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Nyore Madzianike Manicaland Bureau
VILLAGERS in Rusitu have welcomed the cholera vaccination programme that is being carried out in areas that were affected by Cyclone Idai, as the number of people crossing into the country from Mozambique has increased.

There have been no reports of cholera outbreaks in the country since the cyclone struck last month, although cases have been recorded in Mozambique.

Government, with support from Unicef is rolling out a week-long vaccination programme which is targeting about 500 000 people.

Manicaland provincial medical director Dr Patron Mafaune said no cholera cases had been recorded so far in the Cyclone Idai-hit areas.

She said the programme will last for a week.

On Tuesday, the medical team from the Ministry of Health and Child Care, reached Kopa with many people queuing to take the drug.

Mrs Muchaneta Muchazoreka of Ngorima Village said the vaccination was long overdue as the outbreak of the disease was imminent.

“We have genuine fears that the disease (cholera) will attack people here in Rusitu, especially in Kopa,” she said.

“This is the area where most people are converging doing their routine business.

“Some people have since resorted to crossing the border into Mozambique where they are buying things for resale here and in other areas. Our fear was that once they cross into Mozambique where cholera was reported, they will also spread it to us here.”

Getrude Hlabiso thanked the Government and other development partners for undertaking health measures that safeguard people affected by cyclone.

She said more should be done to ensure that some of the areas which are still inaccessible receive such medical care.

“There are some areas which could be hit by malaria or other diseases, but information is yet to reach authorities because of inaccessibility,” she said.

“If possible the Government should air spray such areas. We are lucky that Kopa is now accessible and doctors came with cholera drugs, but they should also think of others who cannot make it to this place.”

Mr Mwareka Mupesiweni welcomed the vaccination programme hoping more resources would be channelled towards primary health care in their area.

“This mobile vaccination programme will go a long way in addressing health concerns,” he said.

“We would like to appeal to the Government to channel more resources towards health care.

“Although the coming in of these medical team is commended, I am of the view that what they brought here today might not be enough because of the response from the villagers.”