Zimbabwe WASH Cluster - Evaluation of the WASH Response to the 2008-2009 Zimbabwe Cholera Epidemic and Preparedness Planning for Future Outbreaks

As from August 2008 to May 2009 Zimbabwe experienced the worst cholera epidemic described as the worst in Africa with a cumulative cholera case load of 98,592 by July 2009. The number of cumulative deaths was 4,288, with 2,631 community deaths in mid-July. The cumulative Case Fatality Rate (CFR) remained high at 4.3%. The cholera epidemic affected 57 of the 62 districts and it came against a backdrop of broken down and anachronistic water and sanitation infrastructure characterized by burst sewer systems and water pipes, often resulting in sewerage contaminating water before it reaches household level. The challenge of limited safe water and frequent water cuts forced people to resort to unsafe sources including shallow wells, ponds and dams among others.

This report details lessons learned from the evaluation.