or will steal for himself, Grace and ZANU=pf. 1600 body bags and counting.